His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the "Sharjah Libraries Centennial" celebration on Wednesday evening at Sharjah Fort. The event marked a century since the founding of the libraries by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi, celebrated under the theme "100 Years of Stories."
During his speech, His Highness conveyed his happiness on this momentous occasion, reflecting about the long journey of the libraries over the decades. He talked about the qualities of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the founder, describing him as an exceptional individual—humble, generous, and compassionate, who made a significant impact not just as a ruler but also as an outstanding human being.
His Highness recounted a personal story, detailing an incident in which a man presented spoiled meat to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr, voicing concerns about blood-tainted water. In the process, the man accidentally stained Sheikh Sultan’s clothes with blood. However, instead of displaying any anger, Sheikh Sultan remained calm, instructing his guards not to punish the man. Demonstrating his compassion and fairness, Sheikh Sultan not only returned the man’s money but also advised him to be more cautious when purchasing meat in the future. Sheikh Sultan returned home, changed his clothes, applied some perfume, and took his seat again, appearing as though nothing had happened.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, highlighted the humility and wisdom of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, recalling an incident where he demonstrated his profound character. His Highness shared that Sheikh Sultan was once seated in the library when his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, was about to take an important action. Sheikh Sultan calmly intervened, saying, "No, Mohammed, it is not permissible, no matter what. These are your people, no matter what." His Highness stressed that such words and actions should be remembered and upheld in one’s values and conduct.
His Highness also highlighted Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s deep intellectual and literary acumen, describing him as a passionate reader and a highly cultured figure. He praised Sheikh Sultan’s Nabati poetry, noting its grammatical precision and flawless linguistic structure.
His Highness revealed that he inherited Sheikh Sultan’s personal library, which became the foundation of Sharjah’s libraries. Over the years, the library was relocated multiple times before finally settling in its current location at the Cultural Square. His Highness underscored the far-reaching impact of this library, which has touched every home in Sharjah through the "Library in Every Home" initiative. Today, the number of libraries has grown to thousands, ensuring that no home in Sharjah is without a library.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, revealed that Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi had a library connected to his bedroom, a practice His Highness himself follows. In considering this matter, His Highness was thinking whether it was simply a coincidence or a noteworthy tradition. His Highness described books as valued companions, highlighting their ability to bring joy, laughter, and at times, sorrow, thus enriching life through their narratives. He also stressed that books are the essence of a nation's cultural and intellectual identity, expressing regret that society has increasingly drifted away from knowledge and, before that, faith, becoming consumed by worldly distractions and trivial concerns.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah emphasised that the library being celebrated today represents the foundation and starting point of a rich legacy. His Highness expressed his gratitude to all those who have preserved this library and paid tribute to its founder and those who contributed to its development.
His Highness called on everyone to strive for the advancement of knowledge and learning, urging the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, who dedicated their time to the pursuit of knowledge. He encouraged sons and daughters to aspire to the same places achieved by their forebears, who spent their days immersed in the joy of learning.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recalled the inspiring journey of Sheikh Ghanem bin Salem Al Shamsi (May His Soul Rest In Peace) and his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. His journey commenced in Makkah, as he traveled alongside pilgrims to the Levant and subsequently to Iraq, where he pursued studies under respected scholars, facing the challenges of travel in his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Addressing today’s youth, His Highness emphasised the ease of accessing knowledge in the modern era, saying, "Knowledge is at your fingertips, and libraries now exist within these devices. Seek knowledge, learn, and educate yourselves." He also cited the words of Allah Almighty: "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (Surah Az-Zumar: 9).
His Highness emphasised that the library being honored today serves as the foundation and the starting point, expressing his gratitude to all who have preserved this institution and offering prayers for its founder and those who contributed to its establishment. His Highness urged everyone to elevate knowledge and learning, encouraging sons and daughters to achieve what their ancestors accomplished, as they spent wonderful times in the pursuit of knowledge.