A CHURCH BUILT BY MUSLIMS IN SICILY FOR THEIR CHRISTIAN BRETHREN

A CHURCH BUILT  BY MUSLIMS IN SICILY
FOR THEIR CHRISTIAN BRETHREN

Allah’s name in the Arabic script

Muslim Church Capella Palatina Palermo Sicily
Muslim Church Capella Palatina Palermo Sicily

There are surprising things in the world. And often they go unnoticed. Muslims lived in harmony with other religions as commanded by Allah. The stupid and malignant people who destroy churches anywhere should understand that there was a time when Muslims built churches for their Christian brethren. There are examples in the world but the best example is in Sicily and it is called CAPELLA PALATINA PALERMO. A strange chapter in the history of mankind.

A blog is not a space for a detailed analysis of this church, and it is indeed worthy of seeing by all.  There is a classic rare book published on the same with details of drawings and scripts. It even carries the Arabic script at places with names of both ALLAH as well as PROPHET MUHAMMED (PBUH). Historians wonder to this day the background in the making of this church.

Muslim Church
Muslim Church

There are other amazing features. For those Mullahs who rail against Figurative Painting, the Church is full of sculpture and Iconic Christian imagery, surrounded by Arabic Kufic Script. MUSLIMS HAVE DRAWN JESUS CHRIST, LADY MARY AND ALL THE OTHER SAINTS IN THE CHURCH. If this is not broad mindedness, then what else is? This is tolerance reached to newer and newer levels. And it is to  be appreciated by all.

The many Churches in Lahore were obviously designed by English Architects in their requirements, but many were later handed over to contractors like Muhammed Sultan and architects like Raheem Baksh Mimar and Kareem Baksh Mimar, and it is a matter of record too. A number of certificates are there to this effect. For instance Major D. Bennet, Member of the Church building  at Meean Meer cantonment writes a certificate dated 20th December, 1856, that:

” Certfied that Emoo (Raheem Baksh), Raj Mistree,  was for many years in the employment of the late MAJOR SHARP OF THE ENGINEERS,who I know had the highest opinion of him; he was the person most depended upon while building the splendid Church at Meean Meer, and he had instructed him in a Plan drawing , which he   understands well. He deserves every encouragement  being a most intelligent and active workman. I  attach a     note of Mr Sharp written about him.”

The mosque, the Mandir and the Gurdawara built at Aitchison College was also designed by a Chughtai family member, who was a Drawing Master at Aitchison College itself. Mian Kareem Baksh Mimar was also involved in its embellishment at that time. He was an expert in Chuna Kari of the type that is on Asif Khan’s mausoleum. The modern times have brought decay to the broadmindedness of the Muslims.

4 thoughts on “A CHURCH BUILT BY MUSLIMS IN SICILY FOR THEIR CHRISTIAN BRETHREN”

  1. Thank you for the blog yes broadminded people are still there in Pakistan

    Cappella Palatina
    The famous French writer Guy de Maupassant defined it as “the most beautiful in the world, the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of by man”. It is easy to share his opinion. The Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) contains a harmonious blend of opposing cultures, Byzantine, Norman, Arabic, and Sicilian, creating a truly amazing architectural and artistic result. Located in the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cappella Palatina is home to some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world that depict famous scenes from the bible. The wooden ceiling styled into Arab-style stalactites and alveoli dating back to 1143 and the marble floor are just as wonderful.

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