Library Of The Grand Mosque: A Vital Resource For Islamic Scholarship And Knowledge

The Library of the Grand Mosque in Makkah is a vital hub for Islamic scholarship, with roots tracing back to the Abbasid Caliphate. Established in 161 AH by Caliph Mohammed Al-Mahdi, it began as a dome housing religious texts. Over time, it has evolved into a significant centre of learning and continues to serve scholars and researchers worldwide.

Today, the library operates from a modern facility in Batha Quraish. It provides resources for pilgrims, worshippers, researchers, and students. Its collection includes 7,849 original manuscripts, 372 non-Arabic manuscripts, thousands of photographs and digital copies, 42 Saudi newspapers, 1,193 magazines, and extensive digital archives. Additionally, it incorporates 55 private libraries into its resources.

The library offers diverse services through various departments. These include library services, newspapers and periodicals management, restoration and binding work, special libraries and donations handling, translation services, a smart digital library system, and a manuscript centre. These departments ensure that the library remains a comprehensive resource for knowledge seekers.

Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, highlighted the leadership's support for the library. This aligns with Vision 2030 goals to digitize collections and develop multilingual platforms. The aim is to leverage technology to showcase the library's rich heritage effectively.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud officially named the library in 1357 AH. Since then, successive Saudi rulers have supported its development. The library continues to play an essential role in promoting Islamic scholarship globally.

Dr. Al-Sudais emphasized the importance of using innovative digital methods to enhance visitor experiences at the library. He noted its significance as a landmark of religious and cultural scholarship spanning over twelve centuries.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at both mosques remains committed to providing exceptional library services. They focus on ensuring quality resources and fostering an intellectual environment that benefits scholars worldwide.

With inputs from SPA