One of the miracles of Islam, that has confused historians and academics for centuries, is how a Dīn that began with a book being revealed to an un-lettered Prophet (ﷺ) in a largely illiterate Arabia went on to produce one of the greatest periods of flourishing of knowledge and the sciences that the world has ever known.
Knowledge, reading, & book culture of the Islamic Golden Ages
In weekend Islamic schools, every child learns about the Qur’ān’s first revelation,
“Read in the name of your Lord, who created humans…” [1]
And they learn that some years later, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) declared that prisoners of war after the Battle of Badr — unable to free themselves — would be released without ransom, if they taught ten Muslim children to read and write proficiently. [2]
The blossoming of knowledge
What many don’t realise is how this spark of knowledge flourished over the centuries.
An excellent example is that of Andalus (Muslim Spain), one of the pinnacles of classical Islamic civilisation.
Cordoba, an extraordinary city, surpassed any Christian city in its time. While the largest library in Christian Europe had consisted of only 600 volumes and the average Christian Europeans had limited access to books, Cordoba’s Arabic calligraphers produced around 60,000 hand-written books every year!
What is more, the Umayyad caliph in Andalus, al-Hakam, possessed a personal library of 400,000 volumes that covered poetry, theology, philosophy, medicine, and agriculture. [3]
Islamic civilisations were imbued with a culture of literacy
This phenomenon was not exclusive to Andalus; classical Islamic civilisations shone as beacons of knowledge and learning.
Their emphasis on literacy and reading paved the way for profound advancements in theology, science, art, philosophy, and governance, leaving a lasting impact on human history.
Islamic scholarship and the public education system, with madrasas, seminaries, and higher education institutions, fostered a culture of education and literacy, promoting a solid foundation of Islamic knowledge among the people. The Qur’ān became central to learning, encouraging widespread reading and memorisation among Muslims.
Jonathan Bloom, in Paper Before Print, explains that Muslim societies’ emphasis on literacy stemmed from the revelation of the Qur’ān, which elevated the seeking of knowledge, reading, and writing, as religious obligations. Meanwhile, during the same period, Europe experienced the “Dark Ages” — marked by low literacy rates, with churches and monasteries as primary repositories of written knowledge. [4]
Madrasas, the translation movement, and the lasting impact of Ibn Sina, al-Fārābī, al-Biruni, and others
The importance of knowledge in Islamic societies was evident through the madrasa system, which offered a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various subjects like theology, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature.
Esteemed scholars such as al-Fārābī, Ibn Sina, and al-Biruni emerged from these institutions, leaving an enduring impact on the world with their intellectual contributions.
Another significant achievement of classical Islamic civilisations was the translation movement that thrived in places like the Dar al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad and other regions under the Abbasid and later caliphates. This movement involved translating ancient texts from Greek, Persian, Indian, and other civilisations into Arabic, thus preserving valuable knowledge and expanding the intellectual horizons of Islamic societies.
These translations also played a crucial role in transmitting classical knowledge to Europe during the Renaissance. [5]
The appreciation for books and literacy in Islamic civilisations is exemplified by the establishment of extensive libraries throughout the Muslim world. The library of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez — dating back to the 9th Gregorian century — stands as the world’s oldest library in operation, a real testament to the enduring legacy of literacy in Islamic culture. [6]
This culture of reading and literacy in classical Islamic civilisations extended beyond the scholarly and elite classes, reaching all levels of society. Men, women, and children had access to education, contributing to social mobility and empowering individuals with knowledge. This was in stark contrast to Christian European societies of the time, where literacy and education were predominantly limited to the clergy and the privileged elite.
The regrettable current situation of the Muslim Ummah
Long ago, baggage trains from Damascus and Baghdad carried books and manuscripts from their abundant libraries to Andalusian shores in Europe, including translations of lost works since the Roman Empire’s collapse.
This sparked a flow of Christian scholars like Adelard of Bath, Robert of Chester, and Gerard of Cremona to journey to Muslim Spain. They sought education at the esteemed houses of learning, where Muslim intellectuals taught them a diverse range of subjects, including chemistry, theology, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and medicine.
This process, termed by historian Richard Bulliet as…
“…a massive transfer of culture, science, and technology,”
…brought knowledge and advancements from the Islamic world to Christian Europe. [3]
The commitment to knowledge, literacy, and reading stood as a crucial pillar of classical Islamic civilisations. However, this rich tradition of intellectual pursuit appears to be diminishing in modern Muslim societies.
This decline is not unique to Muslims; rather, it is a global trend influenced by digital distractions, economic challenges, and disparities in education.
Nevertheless, for Muslims, this presents a paradox, given our deeply ingrained value for education and knowledge.
Literacy and reading in the Muslim world
Based on the Arab Reading Index of 2016, the average Arab reads approximately 17 books annually, with only 35 per cent of the population engaging in regular reading.
This rate is significantly lower than the global average, as reported by the World Culture Score Index, which indicates that an average person reads about 12 books per year, with 60 per cent of the global population reading regularly.
A concerning aspect of these statistics is the potential impact on younger generations. UNESCO reports that some predominantly Muslim countries, like Pakistan and Afghanistan, exhibit literacy rates below 60 per cent, far below the global average of 86.3 per cent, indicating a substantial education deficit in these places.
Reasons behind the decline
Numerous factors contribute to this decline in reading and literacy.
Issues such as political instability, economic constraints, under-resourced education systems, and sociocultural influences play a role.
A 2017 Pew Research report also emphasised the lack of access to quality education and books in certain Muslim-majority countries, further contributing to the decline in reading habits.
To reverse this trend, a comprehensive approach is necessary.
Governments, educators, and community leaders must reassert the significance of literacy and reading for personal and societal development. On a policy level, investments in education and libraries, the implementation of literacy programmes, and efforts to make books accessible and affordable are essential steps to foster a culture of reading.
Literacy and reading among Muslims in the West
The lag in literacy and reading is not limited to Muslims in the Muslim world. But most tellingly, even in comparison to the overall population in the West, Muslim reading habits seem to fall behind.
In 2019, a National Endowment for the Arts report found that approximately 53 per cent of American adults read a book for leisure in the past year.
In contrast, a 2017 survey by the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding revealed that only 39 per cent of Muslim Americans had read a book in the same period.
Similar trends are evident in Europe. According to the Eurobarometer (2013), 70 per cent of EU citizens read at least one book per year, while a 2015 report by the Muslim Council of Britain indicated that the reading rates among Muslims in the UK were lower than the national average.
Nurturing the love of reading
It is crucial for Muslims worldwide to embrace their legacy of intellectualism and to view reading not only as a means to acquire knowledge, but also as a cherished tradition. Parents and educators play a significant role in nurturing the love of reading among children, setting the foundation for lifelong learning.
The tradition of literacy and reading in Islam holds the potential for personal and societal growth. It is an inheritance that modern Muslim societies should reclaim and hold dear, not just to honour their past but also to shape a more enlightened and prosperous future.
Revitalising the tradition of reading among Muslims in both the East and the West is not merely about preserving cultural heritage; it’s about equipping individuals with a valuable tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of their modern societies. Reading is more than a pastime; it serves as a bridge to awareness and mutual respect.
How reading transforms lives
Literacy and reading, often taken for granted, hold extraordinary transformative power.
Reading books and possessing strong literacy skills can transform lives in ways we often underestimate.
They not only offer a passport to a wealth of Islamic knowledge, but also provide tools for personal growth, professional success, and societal engagement.
Academic and professional success
The impact of reading is evident from early life.
According to a study in Psychological Science, children exposed to books and learning to read at a young age exhibit improved cognitive skills and better comprehension of complex ideas later in life, fostering essential critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. [7]
Recognised by the United Nations as a fundamental human right and a foundation for lifelong learning, literacy is directly linked to various indicators of success and well-being. UNESCO highlights how literacy enhances livelihoods, improves health, and facilitates social mobility.
On a personal level, literacy and reading open doors to knowledge and understanding. Studies by the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) consistently show that proficient reading skills correlate with higher academic achievement. Furthermore, reading cultivates critical thinking skills, as stated in the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy.
Transforming the reader
Literacy and reading extend beyond academic and professional achievements; they play a vital role in fostering empathy and understanding between diverse cultures.
Through reading, perspectives broaden, enabling us to empathise with others. A study in the journal Science reveals that reading literary fiction enhances our ability to comprehend others’ thoughts and emotions. [8]
Additionally, reading acts as mental stimulation, reducing stress and potentially delaying cognitive decline — as shown by the US National Institute on Aging — by promoting overall mental wellbeing and offering an escape and relaxation.
Transforming society
In a larger societal context, a literate society is better equipped to engage in societal processes and helps its members to live as engaged citizens, enabling them to make informed decisions.
According to a report by the World Literacy Foundation, increasing literacy rates by 1 per cent can lead to a 1.5 per cent rise in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
In summary, literacy and reading are instrumental in leading a successful and enriching life. They not only equip individuals with vital skills, but also contribute to societal progress and wellbeing.
In our rapidly evolving world, the transformative power of literacy and reading is more essential than ever.
Concluding remarks
In the fading glory of once-vibrant Islamic civilisations, it is disheartening to witness the decline of reading and literacy among Muslims, both in the East and the West. As the world races towards a future defined by rapid technological advancements, we must pause to grasp the profound significance of knowledge and understanding.
It falls upon us, as Muslims, to revive the love for reading and literacy in our communities and to foster a thirst for knowledge of all beneficial forms. Let us reignite the flame of intellectual curiosity and instil these values in the young minds of tomorrow.
By nurturing a culture of reading in our homes, we can empower ourselves and future generations to reclaim our ancestors’ legacy and create a brighter, enlightened, and prosperous future for the global Muslim community.
Together, we must work to reverse this decline and embrace the transformative power of reading and literacy in guiding us towards wisdom, progress, and unity in our Ummah.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Qur’ān, 96:1-2
[2] al-Rahīq al-Makhtūm (The Sealed Nectar) by Saif al-Raḥmān al- Mubārakpurī
[3] Carr, M. Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain. New Press, 2011
[4] Bloom, Jonathan M. Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World. Yale University Press, 2001
[5] Lyons, J. The House of Wisdom: How the Arabs Transformed Western Civilisation
[6] Makdisi, G. The Rise of Colleges: Institutions of Learning in Islam and the West
[7] Early Reading Matters: Long-term Impacts of Shared Book reading with Infants and Toddlers on Language and Literacy Outcomes. Psychological Science, 2017
[8] Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind. Science, 2013
Such an interesting article. Would be great to hear what parents can practically do to nurture a culture of literacy at home.
MashaALLAH
Beautiful
May ALLAH KAREEM bless more knowledge