Not far from the Blue Mosque, there is a garden of Islamic arts, the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex. However, if you hope to enjoy a walk through a shady park and admire blossoming bushes and tall trees, then it isn’t the right place for that. Only a few potted plants, stone benches, some sculptures, and fountains representing the garden part of the name stand in front of a big building with an unusual roof.

However, Islamic art is in abundance here. After wandering around the garden and studying all the stone sculptures, feel free to go inside. Now the interesting part begins. It is a little awkward to realize that Islam is preached in Malaysia. The government actively promotes this religion and does it in one of the most enjoyable ways, through art.

Pass through the massive gallery doors and get ready to immerse yourself in Islamic art. This center in Shah Alam is called a spiritual sanctuary containing all, or almost all, Islamic cultural heritage. Because of the green glass roof, a slightly greenish light fills the interiors, green being one of the colors of Islam. You are surrounded with gold-covered books, verses from the Koran, inscriptions. All are of gold or on a gold background.

There are several galleries in the building. The first is dedicated to the journey of the Prophet Muhammad. Here, thanks to modern technologies, the events that took place many centuries ago are recreated. After copying the path of Muhammad, go to the next gallery. In the second room, you will see ancient manuscripts of the Koran and rare examples of Islamic calligraphy. If you look closely, you will notice that many of the patterns used by early artists can be found in the current Malay culture.

Then you will get acquainted with the works of students of the Islamic art college because the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex is also an educational body. One of the curious exhibits displayed here is the huge drums with which Muslims are called to prayer. Made of mahogany wood, with masterpiece carvings, these drums were indeed used in Malaysian mosques.