Said al-Barouni, a 74-year-old librarian and member of the Islamic offshoot Ibadism, has undertaken a remarkable mission on the Tunisian island of Djerba. In a bid to safeguard his Muslim community’s little-known heritage, Barouni is utilizing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve age-old religious manuscripts. Despite facing challenges such as humidity and scattered literature, Barouni’s efforts have led to the preservation of over 1,600 ancient Ibadi texts, shedding light on a fascinating aspect of Islamic history often overlooked.
The Ibadi community, considered Kharijites, an early divergent branch of Islam, faced persecution and dispersal following disagreements on succession after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Forced to retreat to remote areas such as modern-day Oman, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, the Ibadi adherents found refuge but also endured a state of invisibility to protect their existence. Today, their manuscripts, scattered among family libraries, face the threat of deterioration. Barouni’s conservation efforts, including digital scanning and AI translation through tools like Zinki, are vital in preserving these valuable texts. Despite facing historical misconceptions, Ibadism, with its democratic principles and focus on community governance, stands as a testament to resistance against tyrannical rule.
The story of Said al-Barouni and the Ibadi community’s preservation efforts on Djerba island is not just a tale of cultural heritage but also resilience in the face of adversity. Through Barouni’s dedication and the utilization of modern technology, the rich legacy of Ibadism is being safeguarded for future generations. In a world often dominated by mainstream narratives, the Ibadi manuscripts serve as a reminder of the diverse and nuanced history of Islam, while also highlighting the importance of cultural preservation in the digital age.
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