The Significant Contribution of Caliphs in the Efflorescence of Muslim Librarianship: A Historical Account

Abstract

Muslim education started as early as the first revelation received
by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) . The quest for knowledge is an obligation on
all Muslims in Islām. Hence, it has been the mission and passion of all the
Muslim rulers throughout the Islāmic civilization. History has witnessed the
quest and mission of the Umayyads and Abbasids caliphs and many others in
the acquiring of books, establishment of institutions, and the acquisition and
dissemination of knowledge. This paper investigates the begining of Muslim
librarianship and development of the book industry across the centuries. It
also examines the evolution of Muslim bibliophilism and the establishment
of libraries that would eventually become cultural institutions. In addition, the
current paper attempts to understand the significant role of caliphs who devoted
their fortunes for Muslim education. The paper follows a qualitative research
founded on historical and descriptive approaches, through which the data was
collected and interpreted objectively.