14 Dec 2020

Exhibition aims to demystify Islam for non-Muslim New Zealanders

11:52 am on 14 December 2020

A new exhibition showcasing Islam for non-Muslim New Zealanders has opened at the Canterbury Museum.

Covering of Maori exhibit after complaints

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The exhibition, which is called Mosque: Faith, Culture, Community is aimed to demystify Islam.

Museum director Anthony Wright says the exhibition highlights the role of the mosque as the centre of Islamic religious life and the place where people meet, exchange news, learn and celebrate.

Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi.

Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi. Photo: Supplied / Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai

He says the exhibition will also display rarely seen Islamic objects, including a decorated Qur'an produced in the Kashmir region, dating back to 1700.

A Qur’an stand on display as part of the exhibition.

A Qur’an stand on display as part of the exhibition. Photo: Supplied / Canterbury Museum

The headscarf worn by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at public events in the aftermath of the 2019 mosque attack will also be on display.