4 Monumental Libraries of Islamic History, Their Collections Astound
Islamic civilisation regards libraries as centres of knowledge, research, and innovation that have led to numerous major world discoveries. Some libraries even held collections of hundreds of thousands of books – a staggering number for their time. Here are four Islamic libraries with extraordinary collections:
- Bait al-Hikmah: The World’s First ‘University’ in Baghdad
The Bait al-Hikmah library in Baghdad was one of the largest centres of knowledge in Islamic history. It evolved from a royal library into a national library and a hub for research and academia.
Bait al-Hikmah served as a centre for translating foreign works, scientific research, academic discussions, and even housed an observatory and laboratories. Due to its role, it is often referred to as an early version of a university and research institution.
Its collections came from major civilisations such as Greek, Persian, Arab, and Syrian. Many Greek philosophical works were translated into Arabic, making it a global hub for knowledge transfer.
Estimated to have held between 400,000 and 500,000 books across disciplines like medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, prominent figures such as Al-Kindi and Al-Khwarizmi worked there.
However, its glory ended tragically during the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258, when many collections were destroyed and thrown into the Tigris River.
- Cordoba Builds a ‘Rival’ to Baghdad in the West
In the Western Islamic world, specifically in Cordoba (Spain), a magnificent library was built by Al-Hakam II in the 10th century.
Initially a private royal collection, it later expanded into a major national library. With modern management systems and a large staff, its collection grew rapidly.
It held approximately 400,000 volumes, making it one of the largest libraries in the world at the time.
Notably, its development was influenced by Bait al-Hikmah in Baghdad, with both symbolising an ‘intellectual rivalry’ between the Eastern and Western Islamic worlds.
- Ibnu Kamil: 10,000-Book Collection in the Classical Era
As a centre of knowledge, Baghdad had around 35 major libraries besides Bait al-Hikmah. Some had fantastical collections, such as Al-Waqidi’s library, reportedly requiring 120 camels to transport its books, and Al-Baiqani’s, needing 63 baskets and two suitcases.
Among these, Ibnu Kamil’s library stood out with approximately 10,000 books. It was likely a private collection, but its size was remarkable for its time.
This highlights that the tradition of literacy and knowledge development flourished not only at the state level but also among individuals.
- Masjid Nabawi Library: A Living Legacy of Knowledge
Unlike classical libraries that have vanished, the Masjid Nabawi Library in Madinah still exists today.
It houses over 172,548 books, with hundreds of cabinets and dozens of knowledge categories. Its collections include:
Rare Qur’an manuscripts
Historical documents
Books in over 22 languages
Digital collections of hundreds of thousands of titles
The library accommodates hundreds of visitors per hour and welcomes over 700,000 people annually.