Although typical Arabic bookstores have a wide collection of scholarly texts and literature, they often sell other merchandise that many Muslims and people who are interested in Islam look for. These range from prayer items to perfume to clothing. Most Arabic bookstores have everything Muslims would need to follow their religion.

 

Books

Arabic literature revolves largely around scholarly texts that help readers understand and follow the religion of Islam. There are books for children, adolescents, and adults. There are books for knowledgable Muslims as well as people looking to learn about the religion. These books, rather than being written for entertainment, are written with a purpose to teach and provide readers with a model for a higher quality of life. Arabic books are especially important in clearing up stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam, by defining what action/rule falls under Islam and what falls under a culture associated with Islam. They are also translated in an endless number of languages.

The following are several sub-genres prevalent in Arabic/Islamic texts.

Aquidah (Creed) & Fiqh (Islamic Law):

These books deal largely with the interpretation of the Islamic religion and its practice. Aquidah refers to the various religious systems that describe Islam. Aquidah is used to distinguish the points of view of an increasing difference in opinion and schools of theology. Fiqh refers to the use of divine law explained in the Quran as well as the practices of Islamic prophet Muhammad in order to direct the morals and social legislation of Islam.

Dawah (New/Non-Muslims):

The literal translation of Dawah is “invitation,” or inviting Non-Muslims and those interested in the religion to understand how to live according to the will of Allah and follow the practices and teachings of the prophet Muhammad. Various texts regarding Dawah explain how Islamic is tied with other religions as well as secular subjects such as science. Books in this sub-genre are especially important to spreading the knowledge of Islam and clearing common misconceptions about Islamic teachings and behavior. Topics like feminism, science, and music are covered in this sub-genre and texts on these topics explain how exactly the Qur’an and the prophet Muhammad views these topics (which reflects Islamic view)—without the interruption of cultural influence.

Hadith:

Hadith is a branch of Arabic/Islamic literature whose purpose is to describe the prophet Muhammad’s teachings and behaviors, so that Muslims can emulate them and live according to the will of Allah. While the Qur’an outlines the majority of rules that a Muslim must follow, the teachings of the prophet Muhammad fill in the remaining necessities, and Muslims must model their behavior after both the prophet and the Qur’an.

A hadith has two components. The first one is called matn (text), or the narrative of Muhammad’s teachings. The second one is called isnad (support), which lists the chain of narrators through which the text was relayed until it reaches Muhammad. Therefore, different schools and scholars follow different hadiths based on what they believe represents Muhammad’s teachings most accurately.

The Qur’an & Tafsir (Exegesis):

Central to Arabic literature is the Qur’an, also called the Holy Book of Islam—the first book written in Arabic, and the book on which Arabic language and literature is based on. It is written in both prose and poetry, with a literary structure that is very complex and hard to understand. The Qur’an and the Hadith together form the foundation on which Islam is based on, as well as how religious beliefs should be carried out. The Qur’an is considered sacred and decorated elaborately to convey its importance in Islam.

To help Muslims decipher the Qur’an and understand what the text means, various scholars (called mufassirs) have written Tafsirs (interpretation). These texts both provide context as well as explain verses of the Qur’an. Mufassirs also provide the opinions of different scholars on the matter.

 

Other Items

Attar (Oil Based Perfume)

Attar is very popular in the Middle East, where there is a large oil-based perfume business. It is preferred to modern perfume, which uses alcohol, because it is natural and lasts longer on the skin. Islamic tradition upholds cleanliness and neatness, especially in prayer, so the use of oil-based perfume is encouraged. Muslims are not allowed to have alcohol on their skin when praying or entering a mosque, so attar is a widely-used alternative.

Prayer Related Items

Qibla Compass: Muslims must pray in the direction of the city of Mecca (the holiest city). This direction is called qibla, and a qibla compass is used to tell which direction Mecca is in.

Prayer Rugs: Portable rugs are used to pray on to ensure cleanliness, as well as imitate the atmosphere of a mosque when praying. They are intricately decorated with arabesque designs, with an arched shape on top to indicate the direction in which one is praying in (qibla).

Rehal: A foldable book rest used when reciting from the Qur’an. This is used in respect of the holy book by preventing it from being in contact with the floor or table.

(Taqiyah) Prayer Caps: The caps are used by men when praying, so that they can follow the actions of the prophet Muhammad, who wore one.

Clothing:

There are a few stores in New York City that openly sell Islamic clothing, especially for women. Arabic bookstores provide the type of clothing important for Muslims to wear both during prayer and in general.

For women: Women wear a variation of hijabs (veiled head covering). Some of these include:

• Niqab: A veil that covers all of the face and head, with only an opening cut out for the eyes.
• Burqa: A robe that covers the entire body including the head and face, with transparent cloth over the eyes so that the woman can see.
• Abaya: This refers to a robe that covers all of a woman’s body except the head. Abayas are worn with hijabs or niqabs.

For men: Religious wear for men is more liberal, but some choose to wear prayer caps. Arab men typically wear yashmags, which is a square of cloth worn as a headdress.

CD/DVD:

Recitation, especially of the Qur’an, is a very important practice in Islam. Arabic/Islam bookstores sell many CDs/DVDs consisting of islamic leaders reciting verses from the Qur’an and other teachings so that listeners can emulate the style (tone, pronunciation, etc). in which texts are recited.