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It
is believed that Islam was first made known in this region by Muslim
traders and missionaries from Middle East, India and China. However,
the history of Islam in Sarawak is closely connected with the history
of the island of Borneo, especially with that of Brunei. It is clear
that the government policy strongly influenced the position of Islam
in Sarawak. The Sultanate of Brunei, played an important role in
islamizing the people of Sarawak. The teachings derived from the
Quran and the Syariah law shape the whole way of life of Muslims
which also inspire their architecture and infuse it with Islamic
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The main objective
in Islamic architecture is actually to evoke a sense of peace, harmony,
and humility. Initially, grandeur and ornament were not the aims.
It was only as a later development, arising from the contribution
of creative artists and builders, that a new dimension appeared,
spiritually created through geometric patterns, colours and calligraphic
design based on quotation from the Quran.
All such patterns
and graphic designs were directed to the evocation of feelings of
tranquility, and to the praise of Allah. The many works of Islamic
art that exist are testimony to the power of this tradition in the
field of architecture and also symbols of the complete submission
of the self to the will of Allah, the Almighty.
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Several
magnificent collections of Islamic arts are being displayed
at Sarawak Islamic Museum. Among others are the Door Leaves;
carved wooden doors inscribed with Quranic verses and painted
in gold and red. Panels like these were used for internal doors
in the houses of aristocratic Malays of the 15th and 16th centuries.
A screen carved with plant motifs and Arabic writing can also
be found in the gallery. They were commonly used in traditional
Malay houses. The screen with the height of 240 cm and 480 cm
length is carved in such a way to enable light into the room
and also allows good ventilation. |
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In
the golden age of Islamic civilization various weapons were devised
for the defence of the Muslim community, including swords, shields,
guns and others. The famous heroes of Islam are the Prophet Muhammad,
Saidina Ali, and Khalid Al Walid, were proficient in the use of these
weapons. A deep longing for beauty inspired the craftsmen of Islamic
times who made weapons, to combine the symbols of warfare with the
expression of beauty. They depicted the qualities of the holy struggle
and the glory of God, through the carving and patterning of every
weapon they made. The lovely decoration and carving of these weapons
make them unique and magnificent. Today, with Islam firmly established
in the hearts of the faithful, these weapons remain as objects for
display, reminders of the glory of the past. |
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Keris is one
of the most famous traditional weapons among the Malays. For example
the Bugis Keris found in Celebes in 17th century, is shaped in the
peninsular style. The hilt is made of ivory and there is a silver
pendongkok ring at the base of the hilt. The blade is straight with
a central ridge.
The sheath is
completely encased in carved silver: at the top, just below the
crosspiece, there is a depiction of a human head. The bottom of
the sheath has been broken off. At the back of the cross-piece,
on the right is the word “Allah” in Arabic letters.
Islamic arts
will never run away from Arabic Calligraphy with quotations from
the Quran or simply the word "Allah" and the Prophet “Muhammad” written in Arabic letters.
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