Muscat: Dr. Habib bin Marhoon Al Hadi has unveiled a scholarly work titled "Oman and the Passage of Time: The Theory of Civilisational Continuity of the Omani Family." This 427-page volume presents an intellectual framework based on the unique Omani experience. The book examines the Omani family's role in preserving national identity, transmitting values across generations, and reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of social development and civilisational sustainability.
According to Oman News Agency, the book raises a central question: how has the Omani family maintained its civilisational continuity over centuries amid rapid political, economic, social, cultural, and technological transformations in Oman? Dr. Al Hadi provides scientifically grounded answers derived from years of research, which include historical study, civilisational analysis, field research, and theory-building.
The theory outlined in the book defines civilisational continuity as a dynamic process that involves the reproduction of values, identity, and collective memory in ways that adapt to change-not merely the preservation of cultural heritage. The family is depicted as an active institution in preserving national character and balancing authenticity with renewal.
Beyond theory, the book offers an explanatory model, a proposed system of national indicators, and a vision for a national observatory to monitor family, childhood, and civilisational continuity. These elements aim to support national policies and programmes aligned with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on national identity, social development, and human development.
Organised into eight chapters, the book discusses the concept and theoretical framework of civilisational continuity, its historical roots in the Omani experience, the role of social institutions, the family as the primary incubator of values and identity, and the impact of social, cultural, and digital transformations. The final chapters present field study findings, the theory itself, and a forward-looking vision for civilisational sustainability.
Dr. Al Hadi mentions that the book is the culmination of years of research, inspired by a question about how Omani society has preserved its civilisational continuity despite significant historical transformations. His findings highlight the family's role as the most influential institution in preserving national identity and reproducing Omani character generation after generation.
He further explains that the book views civilisational continuity as a society's ability to preserve its essence while reproducing it in ways that align with changing circumstances, balancing authenticity with renewal and identity with openness. It offers not only a scientific theory but also an explanatory model, a system of indicators, and an institutional vision for future studies and national policies on family, childhood, and human development.
Published by Luban Publishing House, this book adds to Dr. Al Hadi's contributions in Omani history, educational thought, civilisational studies, and scientific research.