The Prophet's Mosque Library: 15,000 books serving the Arabic language
The Prophet's Mosque Library is considered one of the most important cultural and civilizational landmarks in the Islamic world, representing a bridge between the authenticity of Islamic heritage and the technologies of the modern age. With its current shelves containing more than 15,000 books specializing in Arabic language sciences, the library affirms its leading role in preserving and promoting the Arabic language, especially in conjunction with global cultural events such as World Arabic Language Day.
A rich history dating back to before the ninth century AH
The library is not merely a product of the modern era; its roots extend deep into Islamic history, its establishment linked to the educational role of the Prophet's Mosque. Reliable historical sources indicate that the library existed and was a functioning institution before the infamous fire that struck the Prophet's Mosque on the 13th of Ramadan, 886 AH (corresponding to November 14, 1481 CE). At that time, the library housed repositories filled with Qur'ans and precious books, all of which were consumed by the flames, demonstrating the early attention given to scholarship and the documentation of knowledge within the Prophet's Mosque for centuries.
During the prosperous Saudi era, the library witnessed a major turning point with its official re-establishment in 1352 AH (1933 CE) by order of the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God have mercy on him. The strategic objective of this step was to make the library a beacon of knowledge serving students, researchers, and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's interest since its inception in preserving and disseminating Islamic heritage.
Linguistic treasures and rare manuscripts
Today, the Prophet's Mosque Library boasts a vast collection of over 15,000 volumes dedicated solely to Arabic linguistics. These resources encompass seminal works on grammar, morphology, rhetoric, literature, and philology. The library's holdings extend beyond recently published books to include commentaries, annotations, and rare classical texts, making it a fundamental resource and a destination for researchers and academics interested in studying the language of the Holy Quran and understanding its profound meanings.
Integrated technical services and research environment
The library did not stop at the traditional preservation of books, but kept pace with rapid technological development through specialized departments that include:
- Digital Library: which enables electronic searching and quick access to information through advanced databases.
- The Manuscripts Department: which is concerned with preserving, restoring and sterilizing rare manuscripts using the latest technical equipment to ensure their survival for future generations.
- The audio department: which documents the lessons and sermons of the Prophet’s Mosque, thus preserving the mosque’s scholarly memory and making it easier to refer back to it.
Enriching the visitor experience and serving the guests of God
The efforts of the Prophet's Mosque Library are integrated with the Kingdom's general direction to enrich the experience of visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers. The library not only provides abstract knowledge but also a comprehensive cultural experience, enabling guests of God from all corners of the earth to invest their time in reading and research within a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. These services are an integral part of the comprehensive care provided by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring a refined environment for worship and learning befitting the sanctity of the place and the status of the Arabic language.
