Verily, the angels spread out their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of their delight for him, so that he walks over them.– Al Nawawi
Overviews of Islam
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
Quran and Tafsir
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Vol.s 1-10)
Authoritative interpretation of the verses of the Qur’an
Hadith, Sunnah and 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
Fiqh and 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
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
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
Muslim Character and 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
Arabic
Abdur Rahim., Arabic Course for English-Speaking Students (Volumes 1-3)
Renowned ‘Madinah’ books outlining a three-volume Arabic course
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
Contemporary 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
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