By Khaula Siddique

I have never been to Aga Khan Museum, a shame I admit, however, I have rectified that! I visited the newly opened Rumi exhibit this last Sunday and I highly recommend you go and enjoy it. If you have seen my art, you know how I feel about Rumi!

Jalal ad Din Balkhi, better knows as Rumi (the background to that is given at the exhibit!), is the worlds most read poet, the pride of the Muslim world and a must have and must read for your bookshelf. The exhibit is divided into three portions, The Historical Rumi, The Visual Rumi and Rumi in Translation. I was apprehensive as Rumis verses have been the subject of the erasure of Islam for so long in the West, but I was so happy to see the exhibition stayed true to his teachings and his devout beliefs.

There was so much information and interesting tidbits, the original manuscripts artworks in watercolour and gold, and a fun installation themed around “The Elephant in the Dark Room”. We took our time an enjoyed each display, had discussions that could have gone on for hours if it werent for the excitement to see what was in the next glass case and I havent spent such an amazing day in a long time!

The exhibition will be up till October 1st and I recommend taking the older kids to give them a look into the glorious Muslim past! It is so important to know your history!

About the Author

Khaula Siddique, artist at Khaula’s Art, has written for Dawn Pakistan and now paints stories on large walls. She loves bringing art to the community and achieves this through interactive art activities and public art projects. When she is not painting, she is over-indulging her large eccentric orange tabby who part-times as her critic and her muse. You can find her art shenanigans on her website, Khaula Siddique.com.