The Library of the Prophet’s Mosque

Abstract

This article examines the Library of the Prophet’s Mosque as an Islamic library of distinctive scholarly and spiritual significance. It situates the library within the broader history of libraries in Islamic civilization, especially their close association with mosques, learning circles, and the transmission of religious knowledge. The article outlines the library’s establishment and historical development, including its endowments, collections, manuscripts, and rare books, before presenting its modern departments and services. It highlights the reading halls, digital library, manuscript and microform sections, technical services, acquisition, cataloging, classification, binding, exchange, and gift units, as well as user guidance, access, and reproduction services. The article emphasizes the library’s role in serving visitors, researchers, and students of knowledge, while preserving and making accessible Islamic heritage through a specialized institution that combines sacred setting, research value, and modern library service.