The Quran translated by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem
The unique aspect of this translation is that it is written in contemporary English while remaining faithful to the meaning and spirit of the original Arabic text. Abdel Haleem includes notes that explain geographical, historical, and personal allusions as well as an index in which Qur’anic material is arranged into topics for easy reference.
Available from: Amazon
Daily Adhkar
The book contains invaluable supplications and remembrances to be recited in the morning and evening, after the Fardh prayers, before sleeping and at general times. The book consists of the following sections as well as the 99 names of Allah with meanings and how they are applicable in our duas:
- Dhikr for all times (Provisions)
- Morning and Evening
- Sleep
- After salah
- Daily Actions
- Remedy (Ruqya)
To purchase email: publications@uwt.org (book is free but please donate so they can cover postage costs and help with publications).
Reflecting on the Names of Allah by Jinan Yousef
The more you know about Allah’s names and attributes, the nearer you are to Him and greater the love for Him. When that love is alive in our hearts, that will ultimately transform our lives:
“One of the most beautiful things about His revealing His names and attributes is that it is the basis of our relationship with Him. We are told we should love Allah, talk to Him, pray to Him and ask Him, but this may become a burden when we do not understand Him. And so, He reveals His names and attributes for us because He wants us to know Him-when we know Him, we can love Him. Moreover, He reveals from His names and attributes what is necessary for our relationship.”
Reflecting on the Names of Allah by Dr Jinan Yousef – is truly a gift to be treasured for the immense details and work that has gone into it, yet it does not read like a textbook.
The book is structured in such a way that each chapter can be read independently, in any order or consecutively without losing the flow.
Each name and attribute of Allah is presented in a way that we as a layperson can relate to and implement in our daily lives. At the end of each chapter there is a subsection “Living with this name”. Which I absolutely love.
The author gives examples from her personal life to illustrate how the different attributes of Allah manifests themselves or how they can provide perspective, hope, solace and more.
The book puts emphasis on much needed space to pause and reflect on each name presented. Which is essential to truly getting to “know” Allah.
This is an invaluable book, one to be read and digested, for the heart to truly reflect and then to be read again and again as a reminder when needed.
“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.”
Available from: www.alburujpress.com
Pearls of Faith by Edwin Arnold (Edited by Hamza Yusuf)
First published in 1884 it was an attempt to present Islam in an appealing and intelligent manner to a world steeped in prejudice and colonial disdain for Islam.
“Pearls of the Faith is a book that harkens back to a slower time, before the nanosecond, before supersonic travel, before the advent of cyberspace, when handwritten letters took weeks to deliver, and people could sit under a canopy and read light verse about other faiths in faraway lands. It was a time when lettered men and women wrote prose and poetry in the hope that it might engender greater understanding of a richly diverse world in dire need of peaceful co-existence, reciprocal respect, and a deeper knowledge of the evergreen truths hidden in the myriad teachings of our various world faiths. The love and appreciation of poetry, far more widespread in Sir Edwin Arnold’s day, is unfortunately lost on many in our impoverished and illiterate postmodern culture. In light of that lamentable reality, we humbly offer this reprint of a 19th century British poets effort to help cleanse the doors of perception regarding Islam and hope that it may also help revive a love of such aspirational literature in these troubled times.” (Hamza Yusuf, Zaytuna College)
Available from: Amazon
Lessons From Surah al-Kahf by Dr Yasir Qadhi
Surah al Kahf, the 18th surah found in the exact middle of the Qur’an, contains 110 ayaat rich with stories and parables that are constantly engaging the reader.
This book is thoughtfully laid out with an introduction and blessings of the Surah followed by a thorough unfolding of stories and parables of the people of the cave, Prophet Musa and Khidr, the two men and their gardens, Gog and Magog.
The book concludes with recapping the main points and lessons of Surah al-Kahf. This is a book that can be read in any order depending on which parable you may want to focus on (although I recommend reading it in order first).
Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Lessons from Surah Yusuf by Dr Yasir Qadhi
Divinely considered the “Best of All Stories”, Surah Yusuf was gifted to the Prophet ﷺ in Mecca at a critical juncture of his life, after the “Year of Sorrow”, in which he experienced three traumatic events one after the other in the span of just 6 weeks:
- Death of his wife, Khadijah (RA)
- Death of his uncle, Abu Talib
- Rejection by the people of Ta’if
This was the time when he had gone through ten to eleven years of ridicule and rejection in Makkah. Allah revealed this precious surah to strengthen the Prophet Muhammad’s heart. To remind him that he lives in the footsteps of the great prophets of the past and that Allah’s help and support is there.
This surah is full of meaningful messages of patience, reliance on Allah and how to overcome hardship and betrayal. It was also educational, teaching the Prophet Muhammad the answers to queries that were posed to him by the local Jews and Muslims. Finally this surah was a timely morale booster for the Prophet and his companions in a time of need. Yasir Qadhi has clearly divided the surah into related themes, as per the revelations, so that the reader can easily understand and grasp the great wealth of knowledge relayed through this surah to all.
Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Way to the Quran by Khurram Murad
Khurram Murad in his book takes the reader through the journey of the Quranic worldview through engaging your whole body- asking your mind, compelling your heart and conversing with your soul.
Way to the Qur’an is an authoritative and accessible guide and a companion to all those who sincerely seek to learn not only the Qur’an but the hidden gems and wisdom behind it with the most receptive heart. It teaches you the etiquettes and essence of reciting and reading the holy book, understanding it, studying it collectively and to live by its teachings.
Each chapter of this book is beautifully written with slow pace making it easy for the readers to understand and practice simultaneously. Several beneficial aids are provided at the end of the book for readers to plan and study the Quran comprehensively.
No one can deny the revolution sparked by the Qur’an in centuries, no other book or a man have so long lived
the revolutionary spirit in the history of mankind.“A hundred new worlds lie in its verses.Whole centuries are involved in its moments”. -Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
In the Early Hours by Khurram Murad
This is a collection of inspirational advice by a dear and beloved teacher, Ustadh Khurram Murad on the subject of spiritual and self development. In it he sets out the goal of the Believer – the single-minded desire to seek the good pleasure of God. He then outlines the methods and instruments which must be used in the attainment of that ultimate goal.
The book is divided into seven chapters. It begins with a brief introduction regarding what should be our role in life, then he explains the Process of Self-Development; laying emphasis on the importance of accepting responsibility, making genuine effort, building a strong will power,making the best use of our time and solely relying upon Allah subhana wa ta’ala.
In the other chapters he has stated the importance of various forms of worship starting with dhikr and then proceeding to Salah and so on. Through examples and Qur’anic verses he explains how we can improve our worship and strengthen our bound with Allah. The book ends with making our life objective and being ready to meet our Creator.
The simple language of the book and summary at the end of each chapter makes it too easy to understand and follow. Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
The Heart of the Quran by Asim Khan
A lot of thought went into the design of this book, with its diagrammatic colour representations of the structure of the Qur’anic text. Helpful, easy to read explanations, paraphrasing and summarising excerpts from an impressive list (p7-8) of mostly classical commentaries. The selective “word bank” pages that pick out three or four Arabic terms of special interest in each of the six sections and shed light on their deeper meanings and relevance are a helpful feature.
As stated in its conclusion, this book is intended “to inspire further interest in engaging in a more meaningful reading of the Qur’an,” and I think it has achieved that. Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
A Juz A Day by Yahya Ibrahim
The Qur’an refers to a wealth of human experience, seeking to enrich our lives on earth before our eventual return to our Maker, the Most High.
Although it is impossible to articulate a translation that establishes clearing the majestic nature of the Qur’an in any language of the world, nevertheless, Muslims need to become more familiar with the overall coherence of its message in their native language.
The aim of this work before you is to highlight key themes and messages of the Qur’an that will be recited throughout our lives so those who are not able to understand the Arabic reading can feel a connection with what will they hear and recite by reading this summation. Available from: Amazon
Secrets of Divine Love by A. Helwa
Are you longing to experience a more intimate and loving relationship with the Divine?
Secrets of Divine Love draws upon spiritual secrets of the Qur’an, ancient mystical poetry, and stories from the world’s greatest prophets and spiritual masters to help you reignite your faith, overcome your doubts, and deepen your connection with God.
Through the use of scientific evidence, practical exercises, and guided meditations, you will develop the tools and awareness needed to discern and overcome your negative inner critic that prevents you from experiencing God’s all-encompassing love.
The passages in this book serve as a compass and guiding light that returns you to the source of divine peace and surrender. Through the principles and practices of Islam, you will learn how to unlock your spiritual potential and unveil your divine purpose. Secrets of Divine Love uses a rational, yet heart-based approach towards the Qur’an that not only enlightens the mind, but inspires the soul towards deeper intimacy with God. Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
A Journey to God: Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illah by Jasser Auda
The ultimate yearning of the human soul is to return to its Lord in a state where He is pleased with His servant and the Servant is pleased with his Master. This book offers a unique insights to prepare you for the journey to God through the wisdom of the great spiritual master Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari as expounded in his masterpiece al-Hikam.
The book is divided into 28 steps with an analysis of each of the steps as a Muslim journeys closer to God. I benefited so much from it hence the slow and deliberate reading. It’s certainly spiritual prescription to rejuvenate ones faith and certainty in Allah. It deserves to be reread ever so often to keep its lessons fresh in the mind and soul.
Available from: www.claritasbooks.com
Du’as of the Superstars: The Fomulae for Success by Alima Ashfaq
Alima says that her secret formula is not so secret: du’a coupled with action. Seems simple enough. The real question, is how to apply this formula to all aspects of your life and achieve the success you dream of. This is the solution that the author shares with us in her book.
Chapters 6, 7 and 8 are really the toolbox part of this book. This is where all the practical element are. Forget all the self-help books, courses, seminars and videos you may have experienced pertaining to goal setting. This is a different concept of goal setting.
Ashfaq asks: ‘…what is the purpose of making a lot of amazing du’a, if you don’t have amazing goals to achieve? …’ Whether for this world or the next, you need to be working towards something of purpose or else you are just wasting precious time on earth.
The author continuously makes reference to Qur’an, sunnah and stories from Islamic history throughout each chapter; this book is full of little gems as you progress through the book.
The final part of the book consists of 27 duas from the Qur’an, each with its own description and meaning.
Available from: Amazon
Lasting Prayers of the Quran & the Prophet Muhammad by Ahmad Zaki Muhammad
The most comprehensive volume of supplications from the Gracious Quran (the Muslim scripture) and the Prophet of Islam (p) in the English language; presents a lucid, bold, and moving account of the Quran’s “heroes of prayer,” especially the prophets (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus), as well as believing men and women, and angels. Their prayers are presented in the context of their missions and circumstances and bear extraordinary relevance to our world and lives today.
A beautiful book with moving commentary on the most enduring and sincere supplications ever made.
Available from: www.zamzamdirect.com
Prayers of the Pious by Omar Suleiman
This inspirational collection of prayers and reminders is the perfect companion for anyone who wishes to connect to the Divine. Shaykh Omar Suleiman provides us with thirty short prayers taken from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the early generations, each with a short reminder to deepen the impact of the prayer in our lives.
Prayers of the Pious provides spiritual gems that serve as valuable wisdom and practical advice for the soul. By reading this short work with an attentive heart, the reader can cultivate love for God and His Messenger and live life with gratitude and contentment. Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Allah Loves…by Omar Suleiman
This is another book based on the Ramadan series from 2019 entitled “Allah Loves…”.
The book consists of 30 short chapters and the topics range from specific acts of kindness to people to a wider range of qualities to have in our day-to-day activities and worship. The book covers society, trade, worship acts, parents, effort, angles, personal qualities, character and much more. It is an all-inclusive book which any Muslim can benefit from and make use of. The chapters can be read in any order, but the book does flow; he refers to previous chapters and qualities as he progresses.
Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Angels in Your Presence by Omar Suleiman
Throughout your existence, there are angels in your presence. But it’s your actions that cause those angels to either praise you or disgrace you. Through this book, we will explore the actions that invite these blessed unseen beings to pray upon you, and carry your name and mention to the One who created us all.
Featuring 30 short chapters that can be read daily, Omar Suleiman reminds us of the many different scenarios in which the angels accompany us, protect us and pray for us as we go about our day.
Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Turning the Tide: Reawakening the Woman’s Heart and Soul by Suma Din
Suma Din takes the reader on a journey through the stages of life on earth, with guidance and compassion from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that pave the way and inspire readers to reawaken their hearts and souls. With insightful thoughts and voices flowing through the book, this voyage is one of contemplation, discovery, and self-knowledge. This new edition is beautifully illustrated with calming watercolours which fits in perfectly with the book’s theme of water.
Available from: www.kubepublishing.com
Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart by Tamara Gray
Joy Jots is a collection of 52 weekly essays that take the reader through a year of seasons, blessings and joyful spiritual growth, The reader goes on a journey from lessons learned to lessons lived, from talking about joy to feeling joy, from the limitation of sadness to the freedom of joy. A joy jot is a phrase coined around mindful thankfulness. As the reader works through the reflection prompts and practical projects, she will find herself collecting joy jots; happy moments or points of deep thankfulness to God. As the habit of joy develops, the reader will begin to know herself better, draw closer to her fellow human beings, and set herself firmly upon the path that leads to real, all-encompassing joy – in this life and the next.
Available from: Amazon
A Place of Refuge by Asmaa Hussein
A Place of Refuge reminds us that forging a connection with our Creator is our only true refuge from the inevitable difficulties of this world.
In a series of powerful and thought-provoking essays, Asmaa Hussein draws on her experience maintaining resilience and strength in the face of overwhelming personal hardships. With moving pieces that address the realities of single parenthood, the challenges of maintaining a healthy private life while living in the public eye, and the effects of old traumas, Hussein makes insightful spiritual connections between her lived experiences and stories from the Quran and sunnah.
Available from: www.ruqayasbookshelf.com
Show Up: A Motivational Message for Muslim Women by Nai’ma B Roberts
Nai’ma shares the story of how she came to understand the meaning of ‘Showing Up’ through tragic circumstances and enormous life changes.
So many of us sleepwalk through life: frustrated, unhappy and lacking confidence in our abilities and accomplishments, destined never to reach our full potential. We allow our limiting beliefs to hold us back. We allow our challenges to define us. We allow other people’s expectations to imprison us.
‘Show Up: A Motivational Message for Muslim Women’ is based on the lessons Na’ima learnt on her journey, inviting the reader to show up, authentically and sincerely, in their lives, casting aside the role of victim and instead, living as the hero of their own life story.
Award-winning author and magazine editor Na’ima B. Robert lost her husband of 15 years and found herself solely responsible for their five children and her late husband’s company, the entire axis of her world shifted. Suddenly, she was a widow, a single mother, and a reluctant CEO. But, through her faith in Allah’s plan for her and her decision to choose gratitude over despair, she was able to rise from the tragedy and show up differently: more present, more confident, more powerful, and more grateful than ever.
“I chose to see that challenge, not as a setback but, as a set up for a comeback”
The book is replete with personal stories, quotes from Qur’an, hadith and contemporary thinkers, as well as action points and space for the reader to reflect and apply the principles.
