The exhibition features 100 selected masterpieces, including miniatures and oil on canvas paintings depicting magnificent structures; decorative media, such as tiles and woodwork, which formed the visual ambience of the interior of architectural units; as well as objects of art that were constructed for use within these edifices.

Past exhibitions of the Aga Khan Museum collection have taken place at museums and galleries in Spain, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany and Russia. On display until 29 June 2012, the Malaysian exhibition marks the first time that objects and art from the Aga Khan Museum collection have been displayed in Southeast Asia.

Speaking about the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Mawlana Hazar Imam said: “For a number of years, this Museum has represented a focus of interest, of learning of knowledge about Islamic history and the humanities of Islam in this area of the world.”

Lamenting the prolonged absence of Islamic history and humanities from the global knowledge and awareness, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked that the Ummah is not seen by others “in the light in which Muslims see it.” He pointed out that “it is our responsibility ... to think and correct the messages which are being sent around the world about our history and about our culture.”

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, and attended a dinner hosted in his honour by the Albukhary Foundation of Malaysia, whose concerns for education and social welfare in Muslim societies are shared by the Aga Khan Development Network. In the evening, Hazar Imam also received a tour of the Islamic art collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Following his two-day visit to Malaysia, Mawlana Hazar Imam proceeds to Singapore where he will meet with the Far East Jamat.