Al-Hikma means wisdom in Arabic, and, says owner Dhiya al-Saadawi, it was also the name of the first bookstore in Baghdad more than 1,000 years ago. His store, found behind the townhouse facade of the Rock Spring Professional Center in Falls Church, carries a full range of books in Arabic, as well as English translations of Arabic works, bilingual dictionaries, Arabic grammar books and current newspapers and magazines from the Middle East.

"This is an Arabic bookstore, American-style," laughs al-Saadawi. Alongside serious literature are audio and video cassettes, and many gifts, including ouds -- musical instruments resembling lutes -- key chains, costume jewelry and small, inlaid boxes from Syria and Egypt. In need of Microsoft Windows 95 or an electronic dictionary in Arabic? Al-Hikma is your source. The friendly owner also dispenses advice for Middle Eastern visitors traveling in the United States and Americans heading for the Arab world.

-- Margaret Hutton