This past summer I had the opportunity to visit the Aga Khan Museum (AKM) in Toronto, Canada. This was a special treat for me as much of my art programming for 2015 was created around the mission statement of the Aga Khan Museum.
The AKM opened in September of 2014 with the intention “to offer unique insights and new perspectives into Islamic civilizations” and show how various cultures and civilizations have come together in the past, connecting us together. The museum is also a centre of learning and will hopefully serve as a strong “catalyst for mutual understanding and tolerance”.
I believe we all have a responsibility to serve as a “catalyst for mutual understanding and tolerance”. In simple steps as getting to know the diversity that exists within your community is a great place to start. The moment we begin to assume that diversity is not necessary, natural or relevant, we begin to accept generalizations and assumptions into the mainstream.
The permanent collection of the AKM is incredible with artifacts dating back to the 8th century, and are from an expansive region that spans from Spain to Southeast Asia. Pieces range from “manuscripts, drawings, paintings, decorated ceramics, metalwork, and architectural ornamentation. The works provide an insight into the history of Muslim civilizations and visitors from all over the globe, have been inspired by the arts of Muslim civilizations.
When you view the facility itself the messaging is quite powerful. The building is impressive, modern with clean lines. Once in the facility you will see a courtyard in the middle of the space and the museum is built around it. There is no exiting the building from the courtyard, even though you are technically outside with the sky above you. This design was intentional with a spiritual significance. Fumihiko Maki, a world renowned architect born in Tokyo Japan, did an exceptional job with this building. In many ways it draws you out of your environment, and brings you to a space of enlightenment and learning.
As I moved through the exhibition I was at times emotional. For the first time I felt connected to my University education. I studied Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, focusing on the history and politics of India and surrounding countries, as well as world religions. It was incredible for me to see the artifacts, evidence of the past. Being so close to the artifacts brings the rich history of India and Islam to life.
I was impressed by the pages of the Quran on display, the different scripts, styles of embellishments, the quality of paper, skins, materials used to record the words of the sacred teachings. I am not able to read the script, but they looked as though they were made with love and respect.
Just across from the pages of the Quran, you see a map displayed on the wall with little lights to show where Muslims have settled across the globe. For many centuries Muslims have lived in relative piece all over the globe and they not only settled into their new environments, but continue to contribute to the betterment of the communities they live in, and have also adopted the values and the lifestyle of diverse cultural influences. This has added to the richness of the diversity that exists within the global Muslim community.
There is no single way to describe what a Muslim looks like. They look like me, and you as well. They share my Canadian values, and yours too.
What unites all Muslims, unites us all. We are a brotherhood and sisterhood that makes up humanity, a faith of peace and tolerance. Period.
Thank you for reading! Peace and good wishes, TSamji
Girl with Blog & Passport 