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Oldest Quranic manuscript on display at Medan's new Quran History Museum
The museum hosts a collection of at least 22 ancient mushaf (manuscripts), including the oldest one in the country.
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North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi said the province kept many ancient Quranic "mushaf" (manuscripts), including in Barus district in Central Tapanuli regency, where Islam first entered North Sumatra, and in Simalungun regency. (Shutterstock/-)
The Quran History Museum was officially launched in Medan, North Sumatra, on Sunday.
It hosts a collection of at least 22 ancient mushaf (manuscripts), including the oldest one in the country.
North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi said the province kept many ancient Quranic mushaf, including in Barus district in Central Tapanuli regency, where Islam first entered North Sumatra, and in Simalungun regency.
Read also: Malang's Al Quran Museum set to attract domestic, foreign tourists
"After exploring some regions in North Sumatra, we found several ancient Qurans that are more than 250 years old. All of them are now on display at the Quran History Museum," Edy said during the museum’s opening on Sunday, adding that he hoped the public could help preserve the mushaf and educate the younger generations.
Edy, in particular, expressed his appreciation toward historian Ichwan Azhari who discovered the mushaf and initiated the museum.
"There are still many mushaf available in North Sumatra; we have to look for them alongside the expert team. [The administration will] provide the budget; we must preserve the history and icon of our province," Edy said.
Ichwan said the oldest mushaf displayed at the museum was created in the year 1070 of the Islamic calendar, or 1660.
"North Sumatra has [many] Quranic mushaf that serve as historical records of the development of Islam [in Indonesia]. Many of these mushaf haven't been found, so we will look for them," Ichwan said. (kes)
