Sayyid Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Busaidi Library
Sayyid Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Busaidi LibraryManuscripts Section:Printed Books Section:Documents Section:Artifacts and Antiquities Section:The Role of the Library in Manuscript Preservation and Publication:
It was officially inaugurated in 1986 and is located in the Wilayat of Seeb in Muscat Governorate. The library is considered one of the most important reference libraries in Oman, attracting researchers, enthusiasts, and postgraduate students. It houses precious manuscripts and rare, seminal books.
The Manuscripts Section is the highlight of the library and a focal point for visitors, containing over four thousand manuscripts. These works cover a wide range of subjects, including jurisprudence, Islamic sciences, Arabic language, philosophy, history, general knowledge, and encyclopedias across various fields. They also feature collections of poetry, literature, history, linguistics, chemistry, medicine, astronomy, and more. Some of these manuscripts date back to the 6th century AH. Among the most notable manuscripts are:
Manuscript: The Mushaf (Quran) on the Ten Readings by Abdullah bin Bashir Al-Hadhrami Al-Sahari, copied in the year 1159 AH. (This manuscript tops the list of rare manuscripts in the library.)
Musnad of Imam Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, copied in the year 740 AH, authored by Abu al-Fadl Ismail bin Umar ibn Kathir Al-Basrawi. This work was copied during the author's lifetime.
Manuscript: Bayān Al-Sharʿ, the Omani Jurisprudential Encyclopedia by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kindi, consisting of 71 volumes.
Explanation of Ibn Wasaaf on the Foundations of Ibn Al-Nazhar. This manuscript dates back to the 6th century AH.
The Printed Books Section contains approximately seven thousand books across various fields of knowledge and sciences, with some holding particular rarity and significance.
The library is rich in important historical documents that chronicle periods and events in Oman's history. These documents date back to the beginning of the Al Bu Said dynasty's rule in the 18th century. Among the most significant of these documents are:
Historical Documents from Zanzibar.
Documents of Imam Salim bin Rashid Al-Kharousi.
Letters of the Imams to Their Governors and Agents.
Correspondences and some responses from Sheikh Al-Faqih Salim bin Hamad Al-Harthi.
Correspondences of Sayyida Salma bint Said.
The library features exhibits that highlight the pioneering role of Omanis throughout history, showcasing an important collection of historical paintings and photographs of various forts, castles, and archaeological sites. Additionally, it houses silver artifacts, including khanjars, swords, rifles, shields, and various types of women's jewelry, as well as pottery and Chinese porcelain from different historical periods, including:
Omani Silver Artifacts: The library includes an important section dedicated to women's jewelry and adornment tools.
Silver Coins and Various Commemorative Gifts: Belonging to Sayyid Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Busaidi.
Audio and Visual Tapes and Discs: Various types, including religious, cultural, historical, and national themes.
The library has made significant efforts in the field of publishing and printing numerous books, with over sixty titles produced. Among the most important of these are:
Tafsir Al-Muyassar of the Holy Quran (3 volumes).
Ittihaf Al-A'yan in the History of Omani Scholars (3 volumes).
Al-Tali' Al-Saeed in the History of Imam Ahmad bin Said.
In addition to various collections of poetry, the library also contains works on jurisprudence and astronomy.
