One of the first Muslim objects collected by St Fagans. It was chosen by members of the Swansea Muslim Youth League.The first mosque in Britain is recorded as being at 2 Glyn Rhondda St, Cardiff in 1860. Cardiff's role as an international port meant it had one of the earliest Muslim communities with strong links to the Yemen, Somalia and Bangladesh.
In the past, St Fagans: National History Museum's collections did not reflect the diversity of beliefs in Wales, and so it began actively collecting more diverse and representative objects.
Members of different faith communities across Wales were invited to share stories and donate objects that represented their religion.
After Christianity, Islam is the most common faith in Wales. This Muslim Prayer compass was chosen by Najma Ali from the Swansea Muslim Youth League as part of a collection of objects that she felt were important to her as a Welsh Muslim.
Muslims must pray in the direction of the Kebah which is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This direction of prayer is called 'Qibla'. When travelling, the compass can show the traveller the direction of the Qibla.
It reflects how important prayer is in her life no matter where she is or what she is doing.
Muslim prayer compass
Contributed by St Fagans National History Mus
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the ±«Óãtv or the British Museum. The ±«Óãtv is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
-
Cardiff
- Culture
- Period
- Theme
- Size
-
- H:
- 13.5cm
- W:
- 8.5cm
- D:
- 1.5cm
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in South East Wales.
Find out more
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
±«Óãtv iD
±«Óãtv navigation
±«Óãtv links
±«Óãtv © 2014 The ±«Óãtv is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Share this link: