The Grand Mosque Library: 30,000 volumes and digital services for pilgrims
The Grand Mosque's significance in the hearts of Muslims extends beyond its status as the direction of prayer (Qibla) and the holiest place on earth; its role throughout history as a beacon of knowledge and learning is also profound. In this context, the Grand Mosque Library as one of the most important cultural institutions, combining the historical significance of the place with modern educational resources to offer a comprehensive learning experience for pilgrims and researchers.
Establishment and strategic location
The library was established under the generous guidance of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, then President General of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, to serve as a scholarly resource within the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It was officially inaugurated on Saturday, 22 Rajab 1434 AH, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region.
The library is distinguished by its prime location within the King Fahd Extension – may God have mercy on him – on the second floor, spanning a spacious area exceeding 800 square meters . This location makes it easily accessible to pilgrims and worshippers, allowing them to dedicate their time to reading, research, and acquiring knowledge of Islamic and cultural sciences.
The library's contents and its intellectual treasures
The library is an integral part of the services provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Its shelves are filled with a vast and rich collection of resources, with official statistics indicating that it contains:
- Approximately 30,000 volumes covering all kinds of knowledge.
- About 5,600 diverse titles.
The library's fields of knowledge are diverse, including Arabic language sciences, Islamic history, biographies and memoirs, in addition to general knowledge, making it an important reference for students of knowledge.
Advanced and comprehensive technical services
In keeping with the digital transformation and the Kingdom's vision to develop services provided to pilgrims, the library does not limit itself to paper books, but also offers a range of advanced technical and logistical services, including:
- Digital services: Providing access to digital books and a digital copying service for books and speeches, making it easier for researchers to transfer information.
- Audio Library: A section dedicated to listening to sermons, scientific lessons, and beautiful Quranic recitations by the imams of the Haram.
- Services for people with special needs: Providing facilities and services tailored to ensure that people with disabilities can easily access educational content.
- Supporting services: These include a self-service photography service, a viewing room, and direct information services to guide visitors.
Popularity and cultural impact
The Grand Mosque Library has become a hive of intellectual activity, attracting a large number of visitors from various nationalities. The library receives more than 2,500 visitors , bringing the total to approximately 11,000 visitors monthly . This high turnout reflects the library's importance as a center of cultural influence, connecting Muslims to their Islamic heritage and underscoring the global mission of the Two Holy Mosques in disseminating knowledge and promoting moderation.
