Library Exhibits

Abd el-Kader al-Jaza’iri (1808-1883)

We invite all conference participants and attendees to visit the Abd el-Kader al-Jaza’iri Exhibit curated by the Islamic Studies Library.

« Ne demandez jamais quelle est l'origine d'un homme ; interrogez plutôt sa vie, son courage, ses qualités et vous saurez ce qu'il est. Si l'eau puisée dans une rivière est saine, agréable et douce, c'est qu'elle vient d'une source pure. »

Charismatic leader of the Algerian resistance against the French occupation, Abd el-Kader al-Jaza'iri, Amir of Mascara, was also a Sufi scholar, a recognized philosopher and poet.

He was born and raised in Mascara, near the town of Oran, Algeria where he received a comprehensive education. In 1820, on his way to Mecca, he traveled in Syria, Iraq and spent some time in Egypt where he met the reformist Muhammad Ali. Back in Algeria, after fighting against the French colonizers for over 10 years, he was deported as a prisoner of war to Marseille, France. Upon regaining his freedom, he settled in Damascus where he dedicated most of his time to meditation and spiritual teaching.

He died in 1883 and was buried in Damascus near the great Sufi thinker Ibn Arabi (1165-1240).

Displaying 16 historical books, photos and maps, this exhibition offers the visitor an opportunity to get to know the man, the leader and the scholar as well as his outstanding destiny.

Al-Ghazali Exhibit: Celebrating 900 Years

McLennan Library

We invite all conference participants and attendees to visit the Al-Ghazali Exhibit curated by McLennan Library.

Abu Hamid al- Ghazali was born in Tus in modern day Iran. al-Ghazali is one of the most significant and prominent (Islamic) thinkers and authors. He was a prolific writer particularly on four main subjects: philosophy, theology, law, and Sufism. His influence resonates even to this day and amongst some of the great Western philosophers of yesterday. The exhibition celebrates the life of al-Ghazali on this, the 900th year since his passing in 1111 A.D. and highlights some of the unique holdings of the Islamic Studies Library as well as McGill's Rare Books and Special Collections.