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.


Governance and Finance in Islamic Civilisation

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:

• Lighter and more equitable than Roman systems
  
  
• Offered exemptions for women, children, and the elderly
  
  
• Adapted to agricultural conditions, taxing only cultivated land
  
  
• Based on principles that allowed non-Muslims to thrive under protection without military service
  
  

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.


Literary Brilliance and Human Themes in Arab Heritage

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:

• Science and philosophy
  
  
• Art and ethics
  
  
• Daily life and emotional reflection
  
  

Examples included:

• Personal writings on hunger and grief
  
  
• Descriptions of the final moments of notable historical figures
  
  
• Humorous texts on ageing, health, and manners
  
  

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.


Honouring Islamic Art Through Hands-On Learning

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:

• Arabic lettering styles
  
  
• Geometric and floral patterns
  
  
• Cultural symbolism in art and script
  
  

This interactive segment allowed participants to engage directly with Islamic visual culture, bringing together artistic expression and scholarly reflection in one integrated experience.