While some authors excel in particular niches within the realm of writing, there are a select few who possess the extraordinary ability to traverse various literary and creative domains with unparalleled prowess. Among these literary polymaths stands the name of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He has embarked on a multifaceted journey through the realms of knowledge and the written word, exploring diverse genres and styles, including history, novels, theatre, and even the delicate art of poetry. What unites and distinguishes His Highness's exceptional contributions in these diverse fields is his unerring focus on the tapestry of history. In the past, he uncovers the truth that weaves together the narrative of humanity.
Through his novels and theatrical masterpieces, His Highness embarks on a profound historical journey, traversing the landscapes of both ancient and modern times. With unwavering determination, he delves deep into the annals of history, seeking to rectify the distortions that have tarnished the reputation of many individuals and to dismantle the stereotypes that have become deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness.
This multifaceted approach to writing unveils a grand intellectual endeavor led by His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. In his historical tomes, encompassing a myriad of studies, narratives, and theatrical creations, he weaves intricate intellectual and philosophical narratives that transcend time and space. Henceforth, His Highness has consistently favored a style marked by simplicity and clarity, shying away from intricacies and obscurities. His purpose is to ensure that the messages of his research and creative works resonate with individuals across a spectrum of intellectual aptitudes, reaching them directly and without impediment.
Clearly, His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, undertakes a substantial intellectual endeavor through his diverse writing styles. His historical volumes, spanning studies, narratives, and theatrical creations, all bear the imprints of profound intellectual and philosophical insights. Hence, His Highness consistently chooses a straightforward and unambiguous writing style, prioritizing accessibility over complexity. This approach ensures that his research findings and creative works can directly engage individuals across a broad spectrum of intellectual levels.
In his pursuit of presenting the unadulterated truth to readers, he delves deep into the intricate study and analysis of historical facts. He relies on authentic references that have remained untouched by the distortions and fabrications that have, over time, veiled and skewed events. This formidable undertaking demands not only a profound awareness and extensive research experience but also a methodical approach that involves thorough analysis, comparison, and deconstruction of historical narratives.
This, indeed, defines His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah's historical writing. These studies have not only introduced novel and more accurate perspectives but have also rectified numerous prevailing historical misconceptions. His work serves as a beacon, illuminating the truth that has remained concealed for years behind the formidable mountains of misinformation and obscurity.
The Discourse of Civilization
The discourse between civilizations, particularly the West and the East, including Arabs and Muslims, should be founded upon a bedrock of transparency and truth. It is essential for fostering relationships that prioritize equality, equity, and mutual respect.
The shift towards embracing values of tolerance and extending a hand towards global peace necessitates a corresponding commitment from the West, acknowledging past practices and unveiling the truth about historical events. Through his literary works, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah condemns the injustices committed against Arabs and Muslims in various regions. This condemnation is rooted in a profound connection with the current, lived reality, as delving into history sheds light on much of what transpires around us. Historical excavation unveils the deep-seated origins of various phenomena, demanding meticulous research. His Highness has tirelessly undertaken these intellectual endeavors, utilizing a wide array of research tools, including field visits, museum exploration, and visits to institutions housing invaluable historical documents and manuscripts.
The Arab Cause
The matters and concerns of the Arab and Islamic nations have consistently held a central place within the historical writings of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. These writings, spanning various genres and forms, serve as a steadfast defense of Arab civilization, culture, and intellectual heritage. Through a multitude of research and creative works, His Highness has remained dedicated to upholding and preserving the essence of the Arab cause throughout his lifetime.
In his diverse literary works, he traverses the radiant realms of Arab and Islamic heritage, unveiling their illustrious history and enduring values. Rooted in a time-honored and inspirational legacy, this heritage embodies a profound repository of values and morals that are shared with the world at large. The Arab and Islamic heritage, deeply embedded in the very soil of the Arab world and the collective consciousness of its people, serves as a beacon guiding the Arab individual in dispelling misconceptions and falsehoods, while authentically representing their rich legacy.
This movement emerged during a tumultuous chapter in Western history, with the aim of showcasing the finest attributes of the ancient Arab and Islamic civilizations—values steeped in virtue that simultaneously promote peace and strength, tolerance and courage.
These are the spheres in which His Highness's writings and research studies navigate, as well as the creative visions laden with his ideas in the domains of novels, poetry, rhetoric, literary studies, and biographical works.
Arab, Islamic, and universal values take center stage in His Highness's writings, offering readers an immersive journey that seamlessly bridges the past and present. His narratives are crafted with a rational logic that reframes age-old tales of heroism, stories, and glories as windows into bygone eras, providing a captivating historical projection that casts a discerning eye on reality. Through this creative lens, doses of innovation infuse the narrative, prompting a crucial question: How can we fashion a shared, harmonious world where diverse cultures and societies coexist in mutual respect and peace, free from the ravages of war? These works, in their exploration of these profound inquiries, endeavor to provide answers that lay out a history unmarred by imperfections.
Journeying Through Time
Delving into the writings of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, immerses the reader wholly within the historical epochs where events and facts unfolded. Through his extensive research and literary creations, His Highness unveils vivid imagery and presents facts reborn in a fresh garb, stripping away the veils that obscure the truth. His historical writing, fortified by meticulously researched documents, compelling arguments, and unblemished evidence, offers a formidable challenge to both experts and average readers, inviting them to pause and reflect deeply on the narratives within.
Instead, the writer, in this immersive quest for knowledge, weaves a fresh narrative within the tapestry of history. His aim is to do justice to the many overlooked pockets and concealed secrets, buried beneath layers of historical distortion, lost in the sands of time and regions left uncharted. In doing so, he provides comprehensive enlightenment on all that has been unjustly neglected. His Highness goes beyond mere narration; he offers novel and compelling arguments, shining a light on long-forgotten chapters, unveiling files that have languished in obscurity. This is the remarkable feat achieved by His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, in his explorations of both ancient and contemporary history. In the following section, we will delve into a selection of these significant works.
Expansive Realms
The Western occupation of the Gulf region and the broader Arab world serves as a prominent focal point in the writings of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. His works illuminate numerous forgotten practices, events, and facts, with a fervent commitment to their restoration and contemplation. Among his notable publications is "The British Occupation of Aden," published in 1991. This work offers a revealing glimpse into British colonialism, which cast its shadow across various corners of the Arab world. Within these pages, the author delves into Britain's strategy to occupy Aden, uncovering the intricacies of its covert execution, hidden behind veils of deception, evasion, and intrigue.
Additionally, "The Division of the Omani Empire (1856-1862)" addresses a longstanding controversy. It tackles the falsehood concocted by the East India Company, which circulated a narrative claiming that Mr. Saeed had divided the Omani Empire among his sons. This book meticulously confronts and utterly debunks these falsehoods.
Furthermore, "Omani-French Relations (1715-1905)" provides a comprehensive study that illuminates the power struggles in Oman as it was sought after by both French and British powers. This work offers insights into a complex historical web of political maneuvers and strategic rivalries.
Furthermore, the book "Omani Arab Documents in the French Archive Centers," published in 1993, represents a remarkable collection of documents that His Highness compiled during the research for his work, "The Omani-French Relationship." These documents were acquired from various French sources and enrich the historical narrative.
In addition, "David Seaton's Diary in the Gulf (1800-1809)," published in 1994, is a valuable collection of historical testimonies. His Highness stumbled upon a set of notebooks written by David Seaton himself in a London bookstore. These notebooks provide unique insights into the historical record, as well as a collection of documents associated with Captain J. Wiesette, the leader of the British campaign against the Qawasim.
In Pursuit of Truth
Exploring the enigmatic facets of history holds a wealth of rewards, chief among them being the redemption of misunderstood and misrepresented individuals. One pivotal work in this endeavor is "Statement for the Glorious Historians in the Innocence of Ibn Majid," published in 2000. His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, recalled in the book's introduction a lecture he delivered during his tenure as a professor of modern Arabian Gulf history at the University of Sharjah. In this lecture, he brought to light the historical inaccuracy that credited the Arab sailor Ahmed Bin Majid with guiding "Vasco de Gama" from the East African coast to India. His Highness corroborated that all sixteenth-century Portuguese historians were unanimous in attributing this feat to a " Gujarati guide" marking a significant maritime connection between Europe and the East in 1498.
In a similar vein, His Highness employs his historical sleuthing in "The Rule of Qaraqosh... A Study in the Rule of History," published in 2013. This book unearths numerous historical truths, recounting them in a captivating narrative style. It dismantles the fictitious narratives that have shrouded Abu Saeed Qaraqosh bin Abdullah Al-Asadi, who has been unjustly depicted as a cruel and unhinged tyrant in distorted accounts. His Highness's work sets the record straight, dispelling the cloud of historical misrepresentation that has lingered around this figure.
Correspondence
One of the pivotal and research-driven publications is the 2012 release titled "Correspondence of the Sultans of Zanzibar." This book holds significant importance for individuals with a keen interest in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. It offers a distinguished collection of rigorous historical studies, solidifying its status as a crucial resource for anyone seeking to delve into the history of the region. This volume stands as a genuine scholarly endeavor, treating historical documents as invaluable sources for crafting a comprehensive historical narrative. These documents serve as living, dependable, and contemporary resources for the specific time period they represent, making them an indispensable asset for historians and researchers.
In the 2015 publication "Tale of a City," His Highness invites readers on a meticulously detailed journey filled with opulent beauty and boundless pleasure. This journey is particularly enchanting as it pertains to the Emirate of Sharjah. The book serves as a captivating chronicle, meticulously tracing the emirate's history and illuminating the splendor of its various facets and locales.
The narrative unfolds with a heartfelt demonstration of His Highness's deep affection for Sharjah, a place that has borne witness to the most exquisite and cherished moments of his life. It is not just a mere portrayal of the city and its geographical features; rather, it is a profound exploration of the pivotal role it played in history, notably in its resistance against British occupation in the Arabian Gulf. The book stands as a repository of precise and well-documented information, offering invaluable insights into the region's past.
In the 2009 publication "My Early Life," His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah masterfully weaves together history, profound thoughts, literary expression, and personal narration. What distinguishes this book is the compelling introduction penned by His Highness, wherein he declares his intent: "I wrote this book to chronicle the history of my people and my nation over a span of twenty-nine years." His Highness guides us through the pages of the book, immersing us in a world of memories and exquisite details, each intricately tied to a sense of place and its collective memory.
The narrative is infused with a profound spirituality and aesthetic elegance that inspire contemplation and deep introspection. Within this tale, His Highness's deep love for his homeland shines through, underscoring the immense efforts and pivotal moments that laid the foundation for the strong, resilient nation it is today.
In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, an era often referred to as the pre-oil period, a compelling narrative unfolds—a tale of unwavering determination, resolve, and distinctiveness. This book takes the reader on a mesmerizing journey through those bygone times and places, rekindling the evocative essence of history and storytelling. It invites us to explore the profound significance of belonging and identity.
Within the pages of this book, His Highness shares the intricacies of his life journey before ascending to power. Moreover, he chronicles the captivating narrative of Sharjah's evolution. The narrative is infused with vivid, authentic details that resonate deeply with the reader, touching hearts and allowing us to connect with this remarkable journey of heritage, resilience, and transformation.
Additionally, there's a book titled "Taking the Reins (Hadith Al Thakira)," in which His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, embarks on a captivating journey through its three distinct parts. This literary voyage meanders between his beloved homeland, the Emirate of Sharjah, the broader Arab world, and a myriad of intellectual perspectives that have prevailed throughout various historical epochs. Within its pages, the book delves into concealed secrets and navigates through a multitude of situations.
This work stands as a historical document of immense value, catering to the needs of researchers and scholars alike. Through an engaging narrative style, the reader is treated to a fascinating exploration of the tales surrounding the establishment and continuous development of the state until its banner graced the expansive horizons.
His Highness diligently continues his mission of documenting the ever-smiling emirate through his latest work, "Houses of the City of Sharjah, its Neighboring Villages and Residents," which was published in 2022. This book offers a comprehensive documentation of the residences in the city of Sharjah and the adjacent villages. It stands out as it is built upon an aerial photography plan dating back to 1960, providing a unique and invaluable historical perspective.
Decree
Among the notable works based on rare manuscripts stands the book "Papal Decree (of Pope Urban VIII)... Pope of the Catholic Church," which was published in 2021. This book holds a significant place as a key reference for researchers. In his introduction to the book, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi shares a remarkable story: "I came into possession of a manuscript dating back to August 14, 1624 AD. It is a papal decree, meticulously edited and sealed in Rome, within the walls of the church of Santa Maria Maguire by the Pope of Rome. The decree is inscribed on a parchment measuring 82×65 cm." His Highness's acquisition of this unique manuscript is a testament to his dedication to preserving and sharing historical treasures.
In 1622, English and Persian forces successfully expelled the Portuguese from Hormuz, ending their 115-year occupation of the region. Throughout their rule, the Portuguese leadership had collaborated with priests in an effort to Christianize both the inhabitants of Hormuz and the Arabian coast of the Gulf. However, after their expulsion from Hormuz, King Philip of Portugal sought to regain control of the region. To fund his ambitions, he turned to the clergy, who contributed two hundred thousand Cruzado gold coins, which was the currency of Portugal at that time. However, this financial support proved insufficient to assemble a fleet capable of retaking Hormuz.
Pope Urban VIII, the Pope of the Catholic Church, issued a papal decree to collect the necessary funds for this endeavor, and a translation of that decree is presented at the outset of this study. In addition, an appendix containing detailed information about the fleet, its movements, and the battles it engaged in is included. The journey and exploits of this fleet are meticulously documented until it encountered its fateful setback in the Gulf region.
In the book "Who is the Houli?" published in 2021, His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, provides a comprehensive documentary account of the Hula tribes, whose presence extended across Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. Researchers suggest that the Hula Arabs originally inhabited the Al-Hol desert, situated in the Arabian Peninsula between Mosul and Raqqa along the banks of the Holi River. Over time, these tribes migrated to southern Iraq, and eventually, in the early 10th century AH, they sought refuge in the Kingdom of Hormuz. His Highness's work sheds light on the historical journey and experiences of the Hula tribes, offering valuable insights into their migratory path and the dynamics that shaped their history.
Highly Confidential
The book, "The Inquisition: An Investigation of Twenty-Three Case Files Against Muslims in Andalusia," published in 2020, is a substantial reference work divided into two volumes. It delves deep into the clandestine courts that enforced brutal measures, including executions and burnings, against Muslims in Andalusia. This comprehensive collection is replete with manuscripts that bear the weight of a tragic history that has remained shrouded in secrecy for too long. It unequivocally exposes the horror of these crimes, offering a chilling account of a dark chapter in Spain's hidden history. The book features over 23 manuscripts in the form of trial files, guiding us through the obscure and little-known facets of the secret history of Spain, where the cruelty of the Inquisition stood in stark contrast to the values of justice and humanity.
The book reveals the inhumane endeavors characterized by the persistent efforts of Catholics to force Muslims to convert from their faith, employing a range of intimidation tactics and threats.
Simple language
A significant historical book is "I Condemn," published in 2017. This book is a vital resource that challenges the inaccurate official history authored by the Spaniards. It specifically focuses on the plight of the Morisco Muslims following the conquest of Granada on April 2, 1492, under the rule of the last Moorish king, Abu Abdullah XII, also known as "Abu Abdullah Al Sagheer" (1460-1527).
He was the king of Granada, belonging to the Bani Nasr dynasty of rulers. After surrendering to Ferdinand II, he was derogatorily referred to by the Spaniards as "the Farkh “chick." However, the people of Granada knew him as "Zaghabi," the son of "Moulay Abu al-Hassan," who ruled the Kingdom of Granada in Andalusia during two separate periods, from 1464 to 1485.
The book delves into the atrocities committed against Muslims during this tumultuous period. The author presents ten documents, each serving as compelling evidence against various segments of the Spanish populace at that time. His Highness employs a unique approach in the book, systematically laying out the convictions, elucidating them, and then meticulously presenting and arranging them one by one.
The book is deliberately crafted to reach the widest audience possible, employing a straightforward and easily comprehensible language. The goal is to prevent any confusion that might lead to misinterpretation. Each conviction is accompanied by a list of related facts, along with supporting documents, photographs, and historical records in both Spanish and Arabic. This comprehensive approach aims to firmly establish the arguments and evidence.
The book's title, "I Condemn," carries profound connotations and symbolism, serving as a culmination and summary of the text. The author has transitioned from a position of research, investigation, and accusation to a new phase embodied in the book's title — condemnation. This title was not chosen lightly; it reflects the author's conviction and the reassurance of his mind and heart regarding the judgment presented in the text.
A vision that elevates heroism and glory to the forefront of the scene
All the books chronicling the history of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, are distinguished by their meticulous research and precision. This is evident through the numerous works that delve into the past, including titles such as "Under the Banner of Occupation," "The Power Struggle and Trade in the Gulf 1620-1820 AD," " Al Qawasim and the British Aggression (1797-1820)," "The Division of the Omani Empire," "The British Occupation of Aden," "The Power Struggle and Trade in the Gulf (1620-1820)," "The Kuwait Statement: A Biography of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah," "Sharjah Air Station between East and East," "The Economy of the Emirates of the Coast in the Nineteenth Century," "John Malcolm and the British Trade Base in the Gulf 1800," "Letter of Somali Leaders to Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi 1837," "The Gulf in Historical Maps," "Description of Muscat Fort and other Castles on the Coast of the Gulf of Oman," "Sheikh Sufi Rashid bin Matar Al Qasimi," and "Al Ghaflah... One of the Ghazi clans in the United Arab Emirates." These writings offer valuable insights into the historical events and contexts that have shaped the region and the world. They collectively underscore a valuable lesson: history is not shaped by capricious whims but by careful documentation and research.
Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper, The Cultural Edition