Preserving the history of Islamic influence

THE Penang State Islamic Museum boasts an impressive collection of relics that reflect the rich Islamic culture and heritage. 

The setting up of the museum in the heart of the Malay enclave in inner-city Georgetown was aimed at preserving the history of Islamic influence in the cultural melting pot. 

Housed in the historic Syed Al-Attas Mansion in Armenian Street, the museum boasts artefacts such as hand-written copies of the Quran created 90 years ago, stone grinders and wooden chests inscribed with Quranic verses. 

Storyboards on the lives and times of prominent Malay and Muslim leaders are also here. One outstanding character was Abdullah Fahim, the grandfather of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.  

The syed Al- Attas Mansion that houses the Penang State Islamic Museum in Lebuh Armenian.

Museum assistant Rogi Ibeh said visitors would also have an insight into the origins of the Penang Malays. 

“Most of the Malays here are of Jawi Pekan, Indian Muslim, Arab, Malays, Aceh, Javanese, Mandailing, Banjar, Rawa and Bavean origins,” said the 28-year-old who hails from Sabah. 

Penang was also actively involved in publications such as Warta Negara, Al-Ikhwan, Bumiputra, Idaran Zaman and Warta Penang. 

Warta Negara was among the early Malay dailies in the country. 

Reading culture was also evident in those days, as Malays in Penang also read Al-Imam newspapers imported from Singapore. 

Background information on Muslim scholars such as Datuk Fathil Basheer and Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi is also available at the museum. 

“How the akad nikah ceremony is conducted is also highlighted here,” he said. 

The museum, set up last year, is within the Lebuh Aceh-Lebuh Armenian (LALA) redevelopment project to boost tourism. The museum is part of the Islamic heritage trail. 

The idea of setting up the museum was mooted at a Penang Bumiputra Participation Steering Committee Meeting chaired by Abdullah (who was then Deputy PM) to retrace and preserve the Islamic heritage in Penang. 

The Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia and the Museum and Antiquities Department were involved in restoring and refurbishing the mansion and procuring artefacts for the museum. 

It cost RM1.5mil to refurbish the historic building that once belonged to Acehnese spice trader Syed Mohamad Al-Attas. Built in the 1860s, the mansion was used as a recycling centre from the 1930s to 1960s. 

The museum also functions as a resource centre for students, researchers and the public who want to gather information on the history of Islam in Penang. 

“This museum is a treasure trove of history that reflects the rich Islamic heritage in Penang,” added Rogi. 

The museum opens daily from 9.30am to 6pm, except on Tuesdays. 

Admission fee is RM1 for children and RM3 for adults. For information, call 04-261 0172.