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Read the following story by Kong Rithdee from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
The Institute of Islamic Art Thailand was founded a year ago and claims to be the first of its kind in the country.
HAND ON HEART
Ustaz Suleiman, an expert in Arabic calligraphy, writes names in Arabic script for visitors who come to admire the exhibits at the Institute of Islamic Art Thailand.
“We put silk threads in the ink. It’s an ancient technique - dating from the time of the prophet ,” said Ustaz, who grew up in Saudi Arabia and studied in Malaysia.
The institute aims to promote aesthetics based on the Islamic faith by hosting workshops, exhibitions and lectures. Over the past few months, the institute has organised classes on Arabic calligraphy, manuscript ornamentation and the history of Islamic art, as well as sessions on arabesque. Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome to take part.
INNER BEAUTY
“The Prophet Muhammad said that people should admire Islam not only for its teachings, but also for its manners. Islamic art is part of the beauty of the religion. We want everybody to be able to admire it and learn about it,” said Siripong Toleb, one of the founders of the institute.
“Art is traditionally based on religious devotion,” said Worrapoj Waiyaveta, another of the institute’s founders. “Buddhist and Christian art is built around worshipping rituals. Islamic art has its foundation in belief in God and scripture, but the essence is not about worshipping. Rather, it’s about respect and acknowledging the glory of God. Like when you cook for somebody you respect, you cook the best meal you can.”
HEAVENLY PROJECT
Siripong, who is a lawyer by profession, said that one of the institute’s projects is to produce the first-ever Thai edition of a handwritten Koran manuscript, something that requires a huge amount of time, commitment and devotion. So far, they’ve managed to finish one chapter.
Islamic art began with the founding of the religion in the 7th century. Influences from earlier periods, such as Byzantine and Persian, were carried over into the new era.
According to Suniti Chutamas, an institute member who studied archaeology in Jordan, the 10th century Abbisid Caliphate was a golden age for art and science in the Middle East. Later on, the Ottoman and Mughal Empires, in Turkey and India respectively, further added to the range and depth.
Islamic art has a number of distinctive characteristics. Since the prophet didn’t encourage the display of human or animal figures, it’s notable for geometric and graphic styles. Then, wherever the faith found new followers, from China to Southeast Asia, art incorporated local elements.
The Institute of Islamic Art Thailand is on Charoen Krung Soi 36, Bangkok. It is run by Muslim artists and non-Muslim scholars. Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mushafthailand.
Section 1
Read through the story and answer the following multiple-choice questions.
1. What is the story about?
a. How to do Arabic calligraphy.
b. An institute that promotes Islamic art.
c. An exhibition on the history of Islamic art.
2. What did Suniti Chutamas study in Jordan?
a. Architecture.
b. Anthropology.
c. Archaeology.
3. Where did Ustaz Suleiman grow up?
a. In Malaysia.
b. In Saudi Arabia.
c. In Thailand.
3. What area does Siripong Toleb work in?
a. Law.
b. Art.
c. Art history.
5. What can visitors or members learn about at the institute?
a. Arabic calligraphy and manuscript ornamentation.
b. The history of Islamic art and arabesque.
c. Both a and b are correct.
6. Which of the following statements is TRUE, according to the article?
a. Islamic art typically represents human figures.
b. Ustaz Suleiman is an expert in calligraphy.
c. The institute is open to Muslims only.
7. Which of the following statements is NOT true, according to the article?
a. The institute is situated off Charoen Krung Road.
b. The institute is run by a government agency.
c. The institute was founded in 2017.
Section 2
Write down the adjective and noun forms of the following verbs used in the story.
| Verb | Adjective | Noun |
| 8. admire | ....................... | ....................... |
| 9. incorporate | ....................... | ....................... |
| 10. encourage | ....................... | ....................... |
| 11. prevent | ....................... | ....................... |
| 12. respect | ....................... | ....................... |
Section 3
Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
“The term ‘Islamic art’ may be …..13….. with the Middle East, and today some of the finest Islamic art can be found …..14….. Turkey and Iran,” Suniti said. “But Muslims in different parts of the world also put …..15…..own artistic instincts into their creations, such as Malay or Chinese Muslims. In fact, the character of Islamic art …..16….. stronger when adapted through …..17….. influences. For instance, mosques …..18….. in the Ayutthaya period share …..19….. decorative details with Buddhist temples.”
13.
a. associate
b. associated
c. association
14.
a. in
b. at
c. on
15.
a. them
b. theirs
c. their
16.
a. become
b. becomes
c. becoming
17.
a. another
b. other
c. every
18.
a. build
b. building
c. built
19.
a. many
b. much
c. each
Section 4
Match each of the following words used in the story with the correct synonyms from the choices given.
| nature | guest | worship | faith | typical |
20. devotion
……………………
21. essence
……………………
22. distinctive
……………………
23. belief
……………………
24. visitor
……………………
Answers
Section 1
1. b.
2. c.
3. b.
4. a.
5. c.
6. b.
7. b.
Section 2
8. Admirable/admiring; admiration.
9. Incorporated; incorporation.
10. Encouraging/encouraged; encouragement.
11. Preventive/preventable; prevention.
12. Respectful/respectable; respect.
Section 3
13. b.
14. a.
15. c.
16. b.
17. b.
18. c.
19. a.
Section 4
20. Worship.
21. Nature.
22. Typical.
23. Faith.
24. Guest.
SCORE
21-24: Excellent!
17-20: Good.
13-16: Fair.
12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
