Rare recordings at Dubai library

DUBAI - The audio-visual library of Government of Dubai's Auqaf and Islamic Affair Department holds 6,500 audio-visual cassettes in various spheres of Islamic teachings, sermons and Holy Book recitation, according to Saad Mekawi, Dubai Auqaf Librarian. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mr Mekawi said the library houses some rare recordings which date back to 1954.

By Mustafa Barakat

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Published: Thu 20 Feb 2003, 2:28 AM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 10:25 PM

"The library was set up by the Auqaf department in 1992 with a fairly small number of recordings of recitations from the Holy Quran," he said.

"Currently, the library has 5,000 audio tapes and 1,500 videocassettes on various religious issues. "Best of all, the library keeps the intonated recitation of the Holy Book by the best reciters in the Islamic world," Mr Mekaw said.

He said the library collects rare religious recordings and interviews then it reproduces them before donating them to public and charitable organisations in addition to Muslim communities.

Bulk recordings are also sold at a token price of Dh3 to private libraries and Islamic centres in foreign countries. All the works reproduced by Auqaf are duly authenticated.

Mr Mekawi said: "The library includes recordings in 15 languages and they are being channelled through the New Muslims and Women's Dawaa Administration.

"Recordings are given after filling in the application form which is approved by Dr Omar Al Khatib, Director of Public Relations and Information."

He said the library is a landmark achievement of Dubai Auqaf.

"It stands as a spiritual connecting link among Muslims of different languages. "The next step is to link the audio-visual library to the Internet to expand our base internationally," said Mr Mekawi.


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