The writings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, are not limited to one creative type. His Highness wrote about history, heritage, theatre, poetry, narration and biographies. The link between all these experiences is Arab and Islamic history, which is notably present in most of those works of literature. This indicates the importance of history and its growing impact on our present and future lives. Thus, His Highness also highlights the great roles played by many Arab and Islamic personalities in various fields of knowledge, to restore consideration to them after they were almost forgotten.

Addressing history with His Highness establishes a new base for relations between people, based on transparency and apology. Especially with regard to the occupier, that is a fundamental principle that aims to learn the appropriate lessons from history. This is a thread that is found in most of the books of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, in all the styles that he used. Readers can sometimes find themselves at a loss in classifying some books, is it a novel, or is it a book in history, or a biography? This is because some of these works are already difficult to categorize, as they are open texts, or, as the Romanian writer Emil Cioran says: “What matters the most is the actual writing and words, not creative patterns.”

Therefore, the process of wandering through these works involves a real pleasure and a journey of exploration to many unknowns and history.

The challenging ease

The thing that draws the readers’ attention the most when they are in the presence of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s books, is the plain language, or what is called “the challenging ease”, which incites the reader to continue reading without stopping. This indicates the author’s great desire to make words and messages reach his recipient, which at the same time illustrates an ability to transform the experience of reading difficult books, works, dictionaries, and strenuous research into a readable material. Those are beautiful and deep worlds that range from narration, history, thought and dialogue, those tall trees in the orchard of knowledge, which have been translated into many living world languages.

His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, considers writing as a responsibility that also carries a message, a purpose and a meaning. Since literary works in the fields of narration and poetry, like those of history, heritage and theatre, are the product of research and a journey of documentation, investigation and research. There is no place for confusion or ambiguity, as such words bear great respect for the recipient, by not placing unchecked or unverified information.

Therefore, in evaluating some of His Highness's literary works, there is an interesting journey that combines beauty, brilliance and meaning. 

The struggle led by Al Qasimi Family

The "Deep-Seated Malice" novel is one of the remarkable novels of His Highness. Its Arabic version was published in 2004, and it was translated into many languages such as English, Russian, Urdu and Malayalam. Last year it was also translated into Portuguese.

The novel delves deeply into an era in the history of the Emirate of Sharjah, dealing with the story of the great struggle waged by the Al Qasimi family against Portuguese colonialism led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, the malevolent man who participated in the Crusades in North Africa and the Mediterranean. The novel traces the hostile spirit that characterized the Portuguese campaigns in the countries of the Middle East. Furthermore, the events of the novel uncover the malevolent purposes of the leader of Albuquerque making them more and more apparent, when he heads to the cities of the Arab coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and then Hormuz on the Arabian Gulf, bombing and destroying cities, and killing people.

If the novel the “Deep-Seated Malice” has referred to a dark period due to hatred, then we can say that the novel the “Rebel Prince” novel is a work that takes the reader into the worlds of heroism, courage and Arab bravery, with realistic details. The novel deals with part of the biography of Prince Muhanna bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Zaabi. That hero, who revolted against the Persians’ rule over the Arabs living on the coast of Persia. The novel narrates his continuous victories against the Persians and the Dutch. This work is backed by investigative research in related references, to be narrated in a pleasing manner with literary tools that combine aesthetic and creative dimensions. Therefore, the importance of such work comes from the fact that it addresses an important stage in Arab history, so that it remains alive and does not fall into oblivion.

Scattered threads

With a deep vision, His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, gathers scattered threads in his novel “The Head of the Prince Muqran”, in which we sense an ability to penetrate the depths of things through the power of intellectual, historical, and narrative approaches, where the author delves into the unknowns of the past, and explores Arab and Islamic history. To reveal what was excluded from important events, which had to be highlighted in order to correct misconceptions related to many details. Therefore, the uniqueness lies in the fact that the novel creates an orderly thread linking divergent events that took place in many regions such as: Herat, Hormuz, Bahla in Oman, Julfar, and Bahrain. In order to connect the narrations between separate facts and events. The work deals, in its general framework, with the story of "Muqrin bin Zamil Al-Jabri Al-Khalidi", the ruler of eastern Arabia, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qatif and Bahrain, who was defeated in a battle by the invading Portuguese on July 27, 1521, who subjugated the islands of Bahrain. As in regard to Muqrin, he had been captured in the battle and died of his wounds a few days later, but the Portuguese commander, Antonio Correia, pursued him and beheaded his bleeding head.

Clarifications

The novel “The Rule of Qaraqosh…Investigation of history’s judgements” is also one of the writings of a narrative nature, through which His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah works to elucidate the accumulated ambiguities of many historical facts. In the novel, which is presented with a unique narrative style, the author reviews the falsehood that surrounded Abu Saeed Qaraqosh bin Abdullah al-Asadi, around whom unreal stories were woven, depicting him as a cruel and an insane oppressor. Therefore, the writer aimed to clarify the erroneous information that was leaked by prejudiced writings, that made Qaraqosh, appear as a man with strange rulings. On the contrary, he was a valiant and brave man, who worked in the service of the hero of Islam, Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, as he was one of his loyal and closest supporters, as well as a victorious leader, an honest soldier and a skilled military engineer.

Successive events

Among the works that were distinguished by excellence and narrative quality, was the wonderful novel titled “Bibi Fatima and the King’s Sons,” which carried a different aesthetic vision, and a narrative that combined narration and history. It narrates a story about the history of the Kingdom of Hormuz, starting from the year 1588 until 1622, ending with the Portuguese occupation and their defeat by the English. The novel raises many issues, and the five chapters of the novel reveal advanced stages of escalation in the narrative, relying on successive events. It is very in-depth and is based on more than 35 historical sources and documents.

Investigation

Among the works that came as a result of a big intellectual effort and remarkable investigative research is the novel “The White Shaikh”, which is a narrative work that leans on the facts of history, and events that took place during the nineteenth century. In which the author made a great effort by collecting documents, and with his visit to the city of Salem in the United States of America, where he compared the old buildings of the remaining part of the city with those in the town of Johannes Paul. He visited the Peabody Museum and even searched for the grandchildren of Johannes Paul in Dhofar and found Mr. Abdul Khaleq bin Salmeen bin Rabi. As well as the grandchildren of Johannes Paul and the mother “Brecon”. These are the characters who dominate the novel’s multiple scenes.

Exploration

The novel "Philip the Arab, Marcus Julius Phillips" bears testimony to the author's high ability to explore neglected places in history, and to shed light on events that were not adequately addressed by the narrators, despite their historical importance. The work discussed the Arab influence in Western culture by Roman Emperor “Marcus Julius Phillips”, famous for Philip, was born in the year “204 AD”, in a village near the city of Bosra al-Sham, meaning he was Arab. He is famous for his decision to grant the Roman citizenship to all citizens of the states in the regions of the Mediterranean without exception. The novel is told through an interesting account in which the author paints a literary image of the details regarding that period.

Biographies and Stances

In addition to writing novels, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah excelled in the field of creative writing related to biography and self-narration. Through which he describes very beautiful worlds, bearing the fragrance of places, the magic of history, and the influential traits of personalities. The narration leads the reader to intimate and wonderful facts. An example of these elegant and poetic books is “Tale of A City”, in which “Sharjah” is presented, as an emirate and a city in which the narration roams in its history, present, its details and events. And since the author wrote with love, the reader can sense the deep ability of analysis that depicts part of the conflict of regional powers, and the great role that the Emirate played in the struggle against the British colonial presence in the Gulf.

The meanings of belonging

In a transparent language and details brimming with beauty and magnificence, the book “My Early Life (Sard Al That)” was published, to show great potential and a remarkable ability from the writer by possessing a stylistic combination of narration, historical facts and intellectual radiances, which leads the reader towards the clear meanings with the splendor and beauty contained in an introduction, written by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in which he says in a part of it “I wrote this book to document the history of my family and my country, over a period of twenty-nine years.” It presents the biography of the homeland and the efforts that were made in its establishment, the moments that preceded that, the stories before oil, the stories that show strength and determination, and highlights the meanings of belonging and identity. In the book, His Highness tells of the details of his journey in life before assuming the reins of government.

Overflow of memory

Among the notable works in the field of biography is “Taking the Reins, The critical Years 1971-1977”, a huge book that mentions in its three parts, the homeland, the Emirate of Sharjah, the Arab world, and many intellectual visions that prevailed in different historical stages. It explores with secrets. It evaluates many situations. serving as a historical document for researchers and scholars. Moreover, the reader the reader becomes familiarized in an interesting way with the stories of the establishment of the state and its steady development until its banner crowded the horizons. Pausing at important stages in history of the country. 

Harvest

Among the prominent literature in the field of biography and documentation, is the book “Hasad Al Sinneen”, which occupies a distinguished position, as it is a testimony to thirty years of establishment and creation of the Sharjah Cultural Project, which is based on continuous creative work. The book pauses at important stops and deals with the cultural achievements of the Emirate of Sharjah, that was established through vision, knowledge and insight by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. It is the project under which generations are raised, and intellectuals graduate in its institutions and initiatives, which are a developed, national and Arab act that is open towards others. Moreover, the book lists all the cultural activities that come as a broad title for the Sharjah Cultural Project, since its inception to the present moment. 

Examination

In historical writing, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah follows a disciplined approach based on investigation and verification of historical facts. Based on documented references of high credibility. The reader can notice in these works the precision of documenting the smallest of details in an academic manner. In addition to utilizing wisdom from tradition and heritage. Combining these assets creatively in a way that makes both the writer and the historian present a harmonious presence in a way that is rarely matched. To expose falsehood and deception in some of its facts. It is also the establishment of relations based on equality and respect with countries. His Highness’s historical writing is aimed at a number of objectives. Including the expression of Arab and Islamic culture and the immortal heritage. Among the most important recently issued historical works, we find the book “Friendship and Trade Treaty between the King of Portugal and the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1879 AD”. It explores through research and documents the personality of Sultan “Barghash”. providing illumination to an important historical stage. In addition to the book “Who is Al Holy?”, and the publication of “The Decisive Distinction in the Lineage and History of Al Qasimi Family”.

Condemnation

In the context of addressing the historical research that made a big difference and revealed many hidden facts, it is necessary to refer to one of the most important books, which is the book “I Condemn”. It is a conviction that stands against a conviction that was previously carried out without law, evidence or justice. Rather, it was severe injustice. While the condemnation in His Highness’s book is the one that comes as a result of documents, and the availability of evidence, it is also the one that investigates justice, as it is a plea that addresses the conscience of humanity, supported by all the requirements of research that seeks the truth. Taking into account that lies and deceit in regards to facts had resulted in a lot of injustice to Arab history and heritage. Not only in Andalusia, but throughout the Arab world, and have taken the fabricated facts as a platform for attacking the Arabs in history, culture and civilization. The scene has been occupied by many Western literature that is biased towards the official view; That is, the false history written by the victors, who filled the world with noise to silence the few voices that uttered the truth, Therefore, the book leads the reader to  those dark unknowns in the secretive history of Spain, where the Inquisition with all its cruelty, which is absent from the values of law and the pursuit of justice, and reveals those inhuman attempts by some of the Catholics to convert Muslims, under various kinds of intimidation and threat.

Trial

On the same lines of anti-injustice and distorted facts, comes the book “The Inquisition: An Investigation of Twenty-Three Files of Cases Committed Against Muslims in Andalusia”. It is a huge reference located in two parts and deals with the issue and history of Muslims in Andalusia. The book highlights to readers the facts of the secret courts that used to practice execution burning of the accused, and many despicable acts towards Muslims. In the book, His Highness draws attention to an important issue that adds value to this book, when he mentioned that many Spanairds may not know anything about these crimes, as the manuscripts that carry with it the tragic history, remained preserved in confidentiality. This highlights the atrocity of those crimes. Since keeping the manuscripts and documents in secret indicates a sure desire to conceal and cover up the crime. However, through diligent systematic research, His Highness was able to obtain more than 23 manuscripts in the form of trial files, to verify them with research and investigation. This remarkable effort gave the book credibility, as it is one of the rare books that treated distorted historical facts by means of verified and documented facts. 

Review of the past

All the books and works of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah that deal with historical material are distinguishable by precision and accuracy. This is evidenced by his numerous writings that dig into the past, for example, books such as: “Under the Flag of Occupation”, “A Momentous Journey” and “Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf (1620-1820)”, “Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra (Tadmor)", “The Correspondence of Sultans of Zanzibar”, “Al Qwasim and the British Aggression (1797-1820)”, the “Division of the Omani Empire (1856-1862)”, the “British Occupation of Aden”, and “Omani-French Relations (1715-1905)”, “Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf (1620 1820)”, “Memorandum on Kuwait: Biography of Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah”, “The Genisis of The Scout Movement in Sharjah”, “Sharjah Air Station between East and West”, and ”Economy of the Emirates of Arabian Coast in the 19th Century”, “Formation and Organization of Sharjah Police Force”, “Arab Omani Documents in the French Archives Centres”, “John Malcolm and the British Commercial Base in the Gulf 1800”,  “the Journals of David Seton in the Gulf 1800-1809”,“Letters of the Somalia Leaders to Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi 1837,” “The Gulf in Historic Maps,”, “Muscat and Other Forts on the Shoreline of the Gulf of Oman,” and “the Correspondences of Sultans of Zanzibar. Perhaps the lesson learned from all these historical masterpieces is that history is not written by whims or force.

Historical writing

The historical writing of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah digs deeply into the past, and monitors facts that the narrators neglected. It is worth mentioning here one of the important pieces of literature in this context, is the book "Nudhum Al Fareid in the Legacy of ibn Mājid". It is the achievement in which His Highness completes his efforts as a researcher in correcting Arab and Islamic history. Especially in relation to the biography of the Arab sailor Ahmed bin Majid.

In this work, His Highness reveals a historical fact that remained absent, when he rejected the hypothesis that Ahmed bin Majid was the one who brought Vasco De Gama to India, where His Highness indicated that Ibn Majid at that time, had been affected by age and illness.

A space for poetry

Poetry has found a great place among the interests of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, through a number of books in which he documents and chronicles the poems of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi. Furthermore, its publication in this series does justice in part to that rich poetic experience, and re-sheds light on his poetic production. Which was absent from many of those interested in the history of poetry in the Emirates. Among these works there is the book "“Al-Tayeb in Al-Tashabib”: Poems of Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi". This book evaluates and verifies eight poems of the late Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. There is also the “Poetry debates between Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi and his friend, Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al Siddiqui” book. As well as the book “Wise Poems on Distress and Determination” and the book “Nashij Al Wada’, the Last Poems of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.”