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LONDON, Nov 20 (APP):The Government of Pakistan on Thursday presented a major contemporary Islamic artwork to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), marking the first-ever representation of the country in the Centre’s permanent collection.
The gift was presented by High Commissioner, Dr Mohammad Faisal, along with his spouse Dr Sarah Naeem, in a graceful event that was attended by Lord Wajid Khan, academics and scholars, faculty of OCIS, officers of Pakistan High Commission and friends of Pakistan.
The gifted sculpture, created by renowned Pakistani artist Amin Gulgee, is from his acclaimed Zero Gravity II series. The work features the fifth verse of Surah Al-Alaq – one of the earliest verses revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) – “[He] taught humankind what they knew not” (Quran 96:5) – rendered in elegant Naskh calligraphy and dramatically deconstructed into seven floating, interconnected components that appear to defy gravity.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom said that it was a great honour and personal pleasure to represent the Government and people of Pakistan on the occasion.
“To have Pakistan’s artistic voice now resonate within these walls is a matter of immense national pride. This gift is not a one-time event, but the beginning of a lasting relationship between Pakistan and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies”, the High Commissioner stated. Dr Faisal expressed the hope this artwork will serve as a bridge – opening doors to deeper collaboration in research, scholarship, academic exchange, and cultural dialogue for many years to come.
The High Commissioner extended warm gratitude to Director OCIS Dr. Farhan Ahmad Nizami and the management of the Centre for accepting the gift and to Mr. Amin Gulgee for creating a work that “so beautifully embodies the Pakistani spirit of creativity rooted in faith.” He concluded by expressing hope that the sculpture would inspire visitors to remember that the pursuit of knowledge is a sacred journey, one that began with the divine command “Iqra” – Read – and continues through institutions such as the Oxford Centre and through the growing partnership between Pakistan and the Centre.
Dr Farhan Nizami, Director OCIS thanked the people and Government of Pakistan for the gift and expressed the hope that collaboration between Pakistan and the Centre will further strengthen.
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is recognized worldwide as a leading institution for the multi-disciplinary study of Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies.