Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage in Dubai organized a virtual lecture titled “Influential Books in Arab Intellectual Heritage.” The lecture was delivered by Mr. Fahd Ali Al-Maamari, Chairman of the Emirates Library and Information Association and a researcher in folklore.
During the lecture, Mr. Al-Maamari explored the Arabic and Islamic library through influential books that have shaped Arab intellectual thought. He began by providing a general overview of the importance of authorship among Arabs and Muslims, emphasizing its role in enriching intellectual and cultural movements and its influence on other civilizations.
He then discussed the concept of an “influential book”—one that sparked widespread discussion due to its content, attracting scholars and readers for study, critique, and analysis. He explained the different ways to measure a book’s impact, including commentaries, interpretations, annotations, corrections, supplements, abridgments, refinements, and translations.
The speaker highlighted the role of these works in extending a book’s lifespan and enriching its content. He provided examples of influential books, such as Sibawayh’s Book, which inspired numerous scholarly commentaries. He also referenced Yatimat Al-Dahr fi Mahasin Ahl Al-Asr by Al-Tha’alibi as an example of a book that led to supplementary works and extensions.
Another example he presented was books that were built upon the content of earlier works or even carried the same title. He cited Al-Awa’il (The Firsts), a book whose compilation began in the mid-3rd century AH and continued until the 15th century AH, with 24 different versions bearing the same title.
At the conclusion of the lecture, the Juma Al Majid Center expressed its gratitude to Mr. Fahd Al-Maamari for his excellent presentation and his continued collaboration with the center.
