The Holy Mosque of Mecca, which is affiliated to the General Presidency of the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, is one of the most important and oldest libraries in the Islamic world. It is located in the holiest spot and the most honorable place.
According to historical sources, the library dates back to the second century AH during the reign of the Abbasid caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi in about 161 AH. Since the beginning of the Saudi era, the founder of the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, has been interested in this library and formed a committee of scholars to study In 1357 AH, the Library of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, and presented by King Abdulaziz a collection of books, and received the care and attention of the state since that time to this day.
The nucleus of the Holy Mosque in Mecca was one of the domes of the sanctuary, which was dedicated at that time to the conservation of the Koran that came to the Great Mosque of Mecca. Hajj and Umrah currently) until 1385 AH, then joined the General Presidency of religious supervision in the Grand Mosque, until its name changed to the General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and became a public library offering its services to students of science and visitors to the ancient house, under the umbrella of the General Department of Scientific and Intellectual Affairs , The library includes 11 different sections and halls that provide information about their services for Mutalaan and science students and visitors.
The Director of the General Department for Scientific and Intellectual Affairs and the Director of the Library of the Holy Mosque, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saad al-Shehri, said that «the library has been distinguished, during this year, attracting large numbers of visitors and students of science, interested in this scientific and historical heritage inherent and sober, since the move to the building The new Batha Quraish district, which can accommodate more than 500 visitors, has implemented more than 15 programs and initiatives ». He said that the original and digitally illustrated manuscripts on the microfilm, digital and non-Arabic, and the indexes of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts in the library, amount to about 48,787 manuscripts, while rare Arabic books about 7079 books, in addition to more than 1668 university letters from inside and outside the Kingdom. Al-Shehri pointed out that the number of library staff during this year is 88 official staff and 19 contractors, and they are interested in serving the visitor to the library, and are provided with various developmental and high-tech services and quality in various fields.
• 161 Hijri, the date of the establishment of the library, which is one of the oldest libraries in the Islamic world.