Many books in the official collection include metadata that corresponds to specific printed editions (publisher, year, location), allowing scholars to cite them accurately in academic papers.
The library is available for Windows , with mobile versions for Android and iOS, as well as a browsable online version at the Official Shamela Website. kitab-project.orghttps://kitab-project.org Al-Maktaba al-Shamila: a short history - KITAB Project al maktaba shamela
(The Comprehensive Library), often called Shamela , is the world’s most extensive free digital research environment for Islamic and Arabic studies . Launched in April 2005 , it provides millions of users with access to a massive corpus of primary and secondary Arabic texts, transforming traditional scholarship into a high-speed digital experience. The Evolution of Shamela Many books in the official collection include metadata
The latest major update expanded the official collection to approximately 7,000 books , though community efforts have pushed the total available library to over one million titles in various formats. Key Features for Researchers Launched in April 2005 , it provides millions
Shamela is more than just a reading tool; it is a specialized database designed for rigorous academic work.
The first iteration contained approximately 969 books. By January 2006, Version 2 allowed users to import their own texts, effectively creating personal, searchable digital libraries.
This version introduced official "stamps" for verified books and enhanced digital photocopying features.