Rare Islamic relics go on display

Rare Islamic artefacts are to go on display in West Yorkshire, including pieces from the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.

The exhibition is being held on Saturday at Unity Centre Masjid Ghausia in Huddersfield and includes a a 29-foot (9m) long cloth made of pure silk, embroidered with Quranic verses in 22-carat gold and silver thread.

Organisers said the items were so rare that even in Mecca and Medina they were not usually accessible to the public.

Councillor Imran Safdar, who helped organise the touring exhibition's stop in Huddersfield, said he was "honoured" to bring the items to Huddersfield.

"Not everyone can travel to Istanbul, or indeed to Mecca or Medina, to see such historical Islamic artefacts, so such an event coming to our town fills me and the mosque volunteers with pride," he said.

"The engravings and the scripture on the cloths reiterate the message of peace."

The installation is travelling to different venues and was held at Batley Town Hall last month and at Bradford City Hall in February.

Among the artefacts is the Kiswa, which is used to cover the Kaaba – the sacred, stone structure at the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca.

It is traditionally replaced every year during the Hajj pilgrimage on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Also on display will be pieces from the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, relics from inside the Kaaba, the Kaaba's original lock and key, and ceremonial tools used for its cleansing.

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