Nabawi Mosque Library Welcomes Pilgrims with Ancient Islamic Treasures

The Nabawi Mosque Library in Medina, Saudi Arabia, has welcomed Hajj pilgrims, offering them a chance to explore its vast collection of Islamic knowledge. This ancient institution provides international visitors access to a wide array of scholarly resources and educational services within a serene environment.

Recognized as one of the oldest libraries in the Islamic world, the facility acts as a centuries-old repository for researchers, students, and intellectuals. The main library is situated on the west side of the mosque, near Stair 10. Specialized sections for female researchers are located on the north side, near Gate 24, and the northwest side, near Gate 12.

The library boasts an impressive collection, featuring around 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digitized and photographed manuscripts, 4,600 multimedia items, and over 250 rare handwritten copies of the Quran. This diverse collection establishes the library as a premier destination for Islamic manuscript heritage, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

To assist visitors, the library offers dedicated spaces, including a manuscript room, a rare books section, and an audio library. Modern digital cataloging services enable researchers to find accurate and accessible materials, supporting the institution's historical mission of preserving global Islamic heritage. The library is considered one of the oldest in Saudi Arabia, with its components formed across various historical eras, predating the 1481 fire that destroyed many of its valuable Quranic and sacred texts.