In its ongoing commitment to nurturing critical thinking, analytical skills, and independence in young individuals, House of Wisdom (HoW) is actively participating in the 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival under the theme of ‘Hayy bin Yaqdhan: A Journey of Enlightenment.’ Collaborating with the Qatar National Library, HoW unveils an immersive booth introducing children and young adults to ‘Hayy bin Yaqdhan,’ a cornerstone of Arabic literature penned by the Andalusian philosopher Ibn Tufayl.

The story of Hayy, a young boy raised in isolation on a deserted island by a doe, depicts his journey of self-discovery through self-directed learning and keen observation. This iconic narrative has inspired countless renowned literary works worldwide, including Tarzan, The Jungle Book, Robinson Crusoe, and Cast Away. Over time, the novel has been translated into various languages, highlighting its profound influence and universal appeal across diverse cultures and literary landscapes.

Five interactive phases
Featuring five interactive stations, each embodying key themes from the story, the experience at House of Wisdom’s booth begins at the “Early Childhood and Dependence” station, where children learn about Hayy’s survival tactics and the doe’s nurturing role, focusing on animal welfare and mutual coexistence.

Progressing to the “Learning and Adapting” station, young attendees delve into Hayy’s development of essential island-survival skills. This section emphasises sustainable practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling, underscoring the importance of resourcefulness. The “Innovations and Solutions” station then showcases Hayy’s discovery of fire and his strategies for coping with loss, promoting innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the fourth station, “Harmony with Nature,” visitors delve into Hayy’s profound connection with his surrounding environment, advocating for environmental stewardship and conservation. Here, the focus is on nurturing a deeper understanding of ecological balance. Transitioning to the final station, “Ascension to Wisdom,” visitors explore Hayy’s transcendent relationship with nature and the cosmos, promoting mindfulness and sustainable living.

Unlocking the potential in young minds
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, believes that literature and philosophy greatly impact child development. She said: “Hayy bin Yaqdhan fosters critical thinking, research, and deductive reasoning in young readers, drawing from Arab and Islamic heritage. The story showcases a contemplative child who, solely through intellect, unravels life’s mysteries, inspiring children to see the world differently, engage in research, and realise their potential. It cultivates thoughtfulness, analysis, and independence in young minds, shaping their characters.”

The HoW booth also includes a mini exhibition featuring rare copies of the novel in Arabic, English, German, and French, some of which are from the private collections of the Juma Al-Majid Center for Culture and Heritage, while others were obtained from the Qatar National Library. The oldest copy of these novels dates back to the year 1721 CE.