We had the chance to visit this amazing museum in August 2022. We originally calculated 2 hours to visit it, but in the end we spent there 4-5 hours, and hardly could finish the entire visit. So much information and so many things to understand about the Islamic Civilization, it’s really highly recommended.
About the Museum of Islamic Civilization
The Museum of Islamic Civilization was first inaugurated on the 6th of November 1996. This museum was then transformed, under the directions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the traditional Souq Al Majarrah (opened as a souq in 1987). The museum was then re-opened under the name “Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization” on the sixth of June 2008, after transferring the re-interpreted and re-displayed collections from the previous museum to this redesigned state-of-the-art museum.
Things to see in the Museum of Islamic Civilization
This museum is an important cultural and touristic landmark. It is unique for its location along the Al-Majarrah Waterfront in the Heart of Sharjah and for being the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. The museum displays thousands of unique artifacts that highlight the great Islamic Civilization from the first century AH (7 AD) to the fourteenth century AH (20 AD). Visitors to the museum can explore the discoveries and inventions of Muslim scholars throughout the ancient Islamic history.
The Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith
This is the first gallery that you will be able to visit. This gallery is dedicated to introducing the principles of Islam and the Holy Quran. Here, the five pillars of Islam, the foundations of the Islamic faith, are presented and the rituals of “Hajj” and “Umrah” are defined.
In this gallery visitors can see anthropomorphic parts of the Ka’aba and original parts of the honorable clothing of the Ka’aba, the “Kiswah”. Also we can find rare historical Quran manuscripts as well as model figures and pictures of mosques and their architecture from different parts of the Islamic world and Europe.
The Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology
In this gallery you can explore the most influential Islamic scientific achievements and contributions by great Muslim scholars. Sophisticated three-dimensional models , audiovisuals and extensive information panels chart some of the most outstanding discoveries, inventions and theories developed by Muslim scholars in all fields, including astronomy, medicine, geography, architecture, mathematics, chemistry, military technology, marine navigation and engineering.
Walk around the building and admire the architecture
The building itself is an amazing piece of art that also deserves the recognition. There are three floors to visit. Each part is filled with different collections, temporary exhibitions, even on the corridors, also we can find a library, a study room, little shop and cafe, and a conference room in the cupola.
Visit the collections of Islamic arts and culture
The museum’s collection of Islamic arts and culture exceed more than five thousand distinct pieces collected from various parts of the Islamic world, and displayed according to their time periods in six distinct galleries. Visitors can enjoy learning about the magnificent Islamic history, art, culture, sciences, and Islamic discoveries.
How to get to the Museum of Islamic Civilization
The museum is located in Al Majarrah area in the center of Sharjah. Is easy to approach by walking, if you are already in the center, or by car. There is a big parking around, and worth to know that all around Sharjah is mandatory to pay for parkings. You will need coins though in order to park, as we haven’t seen any that would have accepted a credit card.
When to visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization
If by any chance you are around during the Holy Month of Ramadan, then the museum entry is free. Otherwise you need pay the entrance fee all around the year. The museum is open from Saturdays to Thursdays 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM and on Fridays from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Entry requirements to visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization
- The museum is open for non-muslim visitors, too.
- The entrance fee for adults (above 13 years old) is 10 AED, while for children 5 AED.
- The museum entry is free during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
- You need to cover shoulders and legs, but otherwise you are free to move around.
- During our stay (August 2022) it was mandatory to wear mask in the entire building.
Source: https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/en-US/Museums/Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization
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