A decorative hanging of the Surah Al-Fatiha, the Opening of the Quran
Object
Religion and faith items
Production date
1986
Object number
1987.139
Physical Description
This is a hanging showing the first chapter of the Quran. Almost every Muslim home has one as a reminder to pray when children are ill and as safety or protection for the home. This prayer is read every day and is the first prayer taught to children. It is the heart of the Quran.
The hanging was purchased in Pakistan by a Hackney resident at the Lahore shrine of the Sufi mystic, Daata Ganj Bakhsh (also known in Arabic as Abul Hassan Ali Hajvari).
The hanging was purchased in Pakistan by a Hackney resident at the Lahore shrine of the Sufi mystic, Daata Ganj Bakhsh (also known in Arabic as Abul Hassan Ali Hajvari).
Associated Place
Pakistan (Place)
Material
Textiles
Dimension
Length: 1822mm
Width: 910mm
Width: 910mm
Exhibition Label
"This is the first chapter of the Koran. Every Muslim home has this as a reminder to pray when children are ill and as a protection for the home and all who live there. You cannot offer the five daily prayers, from before sunrise to after sunset, without including the Sura Al-Fatiha. This is the first thing we teach our children when they learn to talk.
"In the name of God, who is abundant in mercy and compassion! Praise be to God, the Lord of the universe, the most merciful and compassionate, and the Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone we worship, and from Thee alone we seek help. Guide us to the right path, the path of them to whom Thou hast been gracious, not of them with whom Thou art angry, nor of them who have gone astray. Amen.""
Chosen by Hackney Asian Women's Group who meet regularly at the Geffrye Museum
"In the name of God, who is abundant in mercy and compassion! Praise be to God, the Lord of the universe, the most merciful and compassionate, and the Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone we worship, and from Thee alone we seek help. Guide us to the right path, the path of them to whom Thou hast been gracious, not of them with whom Thou art angry, nor of them who have gone astray. Amen.""
Chosen by Hackney Asian Women's Group who meet regularly at the Geffrye Museum
On display?
No
Inscription
The first prayer or opening of the Quran