| Books on Islam
• Overviews
• Qur'an & Tafsir
• Hadith, Sunnah & Seerah
• Fiqh
• History
• Comparative Religion
• Muslim Character/Personality
• Arabic
• Spirituality
• Politics
• Contemporary Issues
• Miscellaneous
• Websites
Where applicable it has been indicated whether the book is freely available to borrow in the Mill Lane Prayer Room (*), whether it is obtainable in the University Library (^) or whether the book is easily purchasable online (+) (first try www.simplyislam.com and then www.kelkoo.co.uk )
1) OVERVIEWS:
Hammudah al ‘Ati., Islam in Focus *+
Very readable and thorough overview of Islam designed for Western audiences
Roger Du Pasquier., Unveiling Islam ^+
Philosophical discussion of Islam and it merits in the modern world, penned by a non-Muslim
Abdul Wadud Shalobi., Islam: Religion of life ( edited by Abdul Hakim Murad) +
Perhaps the best short introduction to Islam for non-Muslims and indeed Muslims, with a sophisticated and deep style
Gai Eaton., Islam and the Destiny of Man ^+
Inspirational book on Islam, written by a highly educated English convert to Islam
2) QUR'AN & TAFSIR:
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Vol.s 1-10) *^+
Authoritative interpretation of the verses of the Qur'an
3) HADITH, SUNNAH & SEERAH:
Imam Nawawi., Riyad-us-Saliheen (Volumes 1& 2) *^+
Comprehensive collection of - and modern commentary upon - a large number of the sayings of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of God be upon him)
Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo., Commentary on the Forty Hadith of Al-Nawawi (3 Volumes) *+
Extremely rigorous commentary on Imam Nawawi's famous collection of ahadith
Martin Lings., Muhammad +
Wonderfully readable biography of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of God be upon him)
Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri., The Sealed Nectar *+
Original Arabic won first prize in a world-wide competition for a modern biography of the Prophet (pbuh). Still a great read in translation
Karen Armstrong., Muhammad ^+
Very interesting biography that achieves a great deal in placing the life of the Prophet (pbuh) in its historical, social and economic context
4) FIQH & PRAYER:
Al-Shafi'i's Risala ^+
Important work by Imam Shafi'i outlining the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence
Taleem ul-Haq *+
Basic hanafi fiqh guide, covering a wide range of matters
Ashraf Ali Thanwi., Heveanly Ornaments +
Indispensable hanafi text covering all of the aspects regarding the management of a household
As-Sayyid Sabiq., Fiqh Us Sunnah: Rulings for Everyday Islamic Worship (Volumes 1-5) +
Well-known series of five books outlining Islamic positions and rulings on basic practices
Naqib Misri & Nuh Ha Mim Keller., Reliance of the Traveller +
In-depth exposition of Shafi'i law, translated and annotated from the 14 th century original
Muhammad Albaani., The Prophet's Prayer Described*+
Detailed exposition on the Prophet's prayer, relying on original sources
5) HISTORY:
Akbar Shah Najeebabadi., The History of Islam (Volumes 1-3) +
Extensive and very readable history based upon the works of famous writers At-Tabari, Ibn Athir, Masudi, Ibn Khaldun and Suyuti
Ibn Kathir., Stories of the Prophets +
Fascinating account of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur'an
Abdul Wahid Hamid., Companions of the Prophet (Volumes 1 & 2) ^+
Excellent collection of short biographies on the companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), providing wonderfully personal insight
Ibn Batutah., Travels of Ibn Batutah (edited by Tom Mackintosh) +
Book chronicling the 29 years of travels undertaken by a truly intrepid Muslim traveller of the 13th century
John Esposito., Oxford History of Islam ^+
A wide-ranging and authoritative account by the most well-respected non-Muslim authority on Islam in the world
6) COMPARATIVE RELIGION:
Ahmad Deedat., The Choice (Volumes 1 & 2) *+
Polemical comparison of Islam and Christianity, and of the proofs of Islam in the Bible
Huston Smith., The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions ^+
Regarded as a masterpiece of its type in exploring the essential elements and teachings of the world's predominant faiths
www.islamic-awareness.org
www.thetruereligion.org
www.answeringchristianity.com
7) MUSLIM CHARACTER/PERSONALITY:
Abu Ghuddah., Islamic Manners +
Outlaying of various essential adab (manners) in Islam
Imam Ghazali., On the Manners Relating to Eating^+
Wonderful illustration of the comprehensiveness of Islam and the possibility of virtue in every action – even the most simple
Imam Ghazali., The Remembrance Of Death And The Afterlife^+
A classic discussion of death stressing the importance of its contemplation and the stages to follow our inevitable end
8) ARABIC:
V. Abdur Rahim., Arabic Course for English-Speaking Students (Volumes 1-3) +
Renowned ‘Madinah' books outlining a three-volume Arabic course
www.madinaharabic.com
www.shariahprogram.ca/online-arabic-lessons.shtml
www.iant.com
http://www.ibnjabal.com
9) SPIRITUALITY
Khurram Murad., In the Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self-Development (edited by Riza Mohammed) +
Collection of inspirational advice on the subject of spiritual and self development
Imam Ghazali., Dear Beloved Son +
Enduring and essential book offering 24 invaluable pieces of advice
Imam Ghazali., The Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship ^+
Covers the dimensions of Islamic rituals which are essential to the fulfilment of their inner quality
Imam Ghazali., Disciplining the Soul +
Details the sophisticated spiritual techniques needed during the Muslim's constant struggle against his/her ego
Muhammad Ghazali., Remembrance and Prayer ^+
A short excursion into the importance of dhikr and du'a
10) POLITICS
The Empire and the Crescent: Global Implications for a New American Century+
Collection of essays by both eminent Muslim and non-Muslim writers examining the role of the United States in the world today
John Esposito., Holy War: Terror in the name of Islam ^+
Widely acclaimed book that tackles many of the issues raised by 9/11
11) COTEMPORARY ISSUES:
Seyyed Hossein Nasr., A Young Muslim's Guide to the Modern World^+
Very readable exposition of the teachings of Islam and their relevance to the context of the modern world
Tariq Ramadan., Western Muslims and the Future of Islam +
Seminal book that explores the balance between staying true to underlying principles while participating fully in the civic life of Western secular societies
Tariq Ramadan., To Be A European Muslim +
Superbly written global overview that helps in understanding the underlying influences and tensions upon this new community
12) MISCELLANEOUS:
Ibn Khaldun., The Muqadimmah +
An enduring book written by the father of the modern social sciences in the 14 th century
Imam Ghazali., The Incoherence of the Philosophers ^+
Enduring refutation of theology and metaphysics
Ibn Taymiyyah's Essay on Servitude +
A discussion by one of Islam's most famous scholars, on striving to attain the virtuous and noble status of being a ‘slave of Allah'
Sulaiman Al-Ashqar., The World of Jinn & Devils *+
Fascinating discussion of the notion of spirits in Islam
13) WEBSITES:
www.islamworld.net – comprehensive overview of Islam
www.islamonline.net – essential website for news on the Islamic world and on Islam
www.sunnipath.com – an online centre for traditional Islamic knowledge
www.islamqa.com – interactive fatwa bank
www.islaam.net – detailed website on Islam, full of articles
www.usc.edu/dept/MSA - site full of rich resources and knowledge
www.simplyislam.com – one-stop shop for Islamic books and other products
www.masud.co.uk – excellent website full of articles on traditional Islam
www.muslimnews.co.uk – Muslim news source based in Britain |
