Islam was introduced to Southeast Asia in the 13th century by traders arriving from Arabia, China and the Indian subcontinent. For the next three centuries, Islam rapidly spread amongst the rulers and local communities and replaced Buddhism and Hinduism as the major religion in the Malay Archipelago. Artefacts that mark this early arrival in Malaysia include a 15th-century tomb, grave markers widely found across Peninsular known locally as ‘Batu Aceh, and three inscribed pillars in Pengkalan Kempas, Negeri Sembilan.
Interestingly, whilst Islam was firmly established in the region by then, a unique feature of this dominant spiritual transition was that the religion merged and evolved with local cultures and co-existed with ancient traditions. This is evident through Islam’s integral presence in Malay culture; clearly delineated through the country’s vast cultural heritage. Cultural and religious icons such as mosques, important festivals and celebrations such as Ramadan and Aidilfitri are evidence of this. Morever, daily practices and rituals in the Malay way of life such as prayers and the usage of Arabic words in the local vocabulary resonate this lasting presence.
This Islamic heritage also permeates itself into customs, values, arts and customs in Malaysia. These expressions of Islamic identity are still cherished and considered important to the Malaysian Muslim society. Although these ordinary scenes and elements are widely embraced in the country, interest towards them must be sustained especially to the younger generation. This is vital to showcase how the domestic context of Islam interacts with the larger Islamic context, especially through tangible artistic expressions.
To facilitate the awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of Islamic arts in Malaysia, several museums serve this purpose such as the Islamic Arts Garden Complex, Islamic Heritage Museum and Malay and Islamic World Museum amongst others. Most notably, the Islamic Arts Museum located amid the lush setting of Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens has been a favourite for both local and foreign visitors over the years. Founded in 1998 by the Albukhary Foundation, the building is the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia (it occupies 30,000 square meters) and houses more than 10,000 artefacts from China, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East and Iran in its 12 galleries. It is also home to an impressive library of Islamic art books.
From intricate jewelleries to large scale models of Islamic structures, the museum’s exceptional collection reflects Albukhary Foundation’s commitment to preserve Islamic art that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Visitors will experience an intimately curated journey of Islamic art heritage that spans wide geographical areas and embody rich historic origins. Emphasis is also placed on Islamic art in India, China and the Malay world which are place an exclusive category.
This representation and interpretation of Islam also echo an essential Albukhary Foundation value: to impress and influence visitors through Islamic arts that convey the universal spirit of the religion. Similar to the early years of Islam’s foundation in Malaysia and the rest of Southeast Asia, this is an embodiment of how the original identity of Malaysians didn’t change with the arrival of this religion, and instead, is enriched by it.
By: Daria Skye