I have tried to carve out time in the last 3 years to study, in order to move forward towards God with greater clarity. Simultaneously, I have played a far less active role in the American Muslim community during that time. So in order to fulfill my obligation to give out of what Allah has given to me, I am going to share some of the best things I have read. Of course, every text is open to criticism, with the exception of the Qur’an. But I can only give you what I know – perhaps there are better things to read, but I have not read them yet! One must pay the zakat due on the knowledge one has been given, but those with less on the bookshelf (such as myself) can only pay a little.
A contemporary reworking of the classic genre of “The Lives of the Prophets (qisas al-anbiya).” Takes into account concerns such as evolution and our lack of knowledge regarding prehistory. Well-written and engaging, with full citations for those interested in checking the sources upon which the narrative is based.
Arastu, Shaykh Rizwan; God’s Emissaries: Adam to Jesus (I.M.A.M.: 2014)
An academic study of the contours of Christianity before the advent of Islam. Provides insight into the faith worlds of those who tried to follow the teachings of Jesus, upon him peace.
Kelly, Joseph F.; The World of the Early Christians (The Liturgical Press: 1997)
A translation of the Qur’an that breaks both the Arabic and English into parallel phrases, allowing the reader familiar with Arabic to easily compare the translation with the original text.
Qarai, Ali Quli; The Qur’an: With a Phrase-by-Phrase English Translation, 2nd ed. (ICAS Press: 2005)
Prayers attributed to the Prophet’s great grandson, blessings and peace be upon him and his family. If the Qur’an teaches one how to listen to God, this text teaches one how to talk to God.
‘Alī ibn al-Ḥusayn, Imam Zayn al-‘Ābidīn; The Psalms of Islam: al-Ṣaḥīfat al-Kāmilat al-Sajjādiyya, trans. by W. C. Chittick (Muhammadi Trust: 1988)
Historical overview of the events of Karbala and their universal significance in world history. Text is neither overly academic nor overly devotional.
Naqvi, ‘Allamah ‘Ali Naqi; The Martyr for Mankind (Shahid-e-Insaniyyat): An Abridgement, trans. by S. ‘Ali Akthar (Muhammadi Trust: 1986)
Section of a longer theological treatise that tries to analyze the way God will judge people’s good deeds vis-a-vis the beliefs they hold. Takes into account atheism, other religions, and divisions within Islam. Author’s approach is compassionate yet precise, while acknowledging the inherent pitfalls of any such analysis. The whole book is valuable, but this final section is particularly noteworthy.
Mutahhari, Murtada; Divine Justice, trans. by S.H. ‘Ābidī, M. Alīdīnā, and S.A. Mīrzā (Kitab al-Islamiyyah: n.d.) pp. 260-350
A contemporary articulation of the shari’ah meant to be practiced on a daily basis, with reflections on the meanings and wisdoms of the outward rules. There are more lengthy books in Arabic that explain the author’s perspectives in greater detail.
al-Modarresī, Grand Āyatullāh Sayyid M. Taqī al-Ḥusaynī; The Laws of Islam (Enlight Press: n.d.)
A journalistic analysis of how we determine price for various tangible (homes) and intangible (faith) goods. Easy to read, yet based on scholarly academic research documented in the endnotes. Provides numerous insights into human behaviors and why the capitalist economy functions the way it does. Particularly insightful (and scary) chapter on the economics of climate change.
Porter, Eduardo; The Price of Everything: Solving the Mystery of Why We Pay What We Do (Portfolio: 2011)
A Mercy Case 
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