Plans are well under way to turn the Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Shaiba Library in Ajman into a scientific centre that will provide comprehensive knowledge of the sayings - Hadith Sharif -and the actions - Sunna - of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The library, which contains a large collection of publications on the Hadith Sharif, is undergoing major expansion.

It will soon have a lecture hall, a library extension and guest rooms, in addition to a primary school that teaches Hadith Sharif.

Dr Sheikh Saoud Al Shreem, imam and preacher at the Holy Shrine in Makkah, recently visited the library to review its contents and massive expansion plans.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Shaiba, chairman of the library, and Dr Salem bin Abdullah Al Mahmoudi, former undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, accompanied him on his visit.

He was briefed on the functions the library conducts throughout the year, which include an annual contest for Hadith Sharif memorisation.

The library chairman stressed it was set up with the aim of complementing endeavours to promote the learning of the Holy Quran and Hadith Sharif throughout the country.

He hoped the expansion would help turn the library into a centre for learning and research in the Sunna and the Hadith Sharif.