Rare Islamic artefacts go on display at museum

4 December 2025

Amanda WhiteIn Scunthorpe

Many of the artefacts on display are centuries old

Amanda White/BBC A black cloth embroidered with gold lettering hanging from a metal display rail. — Many of the artefacts on display are centuries old

Rare sacred Islamic artefacts have gone on display at a Scunthorpe museum.

Some of the items date back centuries and many were previously could only be seen by people who had made a journey to Mecca.

Highlights include a key to the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad and a rare Kiswa cloth that covers the Kaaba, the sacred stone structure at the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca.

Organisers said the display at the North Lincolnshire Museum is open to people of all faiths and is a chance "to connect over history, beauty and craftsmanship".

Abid Khan said the exhibits would bring back memories for those who had made the pilgrimage to Mecca

Amanda White/BBC A man wearing a light brown hat and a maroon vest stands in front of a black curtain and a large poster featuring the Kaaba in Mecca. Display cases are also visible in the background. — Abid Khan said the exhibits would bring back memories for those who had made the pilgrimage to Mecca

Abid Khan, from the North Lincolnshire Multi-Faith Partnership, said it was a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of some of the artefacts, many of which are embroidered in 22 carat gold thread.

He described the pilgrimage to Mecca as "a lifetime journey".

"When you're there, there's millions of people there, there's hustle and bustle, " he said.

"In here, you can touch it and it just brings back all those memories."

The exhibit includes a lock and key from the Kaaba

A brass coloured lock and key inscribed with Arabic writing. It is placed in a rectangular box which is covered in green and white cloth. — The exhibit includes a lock and key from the Kaaba

The event is organised by the Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery alongside the North Lincolnshire Multi-Faith Partnership with support from North Lincolnshire Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It runs until 6 December and admission is free.

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