“The Qur’an, also known as Al-Kitab (The Book), is the cornerstone of this tradition, revered for its divine content and written form. Allah proclaims it as a guidance for the devout (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2), confirming its status as an unwavering source of guidance.”
From the very beginning of Islam, the tradition of books has held a central and sacred place, beginning with the first revealed word to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Iqra” (Read) (Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:1). This divine command not only marked the beginning of revelation but also set the tone for a civilization deeply rooted in knowledge, literacy, and the written word. The Qur’an itself, often referred to as Al-Kitab (The Book), is the foundation of this tradition, both in its divine content and its preserved, written form. Allah says, “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2), affirming its status as a preserved source of guidance. The process of revelation was followed by careful memorization and documentation by the Prophet’s scribes, notably Zayd ibn Thabit (RA), who was tasked with writing down the Qur’an as it was revealed. After the Prophet’s passing, during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA), and later under Uthman ibn Affan (RA), efforts were made to compile and standardize the Qur’anic text, leading to the preservation of the Book in written form that remains unchanged to this day. The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the importance of knowledge and its transmission, saying, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him” (Sahih Muslim, 1631), clearly placing lasting knowledge often preserved in books among the highest forms of good deeds. This reverence for knowledge and books inspired generations of Muslims to not only preserve religious texts but also produce extensive works in theology, law, science, philosophy, literature, and more, making the Islamic world a beacon of learning during the Golden Age. Libraries flourished in cities like Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Timbuktu, filled with manuscripts written by scholars who saw writing as both an act of devotion and a means of preservation.
“The meticulous science of Hadith compilation preserved the sayings and actions of the Prophet (SAW) with rigorous authentication. Collections like Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are monumental achievements in Islamic scholarship, reflecting a commitment to accuracy and preservation. Reading religious texts, writing knowledge, and distributing books are acts of worship. The Islamic tradition of books testifies to the divine importance of preserving and spreading knowledge across generations.”
Almightly Allah also swears by the pen in the Qur’an: “Nun. By the pen and what they write” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:1), elevating the act of writing to a divine status. In this light, books in Islam are not mere objects of study; they are sacred vessels of memory, guidance, and knowledge. The meticulous science of Hadith compilation, through which sayings and actions of the Prophet (SAW) were preserved in written form after rigorous authentication, further exemplifies the commitment to accuracy and preservation. Collections like Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim stand as monumental achievements in the history of Islamic scholarship. Even today, the act of reading religious texts, writing beneficial knowledge, and distributing books are seen as acts of worship. Thus, from the moment of revelation to the continuing tradition of writing and printing today, the Islamic tradition of books is a testimony to the divine importance of preserving and spreading knowledge a legacy that Muslims are entrusted to uphold in every generation.
Dr. Firdous A Reshi
