One of Blackburn’s biggest mosques, Masjid Noorul Islam, will be hosting a rare and special one-day exhibition on Saturday 19 April, showcasing some of the most sacred and historical Islamic artefacts. Among the highlights is the Kiswa — the 29ft-long cloth that covers the Kaaba in Makkah. This piece alone carries immense spiritual significance for Muslims. Made from pure black silk and embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver thread, the Kiswa is replaced every year on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, just before Eid al-Adha, in a tradition that goes back centuries.

The exhibition, will also feature pieces from the Ottoman Empire; the lock and key from the Kaaba; and a draping from the wall of the inner tomb of the Prophet Muhammad.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 11am to 5pm at Masjid Noorul Islam on Audley Range and is completely free to attend. Visitors will be able to witness not only the Kiswa but also incredibly rare items such as the lock and key of the Kaaba, artefacts from the time of the Ottoman Empire, and even a draping from inside the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) tomb in Madinah — items most Muslims would never normally get to see.

Organiser Riyaz Maniar, from Dewsbury, explained that some of these pieces are so rare, they are usually only accessible to members of the Saudi royal family. Even pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah don’t get the chance to come this close. This exhibition, then, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the local community, especially for those who may not get the chance to visit the Haramain in person.

Speaking on behalf of Masjid Noorul Islam and Al Islah Girls High School, the mosque’s General Secretary said it was an honour to host such a sacred event. Headteacher Mrs Nikhat Pardesi added that the exhibition holds special value for women and families, giving them a rare chance to connect with Islamic history in a deeply personal and spiritual way.