Islamic Artifacts Exhibition Hopes to Raise Awareness about the Religion
Among the books written by Yusuf Liu Baojun, who was born a Muslim and is now in his 50s, are 'A Glance of Chinese Muslims', 'Oversea Chinese Muslims', Malay Descendent Communities in China', and 'Perkembangan Masyarakat Cina Muslim di Dunia'.
Yusuf, who travelled to Malaysia to enhance his knowledge of Islam, had served
as a lecturer in Islamic Civilisation at the International Islamic University,
Malaysia and Universiti Malaya (UM).
"My goal is to improve people's knowledge, especially the Chinese
community's, of the history of Islam in China, because many do not know about
it. In a way, it will open up the opportunity for people to learn more about
Islam," he said.
In addition to the books, Yusuf has a collection of artifacts, such as ceramics
that are over 800 years old and engraved with verses from the Quran, and Arabic calligraphy works.
Yusuf has been in the antique business for over six years,
focusing on collecting artefacts and works of calligraphy from China relating
to Islam, to be sold to people worldwide.
According to him, some of the artifacts were initially exhibited in a museum in
Taiwan, and he bought them for his personal collection while some were given to
him.
Currently, Yusuf has teamed up with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in holding
an exhibition on Chinese-Muslim culture at Tuanku Fauziah Museum and Art
Gallery from Aug 11 to Sept 11.
Among the data-x-items on display are ceramics, calligraphy, history books and maps.
"The calligraphy works
exhibited here are unlike what are commonly seen, especially those produced by
calligraphers from the Middle East. This is because the writing techniques,
brushes and materials used are different," he
said.
A map showing the Muslim population in each district in China is also
displayed.
"I hope that with exhibitions like this, the public will be able to better
understand Islam and the history of the religion," he said.
Source: Bernama
