The 47th Islamic Book Fair is not merely a gathering for selling books, but rather a space for shaping awareness and nourishing thought, a bridge extending between a rich past and a developing present. Despite the digital transformations the world is experiencing, this fair proves year after year that paper is alive, that reading remains a renewed passion in people's hearts, and that knowledge does not die as long as there are hearts that love to learn.

Amidst a distinguished cultural and spiritual atmosphere witnessed by the activities of the 47th Islamic Book Fair, organized by the Social Reform Society in Kuwait, with a remarkable presence and active participation of intellectual, cultural, and scientific figures, and within the aisles of the fair, the voices of intellectuals and pioneers of knowledge rose, praising the value and impact of the book, which neither modern technology rivals nor the artificial intelligence revolution shakes.

Dr. Al-Awadhi: The Fair of Civilizational Awareness

Islamic thinker Dr. Muhammad Al-Awadhi expressed his great pleasure in being present at the Islamic Book Fair, explaining that he greatly enjoyed the cultural atmosphere that this ancient fair carries, which began in Kuwait before the launch of the International Book Fair, carrying a rich historical legacy. Al-Awadhi affirmed, after attending a lecture titled "Is Awareness an Intellectual Luxury?" presented by Dalal Al-Jarallah and Dr. Noura Al-Otaibi, that the fair addresses profound topics that we are in dire need of in light of contemporary intellectual challenges.

He added that the intensive cultural activities in the fields of thought, economics, management, and linguistics all fall under the project of building civilizational awareness. He also praised the continued اقبال (turnout/demand) for the paper book despite the dominance of electronic means, stressing that the relationship between the reader and their book remains a unique one that technology cannot compensate for.

Dr. Al-Sanad: The Paper Book Resists Despite the Digital Age

Academician Dr. Ali Al-Sanad expressed his joy in participating in the fair, emphasizing that the Islamic Book Fair has been a companion to him since childhood, developing remarkably year after year.

He pointed out that the continued اقبال (turnout/demand) of the public for paper books, despite the dominance of artificial intelligence and social media, is evidence that the book still retains its special charm and cherished place among readers. He affirmed that the Islamic Book Fair proves year after year that paper has its readers and lovers, wishing this ancient fair continued success for decades to come.

Al-Shammari: The Paper Book is an Unmatched Pleasure

Kuwaiti preacher Farhan Obeid Al-Shammari clarified that book fairs still impose their presence despite the significant expansion of electronic books and digital media. Al-Shammari affirmed that the paper book has a special pleasure in the heart and that it is indispensable for spreading religious and cultural knowledge through fairs, which are a cognitive outlet for every Muslim keen on seeking knowledge, praising the role of those in charge of the fair in continuing these initiatives.

Al-Enati: The Book is the Primary Cognitive Tool

Preacher Sheikh Jassim Al-Enati said that this year's Islamic Book Fair presents a new and distinguished thesis with the wide participation of Arab and Islamic libraries. He affirmed that the book will remain the primary cultural tool no matter how digital media evolves, calling on every lover of knowledge and culture to visit the fair and benefit from its intellectual richness.

Al-Ajami: Knowledge Elevates Man

Preacher Sheikh Hajjaj Al-Ajami, during his visit to the Islamic Book Fair, cited a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about the virtue of knowledge, indicating that knowledge elevates a person and their value remains connected to their being.

He spoke about the impact of modern technology on academic achievement, explaining that the ease of accessing information through modern means does not negate the effort exerted in seeking traditional knowledge through books. He affirmed that the paper book remains a blessing and a symbol of the stability of knowledge and its lasting impact.

Al-Jasser: Half a Century of Loyalty to the Book

Writer Mutlaq Al-Jasser expressed his pride in the Islamic Book Fair, describing it as an ancient fair that has accompanied successive generations. He pointed out that the continuity of the fair for half a century is evidence of the loyalty of readers and intellectuals to the paper book, and of the continuous efforts of the fair's management, stressing that no matter how technology evolves, paper books will still have their place and charm.

Al-Shaheen: The Fair Was Distinguished by Diverse Content and Cultural Seminars

Former Kuwaiti MP Osama Al-Shaheen affirmed, during his visit to the fair, his keenness to attend annually, praising the diversity of the fair and the presence of local, Arab, and international libraries. He added: It is remarkable that the Islamic Book Fair is the first annual book fair in the history of Kuwait and has continued for 47 years. Greetings to the Social Reform Society and the fair team.

He pointed out that this year's fair was distinguished by diverse media content, cultural seminars, listening sessions, and dialogue lectures, in addition to a special children's pavilion and participation from charitable and cooperative societies.

Despite the challenges of the electronic book, Al-Shaheen stressed that the paper book still maintains its position thanks to its beauty, the advantage of noting observations on it, and carrying it without the need for energy. It still retains its audience despite the impact of modern technologies on paper sales.

Al-Khodr: Despite Technological Development, the Book Remains Present with its Pioneers

For his part, academician Dr. Talal Al-Khodr explained that the advantage of the fair lies in its being one of the oldest specialized fairs in the Arab world, entirely dedicated to the Islamic book. He added: Despite technological development and the challenges of digital programs, the book remains present with its pioneers and followers, making the fair an integral part of Kuwait's memory and its culture that extends for more than half a century.

Al-Lahem: The Paper Book is Like Purebred Horses

Media activist Hamad Al-Lahem expressed his emotional connection to the fair since his childhood, noting that he still makes sure to visit it even after reaching the age of forty-two. He said: The continuity of the fair for 47 years confirms its strength and cultural standing, stressing that the paper book is like purebred horses that have not become obsolete despite the emergence of modern cars; it still touches hearts and minds, especially when it relates to our Islamic history, jurisprudence, and heritage.

Al-Shatti: These Fairs are True Sources for Authentic Education and Culture

Cultural activist Haya Al-Shatti praised the organization of the fair, considering it evidence of the present cultural awareness. She said: We thank those in charge of the accompanying series of lectures and cultural seminars. She added that electronic books have their place, but paper books remain the primary reference in research and scientific fields, and the presence of a paper library in every house of knowledge is indispensable.

Maslouh: Fairs are a Living Artery that Supplies Society with Awareness and Knowledge

Academician Dr. Saad Maslouh expressed his happiness with the level of organization and continuity, noting that the fair is heartening and offers new additions every year that delight visitors. He added: Such fairs are true sources for authentic education and culture. The true intellectual is inseparable from the paper book, and fairs represent a living artery that supplies society with awareness and knowledge.