Sharjah libraries’ 100-year celebration reveals rare second century Hijri tax records, art, and more

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) hosted a cultural event titled "The Cultural Mission", held at the Holy Quran Academy in collaboration with Al Qasimia University. The event blended scholarly discussion, literary heritage, and artistic traditions, reflecting SPL’s enduring commitment to reviving Islamic knowledge and strengthening the intellectual and cultural role of libraries in the Arab world.Dr. Nasser Al Falasi, Assistant Professor in the History Department at Zayed University, opened the session by exploring how governance evolved in Islamic civilisation. He focused on the Islamic financial system, highlighting its role in state prosperity and public welfare. He criticised some Orientalist historians for relying too heavily on Roman and Western models, which he said led to misinterpretations, especially regarding jizya, a tax levied on non-Muslims in Islamic states. Dr. Al Falasi explained that Islamic taxation was: He also revealed that British historians later compiled rare Islamic tax records from the second century Hijri. These documents provide valuable insights into the real-world functioning of early Islamic fiscal policies.Dr. Abdul Hakim Al Anis, Scientific Expert at the Holy Quran Academy, presented a paper on the wit and wisdom of Arab literary heritage, celebrating the depth and variety of intellectual output in the Islamic world. He noted that early Arab scholars produced works covering: Examples included: Dr. Al Anis highlighted that centuries-old works addressed modern themes like emotional well-being and social conduct, proving their relevance in today’s academic discourse. He added that many of these texts now reside in major global libraries and continue to attract attention from researchers exploring interpersonal ethics and psychological insight in early Islamic thought.To complement the intellectual depth of the discussions, the event featured a workshop on Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation. Attendees explored the aesthetic richness of: This interactive segment allowed participants to engage directly with Islamic visual culture, bringing together artistic expression and scholarly reflection in one integrated experience.