Light & Peace Museum opens window to diversity and richness of Islamic civilisation

AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

The Light & Peace Museum, located within the Dome of Peace at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque Centre, opened to the public on Wednesday, offering a glimpse into the treasures of Islamic civilisation, its diversity and richness.

On display are an impressive array of carefully selected artefacts, each representing significant milestones in Islamic history and culture.

According to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque Centre, the museum's mission aligns with the UAE's efforts to foster peace, mutual respect, and tolerance.

Among the visitors to the museum was Emma Wilson from the US.

"I was really moved to see a setting like this, so serene. Each piece's elaborate patterns and symbolic meanings are not only exquisite, but they also convey profound lessons about faith, life, and serenity. I have the impression that I am simultaneously wandering through spirituality and history," she told Aletihad.

For Carlos, from Spain, who preferred to go by a single name, said the museum powerfully instils the message of tolerance and unity in visitors from diverse backgrounds.

"As someone from a different cultural and religious background, I've learned a lot about the importance of coexistence. The museum does an excellent job of showing how faith and culture can unite us rather than divide us. It's a place that encourages reflection on our shared humanity," he added.

Moudi Marwan Al Shamsi, a cultural tour specialist at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, said the visitors were very happy as they were introduced to unique facets of the UAE.

"They started to see the country and Islam in a new light, especially how Muslims are open, coexistent and tolerant of all cultures and religions. They were also impressed by the practices of Hajj and Umrah and were very interested. The number of visitors has been steadily increasing since the museum opened, with nearly a hundred visitors so far," Al Shamsi told Aletihad.

The museum is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, and entry is free for a limited period until the implementation of admission fees.