Bringing peaceful and respectful qualities of Islam to London, a Muslim themed garden has been revealed as part of Chelsea Flower Show 2015 to clear misconceptions surrounding the faith.
“I hope that my garden will be something that resonates with the public and will have a positive effect on people’s perception of Islam,” Kamelia Bin Zaal, the designer of Islam Garden said.
“It is the chance to show that Islam and Arabic culture really is as many other religions and cultures, a way of life and that we share the same values and morals as other religions and cultures,” she said.
Titled “The Beauty of Islam”, the garden aims to bridge Islamic and western cultures through showcasing both modern and classic materials inspired by Arabs and Muslims, Onislam.net reported.
It will be the first Emirati project to take part in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015. “In my family I have grown up seeing Islam as a religion of tolerance, peace, and love, with respect for humanity, and the world around us,” Bin Zaal said.
“I am continuously inspired by our heritage and wanted to creatively translate my interpretation of our peaceful religion and culture into a beautiful garden design.”
Showcasing orange, olive, fig, pomegranate trees and plants such as cardamom, pepper and jasmine, the garden aims to highlights the growth of spice trade in Emirates. Besides changing the negative perceptions of Islam, it aims to reflect the diversity of the Islamic culture.
“I wanted to show how as a culture we have touched so many other societies and vice versa, from Europe to China and even Madagascar,” Bin Zaal said.
Britain’s 2.7 million Muslims, according to last census in 2013, have taken the full brunt of anti-terror laws since the 7/7 attacks. They have repeatedly complained of maltreatment by police for no apparent reason other than being Muslim.
