Madin Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari taking a look at the oldest form of the Kaaba at the Haramain exhibition being held at Malappuram.
The sprawling grounds of Madin Academy at Swalat Nagar here is hosting a unique exhibition showcasing the life and era of Prophet Mohammed as part of his 1,500th birthday. Prophet’s birthday is coinciding with Onam this year.
The exhibition titled Haramain (meaning holy cities of Makkah and Madina) is pulling large crowds. Many have been fascinated by the history and evolution of the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure at the heart of Makkah that Muslims circle around during pilgrimage and face as the Qibla (direction) in their daily prayers worldwide.
Immersed in an ancient atmosphere, with low-ceilinged rooms and narrow alleys, the exhibition brought to life the socio-cultural landscape of Arabs during the Prophet’s era. Through miniatures, it recreated the history of Makkah and Madina, Islam’s two holiest cities.
Visually challenged students having a tactile experience of the miniature of Abraham’s Station at the Haramain exhibition being held at Malappuram on Friday.
The exhibition showcased the evolution of the annual Haj pilgrimage over the centuries in an engaging way. Visitors were excited to discover that it was only a century ago that Indian pilgrims began travelling to Makkah in an organised manner by sea.
Volunteers from Madin Academy were on hand to explain the evolution of the Haj pilgrimage and the history of Makkah and Madina. The exhibition featured miniatures of 45 significant historical sites between Makkah and Madina, including the graves of Prophets Abraham and Ismail, Mount Noor and the revered Cave Thawr.
The exhibition offered a wealth of knowledge for students of Islamic history, while transporting laymen back to the era of Prophet Mohammed. Madin Academy Chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari inaugurated the exhibition on Wednesday.
Visually challenged students feeling the Kaaba miniature at the Haramain exhibition on Friday.
On display were exclusive pieces of the sacred Kiswah, the ornate black silk and gold curtain that adorns the Kaaba each year. Visitors were excited and many touched the exhibit with curiosity. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see and feel the Kiswah up close,” said Mohammed Arif, a primary school student.
On Friday, visually challenged students from Madin Academy had a unique opportunity to tactilely experience miniatures of the Kaaba, Abraham’s Station and the Hajarul Aswad. Until now, their understanding was limited to descriptions. But the tactile exhibit allowed them to connect with the Haramain in a profoundly personal way.
Volunteers explaining the village and housing concept being followed during the time of Prophet Mohammed.
Madin Academy will provide three of them, Hafiz Shabeer Ali Adani, Hafiz Sinan and Hafiz Umarul Aqsam, a chance to visit Makkah and Madina soon. “It has been a dream for us to visit the holy cities. We are on cloud nine now,” they said.
The exhibition will continue until Sunday.
Published – August 23, 2025 12:11 am IST
