A feeling of old world charm and tranquility is immediately felt on stepping into the compound of the Sarawak Islamic Museum, for this building was originally the Maderasah Melayu Sarawak, an Islamic religious school built in 1930. Subsequently it was used as government office until its conversion into this museum in 1992.

The layout of the building is a series of galleries connected by covered walkway surrounding two peaceful courtyard gardens. There exhibits are arranged according to seven categories as follows:-

First Gallery: History of Islam in Sarawak
Second Gallery: Islamic architecture
Third Gallery: Science, Technology, Economic, Education and Literature
Fourth Gallery: Music, Costume and Personal Ornaments
Fifth Gallery: Weaponry
Sixth Gallery: Decorative Arts and Domestic utensils
Seventh Gallery: The Holy Quran collection

History buffs will love this place for the exhibits are genuine period artifacts, for example the superb collection of hand written Qurans over a hundred years old. Another interesting section is the weaponry display, where swords, axes, spears, armour, guns, krises and many others are displayed.

 There is a collection of hand-copied Holy Qurans on display, they must have been over a hundred years old.

An exhibit worth mentioning is a replica of the sword used by Prophet Mohammad, a superb awe-inspiring sword with a dual-tipped end.

There are also many displays of old ceramic porcelain, household utensils, furnitures, many with beautiful quranic inscriptions, showing the pervasive power of religion over the everyday life of the people long time ago. Visiting museum is a discovery of knowledge if one goes with an open mind, and this house of antiquities is certainly worth a visit to enrich one’s mind.

Quick facts:-

 

Location: Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuching.

Opening hours: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (Mon - Sun)

Closed on !st day of public holiday

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