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Musnad of the People of the Cloak 1+2

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:36:10 +0000

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The People’s Army in Jordan (1970–1999): A study in its genesis, development, and role

rhdc_admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:37:05 +0000

This book sheds light on one of the unique military and social experiences in modern Jordanian history: the People’s Army, from its founding in 1970 to the end of the twentieth century. It traces the development of this parallel army, which was not merely a military formation but a reflection of an extraordinary national state in which citizens participated alongside the official military establishment.

The author relies on primary, unpublished sources, most notably the documents of the People’s Army preserved in the Archives of the Jordanian Armed Forces and the National Library, in addition to deliberations of parliamentary and advisory councils, speeches by King Hussein bin Talal, and personal interviews with individuals who served in this army.

The book opens with an introduction that defines the People’s Army and surveys its roots in Jordan, such as the National Guard and the Popular Resistance in the 1950s. It then details its administrative, military, economic, and social development over three decades, documenting its roles in guarding, training, and supporting, especially in critical moments.

From this work, it becomes clear that the People’s Army was not merely a supplementary force; it was a reflection of the state’s desire to involve citizens in the national defense system within a broader political and social vision, articulated repeatedly by the Hashemite leadership, especially in King Hussein’s speeches.

The book does not stop at narrating events; it reinterprets this experience in all its dimensions through the testimony of individuals, official documents, and contemporary press sources, offering a portrayal that comes closest to the reality of an institution that remained present in the memories of those who lived it and yet was absent from much of the historical writing.

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Memoirs of a Nation

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:40:07 +0000

Memoirs of a Nation By His Majesty the late King Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, may God forgive him. This book holds utmost significance as it is penned by the late King Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein. It covers important topics concerning the present and future of the nation, more than its past, looking at their consequences, results, and effects. The birth of these memoirs was challenging, emerging during the most difficult circumstances in the modern history of the nation. The author, a witness of his era and a decision-maker of his time, formulated plans, led armies against more formidable forces, achieving victories. His remarkable personality is rooted deeply in the House of Hashem, the pinnacle of the Hashemites. The book is divided into five sections as follows: Section One: Includes political aspirations and an introduction. Section Two: “Memoirs” which includes the following chapters: •   Chapter One: The author’s upbringing.
•   Chapter Two: In the political fray.
•   Chapter Three: Hussein bin Ali as the Amir of Mecca.
•   Chapter Four: On the battlefield.
•   Chapter Five: The Great Arab Revolt.
•   Chapter Six: Emirate of East Jordan.
•   Chapter Seven: Independence.
•   Chapter Eight: Arab Affairs.
Section Three: “The Completion” includes the following chapters:
•   Chapter One: The Arab Nation [Arabs, ruler and ruled, Arab League].
•   Chapter Two: The Palestinian Cause.
•   Chapter Three: Declaration of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
•   Chapter Four: Military movements in Palestine.
•   Chapter Five: Foreign Relations.
•   Chapter Six: Insights [Mecca, Medina, Returning to the Arab Army].
•   Chapter Seven: Letters. Section Four: “An Arab Speaks About Arabs” includes:
•   Chapter One: Who I am, and a conclusion.
•   Chapter Two: Answering the Inquirer about Purebred Horses.
Section Five: “Between Prose and Poetry” includes:
•   Chapter One: Prose [Eulogy for the Great Savior, Statement to the Arab Nation, Talal, A Word to Myself – Feelings and Reflections].
•   Chapter Two: Poetry, including poetic verses [The Prophetic Praise, The Lightning and Its Speed, The Image, and He Attained a Position]. The book concludes with a final section, followed by the legacy of the founding king Abdullah bin Al-Hussein, may God bless his soul, including statements, interviews, telegrams, excerpts from King Abdullah’s memoirs, a collection of his quotes, and documents.

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“The First Hundred Teachers from Tafila: The First Educational Pioneer” 1913-1963

rhdc_admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:00:34 +0000

This book sheds light on a pivotal point in Jordanian history by examining education in the Tafila Governorate during a significant period in the history of the Jordanian state. Accordingly, the researcher addresses the topic of education in Jordan through the lens of teachers, highlighting their role and identifying the key figures in the story of Jordanian education during the period covered by the study in the Tafila Governorate.

The author adopted a rigorous scientific methodology in preparing the material, based on descriptive and historical principles. He investigated the names of teachers from the Tafila Governorate. The study began with school records, in addition to oral accounts from those involved in the subject. The researcher also consulted the archives of the Ministry of Education, scrutinizing its documents, records, and files, both old paper copies and modern electronic versions. This enabled him to fill in the gaps and document the missing details.

The book presents the biography of each teacher in a unified and coherent style based on a precise sequence that reflects the teachers’ seniority, educational stages, degrees obtained, positions held, and the tasks assigned to them within and outside the education system. This is presented chronologically, ending with the date of each teacher’s death or retirement, accompanied by references to the approved sources and references. At the end of the biography, a collection of documents and photographs pertaining to that teacher are included, if available. It should be noted that the researcher used the date of appointment in the Ministry of Education as the basis for arranging the names of the teachers included in the book. Those whose educational service was limited were included in a separate appendix marked “Appendix.”

The book delves into the details of the lives mentioned in the references concerning the various stages of the teachers’ careers. Its importance lies in the fact that it does not merely present general information but also offers insights into the teachers’ personal lives. Their ideas, stories, and lives are explored through a research archive of documents, newspapers, and photographs, lending the work both a human and scholarly dimension. The book also includes detailed information about the teachers, drawn from anecdotes about them, and indicates their numbers and their affiliation with the tribes and families to which they belonged.

This book is a distinguished first step in knowledge, with a smooth narrative that presents the reader with precise historical details. It represents an important archive of a pivotal period in a fundamental aspect of the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This work constitutes an important resource for those studying the origins of education in the Jordanian governorates and can serve as a foundation for comparative studies between regions or between male and female teachers across different periods.

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“The Jordanian Administration in Palestine (the West Bank and Jerusalem) at the End of King Abdullah I’s Reign 1948–1951”

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:28:11 +0000

“The Jordanian Administration in Palestine (the West Bank and Jerusalem)
at the End of King Abdullah I’s Reign 1948–1951. This study, prepared by researcher Rasha Sanad Hussein Abu Zaid, examines the nature of the Jordanian administration in Palestine (the West Bank and Jerusalem) between 1948 and 1951, as well as the impact of this administration on various aspects—administrative, economic, and social. The year 1948 was chosen as the starting point of the study due to the occurrence of the 1948 war, the loss of 78% of Palestine’s territory, the presence of the Jordanian Arab Army in Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, and the study ends with the assassination of King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein in July 1951.
The study primarily relies on Hashemite documents and highlights their importance as a main source in its introduction. It also sheds light on the role of military governors in Palestine and reviews some administrative offices and departments without extensive detail.
The study aims to highlight the role of the Jordanian Arab Army in Palestine, clarify the Jordanian civil, political, and military procedures in Palestine, understand the reasons behind Jordan’s interest in Palestine during this period, and comprehend the official and popular Arab stance toward the Jordanian administration.
The researcher poses several questions that the study seeks to answer, such as: What measures did the Jordanian government take in Palestine (West Bank and Jerusalem) between 1948 and 1951? What prompted Jordan to place Palestine under military administration? Why was the military administration converted to

a civil administration in March 1949? Did the Jordanian military and civil administrations affect public life in Palestine (West Bank and Jerusalem) during that period?
The study used a descriptive-analytical historical research methodology, extracting information from primary sources addressing the Jordanian administration in Palestine between 1948 and 1951, along with memoirs of key figures from that period and Arab newspapers, especially Palestinian and Jordanian ones.

The study is organized into three chapters:

• Chapter One: “The Jordanian Military Administration in Palestine (July 1948 – March 1949)”
• Chapter Two: “The Civil Administration in Palestine (March 1949 – July 1951)”
• Chapter Three: “The Arab Position Regarding the Jordanian Administration in Palestine””

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The National Student Movement in Jordan from 1953 to 1999

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:30:46 +0000

This book examines the national student movement in Jordan from 1953 to 1999—an important period in the history of the Jordanian state. During these decades, the student movement was not merely a limited youth activity; rather, it played a prominent political and intellectual role and was influenced by major issues such as the Palestinian cause, political parties, the role of teachers and schools, as well as regional and international circumstances that helped shape students’ awareness.
The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the peak of student activism, where students’ interaction with political party activities was evident and had a direct impact on shaping their national and pan-Arab orientations. After the imposition of martial law in 1957, this activism declined in schools and society but later re-emerged in a new and more organized form with the establishment of the University of Jordan in 1962.
Researcher Ali Awad Saeed Al-Awaoudeh relied on a wide variety of sources—such as Royal Throne Speeches, newspapers, documents, memoirs, and personal interviews—to construct a comprehensive study that reveals the nature of the student movement and its transformations. The book consists of five chapters and a conclusion that presents the most important findings and recommendations.
The significance of this work lies in the fact that it is the first specialized study on this subject, making it a key reference for researchers interested in Jordan’s political and social history during the second half of the twentieth century.

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“Popular Participation in the Building of the Jordanian State During the Emirate Period (1921–1946) Author: Dr. Suheila Al-Shalabi”

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:28:21 +0000

“Popular Participation in the Building of the Jordanian State During the Emirate Period (1921–1946)
Author: Dr. Suheila Al-Shalabi
This book sheds light on the role of popular participation in the building of the Jordanian state during the Emirate period (1921–1946). The reader embarks on a unique journey through which they explore the dimensions of popular involvement in state-building, presented across three chapters that examine various aspects of such participation throughout the period from 1921 to 1946.
The importance of exploring this topic lies in the fact that it represents a vital dimension of the history of the Emirate of Transjordan, which has not received adequate attention in academic research. The book points out that popular participation was not limited to a single domain, but rather was diverse—covering nearly every aspect of life. The first chapter addresses the social dimension of popular participation, which witnessed active and prominent involvement in the field of education. Civil society institutions played a vibrant role, including mukhtars and local elective councils, which served as a link between the official authorities and the citizens. A distinct form of participation also emerged through community oversight, whereby undesirable social phenomena were monitored and confronted.
The second chapter of the book tackles the economic aspect of popular participation, with particular emphasis on agriculture, which was the main livelihood for many members of society. Despite the natural, climatic, social, and political challenges that this sector faced—challenges tied to the Emirate’s living conditions—popular efforts rose to confront and overcome them. As for trade and industry, participation was relatively limited due to a lack of practical experience and limited technical and financial capacities. Furthermore, the state itself did not aim to establish a robust economy capable of competing with Western entities. Nonetheless, there was notable Jordanian involvement in laying the foundations for an industrial-commercial base, especially in the mass production of high-quality agricultural goods that became competitive in foreign markets.
In the third chapter, the focus shifts to public services, such as the health sector, which saw significant efforts to combat infectious diseases and epidemics, provide free medical care, and ensure access to clean water. Participation also extended to the public works sector, with a specific interest in developing infrastructure, such as roads that connected cities and villages, thereby strengthening economic, social, and security ties by reducing incidents of assault crimes.

This participation came through financial contributions toward road construction and maintenance, the provision of essential materials, and through waqf (endowment) contributions to mosque construction and the fulfillment of their needs, along with support for religious shrines. Furthermore, there was a spirit of co-participation in establishing municipalities by demanding their creation and encouraging their success.
The author concludes her book with a comprehensive conclusion, summarizing the information and findings discussed in the preceding chapters. She highlights the importance of the research and its contribution to understanding the role of popular participation in state-building during the Emirate era, thereby enriching knowledge and providing deeper insight into this important historical dimension. Additionally, the author presents a list of references used in the study, making it easier for readers to consult the sources upon which her analysis and findings were based. This list serves as a final affirmation of the study’s accuracy and credibility in both research and interpretation.”

Fragments

admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:08:04 +0000

“This book explores the history of Jordan from the earliest stages of human settlement nearly two million years ago, through the Stone Ages and the Bronze Age, reaching the Semitic kingdoms such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon. It also sheds light on significant archaeological findings, such as the statues of ‘Ain Ghazal and the world’s oldest known remains of bread.
The author then moves on to the foreign civilizations that passed through Jordanian territory, including the Hebrews, Hyksos, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, highlighting their relics and historical sites in Jordan. A dedicated chapter focuses on the Nabataeans—their origins, political system, and territorial extent—followed by a study of Arab migrations from the Arabian Peninsula and Yemen, and the emergence of the Ghassanid state and its alliance with the Romans.
The book then covers the arrival of Islam in Jordan and proceeds to outline the succession of Islamic eras: the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid periods, the Crusader conflicts, the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, and the Ottoman era, beginning with the Battle of Marj Dabiq in 1516. It includes a discussion of administrative divisions, social conditions, local revolts, as well as the migrations of Circassians and Chechens.
A chapter is dedicated to the Great Arab Revolt, the Hashemite Emirate of Faisal, and local governments, then moves on to the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan, beginning with the arrival of Emir Abdullah I, the Cairo Conference, the formation of the first government, and the annexation of Ma’an and Aqaba.
The author also devotes several chapters to analyzing the challenges faced during the state’s formative period, such as the Koura incidents, Wahhabi incursions, the Syrian revolt, and financial crises. The book discusses the period of British Mandate, various constitutions, the achievement of independence, the assassination of King Abdullah I, and the beginning of King Hussein’s reign, along with the major transformations that occurred during his rule, such as the Arabization of the army leadership, the 1956 parliamentary elections, and Israeli aggressions.

The book then addresses Jordan’s relationship with Palestine, covering the 1948 war, the unification of the two banks, the Palestine Liberation Organization, the 1967 war, fedayeen (guerrilla) activity, the United Arab Kingdom proposal, and ending with the disengagement decision of 1988. It also reviews Arab peace initiatives with Israel, from the Camp David Accords to the Madrid Conference and the Wadi Araba Treaty.
In a dedicated chapter, the book discusses key political turning points, such as the Iran–Iraq War, the invasion of Kuwait, parliamentary life in Jordan, and the Hashemite custodianship over holy sites. It concludes with a chapter on the Jordanian system of governance, explaining the three branches of power: the legislative, executive, and judicial authorities.
This work stands out not merely as a chronological historical account but as an analytical perspective written by a former Prime Minister and a prominent statesman, considered one of the decision-makers in Jordan. This adds a unique documentary and personal dimension to the narrative. The Royal Hashemite Documentation Center hopes that this book contributes to enhancing national awareness and offers an accurate scientific narrative of Jordan’s historical journey—from ancient times to the formation of the modern state, which continues to progress and flourish under the Hashemite banner and with the resolve of its great people.”

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Al ifāda wa-t tabsīr likulli rāmin mubtad’in aw nihrīr

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:50:59 +0000

Al ifāda wa-t tabsīr likulli rāmin mubtad’in aw nihrīr “For the benefit and enlightenment of every archer, whether beginner or skilled, in shooting with both long and short arrows” Authored by: Jamal al-Din Abdallah ibn Maimun, from the early eighth century inhabitants Authenticated by: Ali bin Naif Al Hashimi, Bshar Awad Marouf The manuscript ” Al ifāda wa-t tabsīr likulli rāmin mubtad’in aw nihrīr” (For the Benefit and Enlightenment of Every Archer, Whether Beginner or Skilled, in Shooting with Both Long and Short Arrows) by Jamal al-Din Abdallah ibn Maimun is considered one of the finest works on chivalry and weaponry. It serves both as a guide for beginners and as a resource for skilled practitioners in the art of archery, a skill highly esteemed in Arab culture. Archery was considered a vital skill for a warrior and a matter of pride among Arab nobility and kings. The manuscript is divided into sixty-four chapters, covering a wide range of topics. These include the origins and virtues of jihad (holy war), the spending in its cause, the concept of Ribat (frontier post) and its virtues, the rewards for those who die in battle and for those who die without having participated in jihad but had the intention to do so, and the practice of wearing a mask in battle. Significant attention is given to the Arabic bow—its importance, types, components, and usage. The author then discusses arrows, their types and parts, followed by a detailed look at quivers and arrow containers. The core of the manuscript delves into the essence of archery, including setting up targets, practicing, and honing skills. The chapters cover various aspects such as the religious and moral significance of jihad, the virtues of the Arabic bow and the rewards for crafting its arrows, the importance of learning archery and the sin of abandoning it after learning, and historical insights into the first use and creation of bows and arrows. This comprehensive approach makes the manuscript not just a manual on archery, but also a reflection of the cultural and religious significance of this art in the Arab world. The manuscript ” Al ifāda wa-t tabsīr likulli rāmin mubtad’in aw nihrīr ” by Jamal al-Din Abdallah ibn Maimun contains detailed chapters on various aspects of archery, showcasing its depth and the author’s extensive knowledge. Some of the key chapters include: 1. Types of Bows and the Most Preferred Ones: Discusses different bow types and what makes some more desirable than others. 2. Names, Parts, and Qualities of the Arabic Bow: Provides detailed information about the parts and characteristics of Arabic bows. 3. Masters of Archery: Lists and discusses famous archers. 4. Fundamentals of Archery and Variations Among Archers: Examines the basic principles of archery and how practices differ among archers. 5. Essential Knowledge for Archers and Practices to Avoid: Advises on critical skills archers should learn and mistakes they should avoid. 6. Determining the Strength and Pull of a Bow: Guides on how to assess a bow’s power and draw length. 7. Testing and Choosing a Bow Before Stringing: Discusses how to properly select and test a bow. 8. Stringing the Bow: Covers the process of stringing a bow. 9. Bow’s Power in Stringing: Explores the bow’s capacity during the stringing process. 10. Drawing the Bow: Discusses techniques for drawing a bow. 11. Holding the Bow and Arrow: Offers guidance on the correct way to hold the bow and arrow. 12. The Thumb and Forefinger Loop in Bowstringing: Explains the technique of looping the string with the thumb and forefinger. 13. Holding the Bow with the Left Hand: Details the proper grip on the bow handle. 14. The Arrow Release: Discusses the technique of releasing the arrow. 15. Extending and Aiming: Covers the process of extending the arm and aiming the arrow. 16. Different Types of Aiming and Shooting Techniques: Provides various methods and techniques for aiming and shooting. 17. Releasing the Arrow: Focuses on the techniques of arrow release. 18. Arrow’s Passage Over the Left Hand: Describes how the arrow should pass over the left hand when shot. 19. Issues with Arrow Release and Solutions: Addresses common problems with arrow release and how to solve them. 20. Wear and Tear on the Archer’s Equipment: Discusses the wear on the bowstring, the archer’s thumb, and solutions for these issues. 21. Different Types of Arrows and Their Characteristics: Offers detailed information on various arrow types, their components, and ideal characteristics. Additionally, the book also covers advanced techniques and specialized types of archery, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of this work. The text’s authiticators, Prince Ali bin Naif, known for his interest and knowledge in genealogy and equestrian matters, and Dr. Bashar Awad Ma’roof, a prominent figure in the authenticating of Arabic and Islamic heritage texts, have contributed significantly to its preservation and dissemination. The publications from the Hashemite Documentation Center are not translated into English. Institutions and publishing houses interested in publishing a translated version should contact the center at the following email address: Info@rhdc.jo. This offers an opportunity for broader access to these valuable historical resources for non-Arabic speaking audiences and researchers.

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The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966.

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:01:36 +0000

The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966: A Historical Study of Its Origin, Development, and Role” by Laith Sabah Zaytoon Al-Khazoon.
The book “The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966: A Historical Study of Its Origin, Development, and Role” was authored by Laith Sabah Zaytoon Al-Khazoon and published by the Royal Hashemite Documentation Center in 2021. This study, part of the University Theses Series (2), earned the author a Master’s degree in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Jordan in 2020.
The study begins with an introduction, followed by an analysis of key sources and references, a preliminary section, four chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter discusses the inception of the National Guard in 1950, the factors contributing to its formation, its organization and deployment in both the West and East Banks of Jordan, and its role in protecting the armistice lines against Israel. It also covers the financial aspects and the internal and external support provided to the Guard, including that from the Jordanian government and some Arab countries.
The second chapter details the Guard’s operational role in repelling Israeli aggressions and protecting frontline villages in the West Bank from 1950 to 1960, highlighting local and Arab reactions to these incursions and the resulting financial support for the Guard.
In the third chapter, the focus shifts to the effect of the Arabization of the army’s command on the support the Guard received from Arab countries, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. This support included financial aid, weapons, and equipment. The chapter also examines the Israeli aggressions from 1956 to 1966 and the Guard’s response, culminating in the enactment of the National Service Law in late November 1966, which ended the Guard’s responsibilities in the West Bank.
The fourth chapter discusses the general impact of the establishment of the National Guard, including volunteering and enrollment, as well as the financial and material contributions of the Jordanian society from both banks.
For this study, the author consulted various sources, including official documents, letters, and telegrams between relevant ministries and the Arab Army’s command, housed in the National Library. Parliamentary records from 1950 to 1966, personal memoirs of Jordanian military figures who experienced the formation of the Guard, Jordanian newspapers from that era, and personal interviews with individuals who served in the Guard provided additional insights. The study also benefited from Arab references discussing this historical period and the role of the Jordanian National Guard.
For orders and inquiries.
The publications from the Hashemite Documentation Center are not translated into English. Institutions and publishing houses interested in publishing a translated version should contact the center at the following email address: Info@rhdc.jo. This offers an opportunity for broader access to these valuable historical resources for non-Arabic speaking audiences and researchers.

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