Smuggled Wisdom

Habib Zreik's story from reading forbidden books to translating them into Arabic

Illustration by Lana Al-Jaf

Growing up between Saudi Arabia and Syria, my journey to become a translator for Ideas Beyond Borders (IBB) was shaped by a landscape where information was often scarce and carefully curated by authorities. In Saudi Arabia, my father’s library offered a glimpse into diverse worldviews. Smuggled books like the Bible, the Mandaean Ginza Rabba, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and other taboo texts were my gateways to the outside world.

I devoured scientific books like DK's Prehistoric Life while creationist works were readily available, creating a confusing juxtaposition of ideas. However, discussing these contrasting viewpoints outside my family was strictly forbidden. A childhood friend once snitched on me to the teachers for mentioning a banned religious sect in school, reminding me of the severe consequences of open inquiry. That incident, where I was forced to swear fealty to a lie for the first time to avoid punishment and save my family from embarrassment, left a lasting impact on me. I dreamed of a world beyond Saudi Arabia where I could freely discuss and debate contentious subjects. 

In Syria, the challenges were different but equally daunting. Social pressure was less pervasive, but the government’s grip on the flow of information was suffocating. Public discourse, especially around politics, was a minefield. Conversations were often abruptly silenced with the reminder that "the walls have ears." The fear of government surveillance created a climate of intellectual stagnation, but my yearning for uncensored knowledge persisted. Despite the limitations, I actively participated in public book discussions. Engaging with others about thought-provoking ideas, even within the boundaries of what was permissible, ignited a spark of intellectual curiosity within me. Discussing books like Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World, we touched on the resemblance of these dystopian worlds to our own, basking in the thrill of small triumphs. 

It was during one of these discussions that I met a friend who introduced me to Ideas Beyond Border’s powerful Arabic translations. This encounter reignited a passion for translation that had been sparked years earlier by reading a poor Arabic translation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Determined to experience the magic firsthand, I wrestled with the English text, dictionary in hand, which highlighted the power of good translations and the barriers bad ones create. Now, far from those restrictions, I work with IBB to dismantle these barriers for many who lack the privilege of well-stocked libraries or access to forbidden books. IBB's translations empower people across the Middle East to engage with critical ideas and shape their understanding of the world. 

Through IBB, I help provide translations that offer crucial perspectives often missing in the Arabic world. Projects I took part in, such as translating Michael J. Kessler’s Palestine 1936, Jacob Mchangama’s Freedom of Speech, and Aron Ra’s Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism, provide Arabic readers with the tools to wrestle with different aspects of history, ideology, and science. Furthermore, making thousands of Wikipedia articles accessible in Arabic broadens the horizon for countless readers, empowering them to form their own opinions and engage with the ideas shaping our world.

The impact of these translations extends far beyond the individual. They spark discussions, ignite curiosity, and challenge established ways of thinking. This ripple effect of knowledge paves the way for a more open and informed society—a future where critical thinking flourishes. This is the future we are committed to building, one translation at a time.

My journey from a childhood yearning for knowledge to becoming a translator for IBB embodies the transformative power of intellectual freedom. With every project, I witness the walls of censorship crumble, replaced by a vibrant exchange of ideas. The potential for a more open and informed Arabic world, fueled by the power of knowledge, remains my driving force. I am proud to help build this future alongside IBB.

This article was written by Habib Zreik.