Ten must- read books for Muslims

 Introduction

With Islam almost literally poised to become the dominant faith in the world (ft.1), discussions on its authentic teachings, doctrines and history becomes even more important to be engaged in. This need is coupled with the fact that distortions of its teachings, either by accident or design, has been an issue we continue to face. As such, we have decided to share the following list of books, all of which stem ultimately from the Islamic tradition in terms of its content, which all Muslims should own, particularly those whose primary intellectual language is English. 

I believe this would equally benefit non-Muslims who have an interest in understanding the religion. Note that this list has been chosen carefully, and stems from writers who identity with the Sunni understanding of the faith. This does not negate the clear fact that books on Islam (and related subjects) have been produced by non-Sunnis, even by non-Muslims, nonetheless we have chosen titles and authors who have large acceptance within the Sunni world and have avoided works which are deemed too controversial among Muslims. 

(1) The Qur'an

Undoubtedly the Qur'an is the scripture, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It was revealed over a twenty-three-year period, in a slow-paced fashion. It forms the main foundation of Islamic faith, law and practices. Its passages are used in prayers, and its texts are memorized by millions. 

The Qur'an was given in Arabic, a rich language with fields of meanings that cannot be fully captured in translation. Thus, every translation on the market has drawbacks! While this article does not endorse a particular English rendering, it does however recommend getting a good one that has an index attached, that it be read slowly, preferably taking notes, and participation in any available Quran study circles whose focus is not only on recitation but understanding and engaging with the sacred text intellectually (a process known as tadabbur)

(2) The life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal.

While it is true that there are other books on the market about the Prophet, this work, by the famed Egyptian writer (who died in 1956) is the best. It is very detailed and goes into some of the areas of controversy about the Prophet among westerners. In particular, the introduction alone is very detailed and profound, and the author attempts to be centered on the Quranic presentation of Allah's universal messenger (Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam). This work deserves deep study.

(3) An Nawawi's Forth Hadeeth

There are a number of translations and commentaries on this work, by this 11th century scholar (Imam Yahya bin Sharaf an Nawawi) is a collection of forty (technically 42) sayings of the Prophet.  Its content is more easily understood by all and does not overwhelm the readers with too much text. 

(4) Fortification of the Muslim (with supplications from the Qur'an and Sunnah) by Sa'eed Al Qahtani

A small work made popular in the 1990's, it contains short prayers gleamed from the Qur'an and Prophet's recorded practices on just about every imaginable scenario. It usually is printed in a convenient pocket size edition. 

(5) Authentication of Hadith-Redefining the Criteria by Israr Ahmad Khan

 Written by a highly qualified scholar, it tackles the sensitive issue of the nature of the hadeeth reports. It presents the history of compilation, the methods of judgement employed classically, and a thorough list of reports whose link to the Prophet is questionable. He does not take the extreme view advocated by some voices that want the entirety of the Sunnah thrown out, but rather that we should simply engage the tradition in an academic sense. 

This work would help in clarifying seemingly problematic texts in the hadeeth literature, issues which are discussed repeatedly in a western context. 

(6) The Bible, The Qur'an and Science: The holy scriptures examined in the light of modern knowledge by Dr Maurice Bucaille.

As the title suggests, it is a thorough study of both scriptures and their claims vis-a vis scientific knowledge.  Highly recommended as a work that creates understanding and a strengthening of faith. 

(7) Discipling the soul: Al Ghazali

Taken from the famed work Ihyaa 'Uloom Id-deen,(Revival of Religious Sciences) itself composed by the great savant Abu Haamid Muhammad Al-Ghazali, better known as Imam Al Ghazali, it presents texts related to spiritual upliftment, greed, lust, good character and much more. In truth, we recommend all of the works of this classical scholar (whose year of death was 1111), however, the English translations on the market either lack coherent presentation or are poor quality, meaning that a great deal of patience would be needed to engage it.  T.J. Winters has done a good job in his presentation of an extract from the Ihyaa. 

(8) The Muslim Marriage guide by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

 A rather brief work on navigating marriage in Islam, the author (a British woman) succinctly presents practical advice on aspects of marriage life, replete with examples from the Qur'an and Prophetic tradition. It also, in our view, is useful in providing some framework for understanding when the couple are from different cultures.

(9) The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley

Malcolm X, who eventually adopted the name Malik El-Shabazz, is a name who needs no introduction. This book details his life experiences, from his own lips, and serves as a wonderful source of insights into American history, and of course its interaction with the teachings of Islam. 

There are other books on the market, some of which actually seem to wish to refute The Autobiography, proposing many other theories as to his (i.e. Malcolm X) personal life, family and political views, however, The Autobiography is still the best and most authoritative. 

(10) A young Muslim's guide to the modern world by Sayyid Hossein Nasr

This work does not only benefit "the young", it benefits all, especially those with a desire to understand not only the Islamic take on certain issues, but the philosophical and religious foundations of the West. It is thought-provoking, written by a leading Muslim academic.

Footnote

(1) See Projected Changes in the Global Muslim Population | Pew Research Center

Identitying spiritual resources

 Just as those who work in public service realms often have the task of directing clients to resources suitable for their needs, the religion itself has built-in resources, designed to meet the intellectual and spiritual needs of all who care to derive benefit therefrom. Although an analogy, we can take it further and assert that the primary difference between the public service realm and religion is that the latter is (largely) self-driven, while the former will often have within it a highly regulated, organized program designed to meet the particular need of the client.

The purpose of this article is to direct the reader to some of those spiritual resources, available capital as presented from the religion of Islam. May Allah allow us to utilize those assets. 

During Isolation or persecution

"And when the servant of God stands up, (involved in) calling upon him, they almost became as a big crowd to suffocate him" (Q 72:19)

وَّاَنَّہٗ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبۡدُ اللّٰہِ یَدۡعُوۡہُ کَادُوۡا یَکُوۡنُوۡنَ عَلَیۡہِ لِبَدًا

It is necessary to understand that the messengers of God as well as the people dedicated to the right thing (saaleheen) have these sorts of experiences. Indeed, some of them were killed unjustly, as highlighted in scripture, and today often face the same threats. This verse also highlights the sense of isolation often felt by believers, when it seems that trying to be about what is right is deemed a fringe interest.

Part of the solution is present in this very text. The power of du'aa, salaah and the attitude of worship in general function as solutions to these feelings. Often there is the case of believers, who actually have imaan in Allah and the religion, yet they don't engage in salaah nor du'aa. These are resources that require no payment or much insofar as preparation. In other words, they are easy to access. The Qur'an reminds us that Allah responds to the call of all who call to him ( Q 2:186), that He is closer to man than the jugular vein (50:16), and that regardless of which direction one turns, God's presence is there. (Q 2:115).

The Qur'an says further (72:20) that proclaiming God's oneness, invoking him alone in worship, and avoiding idolatry (and the environment which cultivates idolatry) is the best formula to adhere to, especially in rough circumstances (ft.1)

The Qur'an gives a number of specific supplications to be recited as well as a number of stories that, in addition to invoking God, are designed to deliver confidence and drive to the believer. This includes, but is not limited to, the accounts of Ibrahim (Abraham), Moses, Joseph (Yusuf) and Jesus, may peace be upon them all. 

Other resources

(1) Maximizing the companionship of fellow believers: Communal prayers provide the best avenue for this, and in an Islamic context this happens not only on Fridays but has potential to happy every day five times daily in the mosques. The Prophet described congregational prayers as twenty-five times better in degree than if the same salaah was done alone. It is important here to mention the family relationships, particularly when sharing the same faith. Islam takes the position that those ties actually build up those spiritual resources. We have a hadeeth which describes marriage as half of one's religion, and indeed the maxim "the family that prays together, stays together"

(2) The natural world: Remember, the natural world was created by Allah. Our presentations have placed emphasis on this reality, the positive impact of seeing, breathing and hearing nature, on the soul. It is a great spiritual resource. Rivers, oceans. mountains, forests, etc. 

( From Top: Mount Charleston, Nevada, Superstitious Mountains, Arizona, and Lone Mountain, Nevada.)

(3) The Qur'an itself: Its regular recitation and reading, even if the translation is unavailable or not understood. While I have in the past suggested a minimum of ten verses daily, even less than that would be useful. It can be listened to sometimes while driving or in some other activity, and it certainly deserves to be read with meaning. If your community has a regular Qur'an study circle (halaqah), do join it. 

What does spiritual wealth look like?

In short, a person who seeks to have truth and a rich inner life should have within them the qualities of understanding, love, forgiveness, mercy, joy and general happiness. They should be open-minded, avoid being judgmental. They should also stay clear of addictions, have a clean life, in body, mind, soul and general surroundings. Things such as an organized home and a clean bedroom are actually important indicators of spiritual substance. 

The spiritually wealthy has a kind heart yet has strength. The Prophet Muhammad himself, peace be upon him, was very compassionate, yet also fought in battle. A spiritual person won't automatically be sinless or without faults. Indeed, Islam has a teaching that even Adam's sin, of disobeying God by his consumption of the forbidden fruit, not only was forgiven by God, but that God actually taught Adam how to do repentance (Qur'an 7:23). If the reality of our lack of perfection becomes recognized, accepted, this actually helps in spiritual growth. After all, only Allah is perfect!

Expecting perfection from others or even self can lead to unnecessary disappointments, creating excuses for stagnation and worse, destruction. Islam says strive to be better, but that doesn't necessarily translate into perfection!  It is important to not only engage in forgiveness of others, but also self-forgiveness. 

May God allow us to enjoy rich inner lives. Wa Billlaahit Tawfeeq.

Footnote

(1) It is important to note the context of Q 72:20 fits in an overall discussion on the occult. There is a clear connection to idolatry (shirk in Muslim parlance) and devilish forces. It is also noteworthy that the Qur'an connects shirk to injustice, for which see Shamsuddin Waheed: Only one God: forgotten aspects of Tauheed and its application

Zionism: A briefing from an Islamic perspective

 

                                           Zionism: a briefing from an Islamic perspective

                                                              By Shamsuddin Waheed

 

 

The latest round of violence to hit the Middle East has prompted a number of questions for Western audiences, particularly Americans, regarding the core reasons behind the conflict.  While much has been made on legacies, revenge and a host of other rhetorical devices, the core issue is actually a political ideology known as Zionism.

 

Zionism, in short, is the name of an ideology of a Jewish land for Jewish people. While this is in and of itself not necessarily an evil goal, the way it was brought about was without due consideration to others. This makes perfect sense when we see that the ideology itself is born out of a colonial mindset, in which the “native” peoples are viewed as inconsequential. The Balfour declaration of 1917, initiated by the British, had as a stated goal the transformation of Palestine (a land already populated by what we call today “Palestinians”) into a Jewish homeland, to the disenfranchisement of those already there, both Arab Muslims and Christians.

 

While it is a political ideology (akin to Apartheid), it does use religious language, the latter being very appealing to Christians. There is a bit of irony present here, because many of the early Zionist preachers of it, including its principal founder Theodor Herzl (d. 1904) was atheist, and even today extreme Jewish Zionists tend to dismiss Christians as idolaters. Nonetheless, Christian Zionists believe that God has promised the land to the Jews, based on Biblical texts (such as Gen.15:18), and that Jewish presence is necessary for the return of Jesus. If this wasn’t bad enough, many in both Israeli and American religious/political leadership desire that Israel grow from its current borders. John Hagee, a leading Texas-based pastor, has stated that “the day will come when Israel owns and control all of present-day Israel, including Jerusalem, Lebanon, the West Bank of Jordan, and most of Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia..” (CAN AMERICA SURVIVE? 10 PROPHETIC SIGNS THAT WE ARE THE TERMINAL GENERATION, PAGE 109, 2010 HOWARD BOOKS, NEW YORK).

 

In light of the current Genocidal policies clearly enacted by Israeli forces, fears of Israeli expansionism are legitimate. Yet, Islam has a totally different teaching from Zionism. Islam has morals, ethics, a recognition of human rights and religious liberty. Allah says that his covenant will not extend to oppressors ( Q 2:124). He forbids oppression of people on the basis of religion, color or gender (2:256, 60:8-9). Indeed, it can even be said that trying to jumpstart Armageddon and the return of Jesus is in itself an action of idolatry (Q 16:1-2), a mentality that –if eternally held- risks generating Divine wrath.

 

May Allah give freedom to those who are oppressed, and may we be protected from having the mentality of oppressors.

The fragility of life

 On both macro and micro levels, we are reminded of the fragility of life, that what we take for granted now will be out of our hands at any moment. People die every day, from both natural and unnatural causes, at times when it is expected as well as sudden (and seemingly) random. 

Seeing certain things on the macro and micro levels recently have made me think about this, even my own particular life circumstances, and on top of this an unexpected death of a longtime friend occurred, and by the time I learned of it, it was too late to make arrangements to attend the janazah (funeral prayers).

The local press had published details of his death, and surprisingly very little biographical information. His work in the religious realm, even translating classical and modern texts from Arabic to English, as either head or worker in various organizations that dealt with the serious issues of society, was unmentioned. Only his age and a handful of comments showing his generosity was shared. 

Perhaps in recent years he has not emphasized his past accomplishments, or there were limitations to what can and can't be published in a death notice.  We would often speak on books, theological points, politics and a host of other topics. Hè was a very intelligent and articulate believer in Allah and in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the messenger of Allah. 

There are some lessons I have derived from this news (of his death), lessons that are applicable to everyone. It should be noted that death is NEVER an accident, at least in the sense of Allah's power. In other words, death happens when God has meant or willed for it to happen. Qur'an asserts that None can delay it or advance it, it happens as God wills it to happen ( Q 16:61).

(1) Do not delay in keeping up with loved ones

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. All of us can easily depart from this world. Thus, it is important to keep up with your loved ones. There will be so much regret when those persons are gone. This world is very busy and stressful, but nonetheless we have to make time to maintain good ties with them. It could be something as simple as a weekly phone call or text message.  The friend in question sent me a text message the day before he died, but because of my own neglect I didn't reply, and now feel a bit of guilt. Thus. the lesson! 

(2) Drop the grudges

There are families broken apart over largely inconsequential items. This way of operating is quite unhealthy and leads to a stagnation whose impact can be felt for centuries. Some issues are necessary to "hold a grudge", but most are not. For those things which are not that weighty, a by-product of human error and the like, we should at least try to resolve them. One of the interesting teachings in Islam is that in Paradise, disputes, "vain talk" and the like are not present. (Q 19:62). In other words, the conflicts of the dunya should not (and actually will not) be transferred to the Akhirah. 

(3) Live your life

Enjoy life while you have it. This does not mean to be hedonistic, but rather to have wholesome life, in which you need not be a slave to the past. Many of us have been so burdened by trauma that we think we cannot escape it. We create excuses and even can engage (unknowingly) in self-sabotage, creating (illogical) excuses not to go forward with life. The famous Arab poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran has articulated this lesson succinctly: "Travel, and don't inform anyone. Live a real love story, and don't inform anyone, because people (tend to) ruin beautiful things".

There are always changes of failure in particular endeavors, however fear from doing anything makes failure a guaranteed outcome! 

Indeed, with the recently deceased friend, this was something he was very much doing in the months preceding his death. 

(4) Keep up with your spiritual life

The main avenue for spiritual maintenance is of course the five daily prayers as observed by Muslims. This activity is the main vehicle by which we connect to Allah. Avoid the prohibited actions as articulated in the Islamic sources, and keep with other practices such as reciting "None deserves worship except Allah" (Laa elaaha ill Allah) before sleeping. After all, if we do indeed pass away in sleep, having our last words be the words of testimony of faith is actually a blessing. 

(5) Goodly company

Death is guaranteed, and as believers we believe in the power, existence and authority of God. Thus, while here, we should have in our circle those who help in the development of our souls, our character and morals. This is particularly important in the romantic realm. 

This article concludes with a prayer that Allah grant our friend (whose name I will omit), the Shaikh, paradise, forgiveness for any faults, Divine Mercy and provision. Indeed, we pray this same wish reaches all believers, men and women, old and young, who depart from this world. Ameen.