BeyondLabels

Searching for Excellence

Our travels and research is to search for excellence in the Islamic world of Madrasahs and at the same time raise our understanding of Islamic pedagogy. The Madrasah is a fascinating institution with a history that pre-dates the formation of nations states. Through our travels and research we hope to improve our knowledge and support for the internationalisation of higher education. 

We are living and travelling in the Fes Medina of Morocco and also north Malaysia.

Sounds from the Roof

Here are some sounds from the roof where we were living in the Medina of Fes. It represents the normal calls for prayer and recitation in the evening that you hear from our roof. Sound quality poor (turn you volume high) but it captures the spirit of the Medina as night enters.

 

RoofTerrace1

 

Here is the view from the roof of where we were living in the Medina. The sounds were recorded from here and they came from the Mosques that were on all sides of the small Medina house where we were living.

 

 

Reflections on Islamic Pedagogy

We have written a short research paper on Islamic pedagogy and the University of al-Qarawiyyin. This is intended to be the first of a series of reflections on Islamic pedagogy and embodiment. 

Please click on the tab 'Academic Writing' or the image below.

Crossroads of Cultures

This is a view from Kapitan Keling Mosque, in Penang, in times gone by. The place still maintains a similar way of life with people trading. It also captures then and now the crossroads of cultures.

 

Al-Karaouine: Contemplation and Repetition

Waiting for the Adhan in Al-Karaouine. People sit around doing Dzikir near the stained glass arch. People informally contemplating and doing Dzikir is often a missed aspect of Al-Karaouine life.

Kapitan Kling Dome

Masjid Kapitan Kling is located at Lebuh Pitt and is the oldest mosque in Penang. It was first built by the East India Company in the 18th century. The present mosque was built in 1916 and the domes reflect Indian architecture of the time.

Mosque Houses

This is one of a cluster of traditional house that are around the oldest Malay mosque on Penang. This area of Georgetown has most of the oldest mosques in Penang and is in the UNESCO area. Traditionally these houses were occupied by the Iman, his extended family and students.

Hand Written Quran:

This is one of the first hand written Quran's in Penang (Malaysia). It is exhibited Syed Alatas house (Museum) in the UNESCO area of Georgetown.

 

Burial Ground

The burial ground of the late Mohamed Noordin and his family members. Mohamed was a philanthropist and supported the development of Kapitan Keling Mosque. He arrived by ship to Penang Island, at the age of seven, with his mother and his brother.

The image is intended to remind us of the typical funding of early Mosques and Madrasah. In many areas around the world a similar funding method continues.

Another Time ...

Three scholars from early times of a North Malaysian Madrasah. 

Syed Mohammad Alatas ...

Syed Alatas house was built by Syed Mohammad Alatas, an Achenese by descent. The house was built in 1860 in a Straits style. Syed Alatas house is in the UNESCO heritage area of Penang and is now a museum that was developed to remember the Malay leaders of Islam in Penang. The museum documents the history of the Malay settlement in Acheen Street and provides details on Malay life of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Syed Alatas become the hub for starting the Hajj pilgrimage to Makah.