Rare Islamic artefacts are to go on display tomorrow (17 May) in a first for Huddersfield.
A special exhibition is being held in Lockwood at the Unity Centre on Victoria Road, showcasing some pieces of Islamic history. The installation travels to different venues and was a major success at Batley Town Hall last month where over 3,500 people were in attendance.
The Kiswa – a 29-foot-long cloth made of pure silk, embroidered with Quranic verses in 22-carat gold and silver thread – is among the artefacts to be exhibited. The Kiswa is used to cover the Kaaba – the sacred, stone structure at the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca – and is traditionally replaced every year during the Hajj pilgrimage on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah.
Also on display will be pieces from the tomb of Prophet Muhammad, relics from inside the Kaaba, the Kaaba’s original lock and key, and ceremonial tools used for its cleansing. Organisers say these items are so rare that even in Mecca and Medina they are not usually accessible to the public, with Operations Manager, Riyaz Maniar previously describing the event as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
Crosland Moor and Netherton ward cllr, Imran Safdar, who has helped to organise the exhibition’s stop in Huddersfield, said : “It was so delightful to work with my dear old family friend, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Sofia Buncy, and the hard working volunteer team at Masjid Ghausia to bring this unique exhibition to Huddersfield.
“I suggested bringing these items to Huddersfield but now they are finally on their way, I am feeling incredibly honoured.
“Not everyone can travel to Istanbul or indeed to Mecca or Medina to see such historical Islamic artefacts, so such an event coming to our town fills me and the Mosque volunteers with pride.
“I would like to thank the Kiswa team organisers for bringing this to Lockwood. We look forward to hosting people from all faiths and none to our Unity Hall in Lockwood.”
He added: “The engravings and the scripture on the cloths reiterate the message of peace.”
