There is a beautiful hadith that reminds us: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” However, despite the plethora of Islamic books that are now available (both in Urdu, Arabic, and English), many of us are not sure where to start. What books are really worth your time? Which ones will support your aqidah, increase your knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an, and enable you to gain a relationship with the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ? Which are well-written and, in fact, will you finish?
This list can help you solve all these questions. It is suitable for both the complete novice and the student of Islamic studies, and for anyone who has been practicing Islam for years and is seeking to become more knowledgeable.
What Are Islamic Studies Books?
Islamic Studies Books are educational and scholarly books that help to learn Islam from various aspects. They include lessons on the Quran, the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Islamic law, Islamic theology, Islamic philosophy, Islamic civilization, and so much more. The books are issued at various levels. Others are written for beginners who are seeking a simple introduction to Islam. Others are for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Universities. There are also very technical texts intended for scholars and researchers in the field. Islamic studies is a special area in which students can learn religion while gaining knowledge. Books will be available that treat the Quran from a devotional point of view, as well as from historical-critical ones. They are all of good use, depending on what you want to use them for.
Why Reading Islamic Studies Books Matters
Before we start the list, let’s clear up one thing. To read about Islam is not to be a practicing Muslim. There are first matters, such as fasting, giving zakat, and Salah. So the meaning and depth of your ibadah comes from knowledge. Once you know the “why” and how of prayer, why of the nature of the month of Ramadan, or what the Quran is saying |your relationship to your deen becomes different. These books do just that. They are not a substitute for the Quran and Sunnah. They make it easier for you to comprehend them.
The Noble Quran (With Translation and Tafsir)
Needless to say, but it must be said, the first ‘book’ which all Muslims should study, with a good translation and commentary, is the Quran itself. One of the best resources for English speakers is The Study Quran, edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr. It offers a new and accurate translation as well as a comprehensive commentary based on classic Islamic exegesis. It’s not something to read quickly, but it’s something to be a lifetime companion.
In Urdu-speaking countries like Pakistan and India, Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi’s Tafheem ul Quran is a popular textbook. It is the interpretation of the Quran in a historical context, and relates its message to modern life. For those who wish to learn classical translation of the Qur’ān, one of the most trusted classical commentaries is Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which is available in multi-volume English translation.
Why to read it: The Quran is the basis of all things in Islam. With proper understanding and scholarly help, it alters your perception of the world.
The Sealed Nectar (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri
If you wish to read one book concerning the Life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ make it this one. The Sealed Nectar (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) was a book written on the seerah, which was a part of a worldwide contest held by the Muslim World League in Makkah for the book on the seerah. It is written by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri, and it comprises the entire life of the Prophet (saws) from his birth until his death. It is based on the earliest and most reliable historical sources from which the Quran was compiled. The writing is detailed and readable. It’s not an academic discussion, but it’s detailed enough that you’re going to get a real insight into the first Muslim community, what they went through, and how they developed a civilization out of nearly nothing.
Why it’s worth reading: Loving the Prophet ﷺ is at the heart of our faith. There is no such thing as loving someone you do not know. This book will help you to know Him.
Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah (With Commentary)
All Muslims should know what and why they believe. One of the most widely accepted statements of Sunni Islamic belief is Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah, written by the 9th century Hanafi scholar Imam al-Tahawi. It contains the basic articles of faith: belief in Allah, His attributes, the angels, the prophets, the day of judgment, and divine decree (qadr).
This is a relatively brief text which should be read with a commentary. Ibn Abi al-Izz al-Hanafi’s commentary is the most studied, and there are a few good English translations available. For beginners, it is highly recommended to learn shorter aqidah texts such as Matn al-Sanusiyya or the explanations of the six pillars of iman, before moving onto the text of the Tahawiyyah.
Why read it: Islam is a religion of faith. When you know what you believe, with evidence and clarity, it will keep you from confusion and doubt.
4. Ihya Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences) |Imam al-Ghazali
This is possibly the greatest Islamic scholarship that has been written. Ihya Ulum al-Din was collected by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali in the 11th century, and is as relevant today as it was then, and probably more so. The Ihya consists of four parts: acts of worship, norms of daily life, things that lead to destruction (such as arrogance, envy, and love of wealth), and things that lead to salvation (such as repentance, thanking Allah, and love of Allah). It is a comprehensive book of living as a Muslim, which is both intellectually challenging, spiritually edifying, and practically valid.
The complete English translations are available, but they’re also lengthy. Many readers start with either one book or an abridged book. One of the popular English abridgements is “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship,” which deals with the spiritual side of salah, fasting, zakat, and hajj.
Why read it? This book isn’t simply a how-to guide. It changes your mind and heart about your ibadah. It makes rituals something special of the heart.
Riyad al-Salihin |Imam al-Nawawi
One of the most popular books of hadiths in the Muslim world is called Riyad al-Salihin (Gardens of the Righteous). It is a collection of hadith compiled by the 13th-century scholar Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi, arranged by topic, and includes the hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and the other great hadith collections.
Topics: sincerity, truthfulness, good character, how to deal with neighbours, the etiquette of eating and drinking, remembrance of Allah, repentance, death, and much more. The opening of each section includes relevant Quranic verses and then a few carefully selected hadiths with brief explanations.
This is an extremely useful book on Islamic affairs that you will find yourself reading again and again. There are many Muslims who have a copy for themselves to read a few hadith every day, and good translations of the Arabic are widely available. The second source of Islamic guidance is the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, which is why it is recommended. Riyad al-Salihin brings the sunnah to you in a beautiful, accessible, and relatable way.
Islam: A Very Short Introduction |Malise Ruthven
Malise Ruthven’s presentation of Islam in the Oxford Very Short Introduction series is very good for anyone who wishes for a clear, academic, and non-partisan introduction to Islam, particularly students of Islamic studies or anyone who considers Islam from an intellectual point of view. It includes topics on Islamic theology, history, development of Islamic law, Sufism, Islam, and modernity and politics. It’s short, readable, and by an esteemed scholar.
This book is especially useful for Muslims who want to understand how Western academics study and discuss Islam. It also benefits anyone involved in interfaith dialogue, education, or research. Moreover, it helps you become a more informed and confident Muslim by exposing you to different perspectives, including academic ones.
No God But God | Reza Aslan
No God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan ranks among the most popular introductions to Islam in the 21st century. First, it explores the rise of Islam in Arabia. Then, it examines the life of the Prophet ﷺ and the formation of the early Muslim community. It also discusses the Sunni-Shia divide, the development of Sufism, and the challenges facing the modern Muslim world.
Aslan writes in a clear, story-driven style that often feels like a novel. At the same time, he supports his narrative with extensive research. Although some scholars debate certain interpretations, the book remains one of the most accessible introductions to Islamic history and thought. Overall, it offers an engaging and easy-to-read overview of Islam.
For what’s its importance to read: History provides context for the present. Learning the historical growth of the Muslim world will enable you to anticipate what it will become.
The Quran: A Historical Critical Introduction |Nicolai Sinai
Nicolai Sinai’s introduction to the Quran is one of the best academic texts, for more advanced students |especially those at university or graduate level in Islamic studies. Sinai is a professor at the University of Oxford, so he is careful, respectful, and rigorous. He explores the history of the Quran, its literary composition, the compiling, and its interpretations throughout the centuries. He is interested in the classics of Islam and in contemporary Western academic writing. This is not a devotional book. It’s an educational one. For Muslims with intellectual questions or engaged in academic pursuits, it is a worthwhile read.
Why read it: You will appreciate it more if you know something about the history, language, and structure of the Quran.
A History of Islam in 21 Women |Hosna Sheykholeslami
This book is unique and significant in that it’s a history of Islam, written in the voices of 21 Muslim women over 14 centuries. The book spans a vast expanse of time, geography, and experience, ranging from Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), the first believer and wife of the Prophet (saws), to today’s Muslim women who have made a difference in their societies. The prose is fine, the general reader can read and enjoy it, and at times it is very moving. It not only emphasises contributions that are too often missing from the pages of mainstream Islamic history books, but it also provides Muslim women |and men |with a more complete description of who we are as an ummah.
Why read it: Not all our history is what we are taught. This book recaptures some of that richness.
The Cambridge Companion to Sufism
The Cambridge Companion to Sufism is an authoritative introduction to the Sufi tradition and Islamic spirituality. It is edited by Lloyd Ridgeon and contains essays from the foremost scholars on the history, theology, literature, and practices of Sufism.
It includes such figures as Rumi, Ibn Arabi, al-Ghazali, and Rabia al-Adawiyya. Also covered is the part of Sufism in the modern Muslim world and its connection with the Sunni and Shia Islam.
Why read it: Sufism, the inner dimension of Islam, has influenced Muslim civilization, art, poetry, and spirituality for more than a thousand years. To know it enhances knowledge of the deen in general.
Academic Islamic Studies Books (For University Students and Researchers)
After the introduction, there are numerous directions in which academic Islamic studies take one. Here are some of the most important topics and some of the types of books that are most appreciated:
Quranic Studies
The books on Quranic studies vary from tafsir (commentary) to linguistic studies to historical studies of the compilation of the Quran. Advanced students may also use classical tafsir literature, such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which is used to interpret this book; Tafsir al-Tabari, which is used to interpret the second book; and modern research literature, such as the book on the Quran’s relationship to its historical context.
Hadith Studies
The subject of Hadith studies is an esoteric one. The important sources are the six books of the hadiths (sahih e Kutub al-Sittah). These are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Academic publications in this area tend to focus on the science of hadith authentication (ilm al-rijal) and the history of hadith literature.
Fiqh and Islamic Law
Muslim scholars write books about fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) based on the four schools of Sunni fiqh: the Hanafi, the Maliki, the Shafi’i, and the Hanbali, and also the legal traditions of the Shia Muslims. There are detailed monographs published on Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh) and comparative Islamic law by academic publishers such as Brill and Routledge.
Seerah (Biography of the Prophet ﷺ)
Seerah books provide details about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from birth to death. The most reliable traditional sources include the book of Sirat Rasul Allah by Ibn Hisham. Some modern works that are more accessible include The Sealed Nectar (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri, who won first prize in a worldwide competition organized by the Muslim World League.
Islamic Theology (Aqidah and Kalam)
Islamic Theology Books is the collection of the basic beliefs of Islam, which are the belief in Allah, the angels, the prophets, the revealed books, the day of judgement, and the decree of Allah. In this area, classic works such as Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah and the works of Imam al-Ghazali have a special significance. The formation of kalam (speculative theology) and its relationship to Greek philosophy are sometimes discussed in academic works.
Islamic Philosophy and Sufism
The Cambridge Companion to Sufism is a superb tutorial introduction to Islamic mysticism. Other significant texts include works by philosophers such as Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and al-Farabi, who contributed to Islamic and Western thought.
How to Choose the Right Islamic Studies Book for You
There are lots of books, and it’s difficult to find the beginning. Here are 5 points to take into account:
Your Reading Level
Be realistic regarding your level. For those new to the study of Islam, begin with easy-to-read guides, such as a copy of Ruthven’s “Islam: A Very Short Introduction”. If you have some background knowledge, then you can proceed to more detailed books such as Sinai’s “The Quran: A Historical Critical Introduction. Peer-reviewed journals and specialized academic monographs are good resources for graduate students and researchers.
Your Subject of Interest
Islamic studies is a wide area. Are you interested in the Quran in particular? Start with The Study Quran. Want to learn about the History of Islam? Either read “A History of Islam in 21 Women” or Reza Aslan’s “No God But God”. Islamic Law Focused? Seek books that are about fiqh and usulul fiqh from Brill or Routledge.
Author Credentials
Always take the time to determine who wrote the book. When it comes to academic lessons in Islamic studies, choose writers who hold doctoral degrees from well-known universities or Islamic research institutes. The names of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Nicolai Sinai, Malise Ruthven, and Fazlur Rahman are known and trusted in the field. To find books that are written by or recommended by respected Muslim scholars for traditional Islamic education, please refer to the books listed here.
Publisher Reputation
Academic presses, such as Oxford Press, Cambridge Press, Routledge, and Brill, have high editorial standards. The books in these publishers have been reviewed by experts. OUP Pakistan and Spectrum Publishers are trusted publishers for school books in Pakistan.
Format and Price
Paperback versions typically cost less than $10 for academic texts, and as much as $45 for others. Hardcover editions are available at a variety of prices ($50-$100) and are useful for permanent reference. Access to journals is usually provided online, and is generally not a direct cost to the student; students will normally be able to access them via their university library subscription.
A Note on the Journal of Islamic Studies
The Journal of Islamic Studies is a peer-reviewed academic journal that has been published since 1992 by the university. The Journal of Islamic Studies is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Oxford University Press since 1992 having a global audience, and is useful for university students and researchers in Islamic studies.
It provides coverage on every aspect of Islam and the Islamic world: Law, History, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Politics, Economics, and more. Each article goes through a peer review process of expert scholars before it is published, assuring a high level of academic quality. This journal is a must-have for dedicated students and researchers, in addition to the books above.
Where to Start: A Simple Reading Plan
Feeling overwhelmed? The simplest place to start based on location:
For beginners: Read “Islam: A Very Short Introduction” by Malise Ruthven. Read The Sealed Nectar for seerah, then start reading the Quran with a good translation.
If you wish to go further: Study Riyad al-Salihin for hadith then go through the Ihya Ulum al-Din, section by section. Learn Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah for a firm foundation of Islamic beliefs.
For learners of Islamic studies, Nicolai Sinai’s introduction to the Qur’ān and the Cambridge companion to Sufism are scholarly works. Use them in conjunction with journal subscriptions such as the Journal of Islamic Studies.
Conclusion
The Prophet ﷺ said: “If Allah wills good for a person, then he allows him to know about the religion. (Sahih al-Bukhari) The goal is not reading, but learning. It is a door. Whether you pick up one of these books or work through them all over the years, they will open the door for you to have a deeper understanding of your deen, practice it more sincerely, and share it more confidently. Choose a book from this list. Start tonight. You will be able to use the knowledge you gain throughout your life.
