Editing Welcome


= Welcome to Islamical Commons =

'''Islamical Commons''' is a free media repository dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the visual and audiovisual heritage of Islam and Muslim societies. It brings together photographs, historical manuscripts, architectural images, maps, illustrations, audio recordings, videos, and other media that help people explore the diverse history, cultures, traditions, and intellectual life of the Muslim world.

Our goal is to make valuable media accessible to everyone and to support education, research, and the free exchange of knowledge.

== About Islamical ==

Islamical is an independent, knowledge-oriented initiative dedicated to the study and documentation of Islam as a historical, intellectual, religious, cultural, and social phenomenon. Through open knowledge resources and digital tools, Islamical seeks to make information about Islam more accessible, organized, and useful for researchers, students, educators, and the public.

Islamical Commons is part of this broader mission. It aims to document the diversity of Muslim societies, including their different schools of thought, historical experiences, artistic traditions, and cultural expressions. The project does not seek to promote a particular religious or sectarian position. Contributors are encouraged to provide accurate information, identify sources, and represent subjects fairly and in context.

== How to Contribute ==

Everyone is welcome to help build this collection. You can contribute by:

* [[Special:Upload|Uploading files]] that are relevant to the project's scope.
* Adding clear descriptions, dates, locations, authors, and source information.
* Assigning appropriate categories so that files can be discovered and reused.
* Improving existing file descriptions, correcting errors, and providing reliable references.
* Helping organize, preserve, and document media related to Islam and Muslim societies.

When uploading a file, provide as much verifiable information as possible. Clearly distinguish between facts, estimates, attributions, and uncertain identifications. For historical objects and manuscripts, include the holding institution, catalogue number, provenance, and digitization source whenever available.

== Copyright and Free Licensing ==

'''Respect for copyright is essential to Islamical Commons.''' A file being available on the Internet does not mean that it is free to upload, redistribute, modify, or reuse.

Before uploading a file, make sure that one of the following applies:

* You created the work yourself and are authorized to release it under an acceptable free license.
* The copyright holder has granted permission under a license that meets the project's requirements.
* The work is in the public domain under the applicable copyright rules.

Files must have a verifiable source and a clearly identified copyright status or license. Where required, credit the creator and provide all information necessary to comply with the license.

Do not upload copyrighted material without the necessary rights or permission. Non-commercial-only licenses and restrictions that prohibit derivative works are generally incompatible with a repository intended for free reuse. When the copyright status is uncertain, investigate further or ask for guidance before uploading.

For every file, document its source, author or creator when known, date, and license. Accurate licensing information protects creators, contributors, and users, while allowing others to reuse the collection responsibly.

== Our Principles ==

Islamical Commons is built on the following principles:

* '''Openness:''' Make knowledge and media available for lawful, broad reuse.
* '''Accuracy:''' Provide verifiable information and reliable sources.
* '''Neutrality:''' Document religious and cultural subjects fairly, without presenting a particular viewpoint as the project's official position.
* '''Diversity:''' Represent the variety of Muslim societies, traditions, historical periods, and perspectives.
* '''Respect:''' Protect privacy, respect the dignity of individuals and communities, and comply with applicable laws.
* '''Collaboration:''' Improve the collection through shared effort, constructive discussion, and transparent documentation.

== Start Exploring ==

Browse the collection, discover materials from different periods and regions, or contribute your own freely licensed work. Every well-documented file can help preserve cultural heritage and make knowledge more accessible to future generations.

'''Welcome to Islamical Commons — preserving heritage, documenting diversity, and sharing knowledge.'''