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 its 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 profound style

Gai Eaton., Islam and the Destiny of Man

• An inspirational book on Islam, written by a highly educated English convert to Islam

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Vol.s 1-10)

• An authoritative interpretation of the verses of the Quran

Imam Nawawi., Riyad-us-Saliheen (Volumes 1& 2)

• A comprehensive collection of – and modern Commentary on – 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

• A 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 worldwide competition for a modern biography of the Prophet (PBUH). Still a great read in translation

Karen Armstrong., Muhammad

• A fascinating biography that achieves a great deal in placing the life of the Prophet (PBUH) in its historical, social and economic context

Al-Shafi’i’s Risala

• An important work by Imam Shafi’i outlining the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence

Taleem ul-Haq

• Essential Hanafi fiqh guide, covering a wide range of matters

Ashraf Ali Thanwi., Heavenly 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 14th-century original

Muhammad Albaani., The Prophet’s Prayer Described

• A detailed exposition of the Prophet’s prayer, relying on original sources

Akbar Shah Najeebabadi., The History of Islam (Volumes 1-3)

• An 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

• A 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)

• A 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

Ahmad Deedat., The Choice (Volumes 1 & 2)

• Polemical comparison of Islam and Christianity and 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

Abu Ghuddah., Islamic Manners

• Outlaying of various essential adab (manners) in Islam

Imam Ghazali., On the Manners Relating to Eating

• An excellent 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

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

www.arabicainstitute.com

Khurram Murad., In the Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self-Development (edited by Riza Mohammed)

• A collection of inspirational advice on the subject of spiritual and self-development

Imam Ghazali., Dear Beloved Son

• An enduring and essential book offering 24 invaluable pieces of advice

Imam Ghazali., The Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship

• It 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 dua

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

Ibn Khaldun., The Muqadimmah

• An enduring book written by the father of the modern social sciences in the 14th century

Imam Ghazali., The Incoherence of the Philosophers

• An 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

• A fascinating discussion of the notion of spirits in Islam