Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters!
As our Muslim brothers and sisters observe the start of Ramadan this 2nd day of April, the #NationalMuseumPH features the lihar (Qur’an stand) from the National Ethnographic Collection that is of important cultural significance to the Muslim communities in the country.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food from the break of dawn until sunset. It is also a time for abstaining from practices dissonant with Islamic teachings, such as inappropriate speech, indulging in excessive recreational activities, and unkind behavior towards the needy. These actions are said to divert their focus away from the spiritual realm. Instead, they show kindness and charity through zakat (giving alms) and more importantly, worship through prayer and recitation of selected verses from the Qur’an.
The Qur’an is an important book for Muslims as it contains all the teachings of Allah. During recitations, it is placed on an X-shaped foldable book stand made of wood and sometimes decorated with okir design patterns. Locally, it is called lihar among the Maranao and Tausug and lihal among the Jama Mapun and Sama. It is used to hold and ensure that the Qur’an is respected by keeping it elevated off the floor. Its foldable design is also a way to showcase the Qur’an as a precious manuscript among Muslims. The lihar is considered to be one of the most valuable elements inside the mosque.
A collection of the lihar is currently exhibited at the “Faith, Tradition, and Place: Bangsamoro Art from the National Ethnographic Collection” exhibition at the 3F, National Museum of Anthropology in Manila. Visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, and know more about the rich material culture of the Bangsamoro communities in the country.
#Ramadan2022
#Lihar
#MuseumFromHome
Text and poster by the NMP Ethnology Division
© 2022 National Museum of the Philippines
