This list was compiled in the hopes of facilitating a closer connection with Allah ﷻ, His Book, and aid in perfecting our worship. May Allah ﷻ forgive our shortcomings and enable us to make the most of this blessed month. It is intended to supplement our recommended reads from previous years and covers the spiritual, creedal, and legal aspects of Ramadan, as well as worship as a whole.
We encourage you to purchase the books at your local Muslim-owned bookstore, however, for the sake of ease, links have been provided.
- Allah: An Explanation of the Divine Names and Attributes by Ibn ʿAjība, translated by Shaykh Abdul Aziz Suraqah
“From the most noble and lofty stations of cognizance is to know the Lord, the Glorious, through His beauty.”
Moroccan scholar Ibn ʿAjība’s (d. 1394 AH/1809 AD) insightful work delves into the profound essence of worship and the purpose of human existence. In his exploration, he explains the significance of knowing Allah, not merely through ritualistic worship, but through a deep understanding of Allah’s Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names (al-Asma’ al-Husna). Each chapter opens with a definition of a Beautiful Name, followed by a section on how to connect with and attain realization of this Name. The book can be purchased here.
- Prophetic Grace: The Qur’anic Merits of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn ʿAjība
In these selected commentaries on specific verses translated from Ibn ʿAjība’s magnum opus tafsir Al-Bahr al-Madid, Shaykh Abdal Aziz Suraqah highlights the exalted rank and nobility of the Prophet, inviting the reader to appreciate not only the depth of the revealed Divine Message but also the grace and countless merits of the Messenger. The book can be purchased here.
- Jewels of the Quran by Imam Al-Ghazali
Imam al-Ghazali’s phenomenal work Jawahir al-Qur’an is available through a few different translators. In the first section, Imam al-Ghazali describes the way to understand the Quran, its principal aims, and how all branches of Islamic knowledge are based on it. The second section contains verses that, according to the author, are jewels that impart guidance regarding our obligation towards God. One translation by Muhammad Abul Quasem can be purchased here.
- Recitation of the Glorious Qur’an: Its Virtues, Etiquettes, and Specialties by Abdullah Siraj al-Din al-Husayni
Shaykh ‘Abdullah Siraj al-Din’s Recitation of the Glorious Qur’an brings together both conceptual and practical knowledge related to Allah’s Book. The reader will be equipped with both a stronger understanding of the realities of Allah’s Book, as well as a detailed set of actionable steps and best practices to develop a stronger and more beneficial relationship with the Final Revelation. It can be purchased here.
- A Believer’s Guide to Fasting by Abdullah Siraj al-Din al-Husayni and Shaykh Hisham Burhani
Every Muslim upon whom fasting is obligatory must study and review its rules and virtues. To that end, this book examines the various aspects of fasting, written by two eminent scholars from Syria. The first part by Shaykh ‘Abd-Allah Siraj al-Din al-Husayni discusses the obligations, etiquette, requirements, benefits and virtues of fasting. There is also a section on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Divine Decree or the Night of Power), emphasizing its significance and opportunity to attain virtue. The second part, by contemporary scholar Shaykh Hisham Burhani, focuses on the legal aspects of fasting: its rules in accordance with the Hanafi school of Jurisprudence. The book can be purchased here.
Note: Please study and review the rules of fasting in accordance with the school of jurisprudence that you follow.
- A Believer’s Guide to Zakat by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Burhani
This book delves into the significance of Zakah, drawing upon the Qur’an and Hadith to elucidate its importance and the dire consequences of neglecting it. It delineates the essential legal aspects surrounding Zakah, including its beneficiaries, the types of wealth subject to it, and the manner and timing of its payment. Beyond legalities, the author emphasizes the importance of observing proper etiquette both for the giver and the recipient of Zakah, underscoring the ethical dimension of this charitable obligation within the Islamic framework. The book can be purchased here.
- Al-Ghazali on Disciplining the Soul and on Breaking the Two Desires
This work is part of Imam Al-Ghazali’s larger opus, Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), considered one of the foremost works of Islamic spirituality and ethics. The “Two Desires” referred to are the desires for food and sex, which al-Ghazali argues are central to human nature but must be controlled in order to achieve spiritual growth and closeness to God. Tainted by worldly distractions, the lower self often incites one towards arrogance and sinful behavior. As we prepare for a month of fasting, we remember that this sacred month is a tangible manifestation of the ongoing battle against those two desires and the lower self.
- When Hearing Becomes Listening by Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith
Social bonding is innate to human nature. As theories of attachment abound, we must consider what it means for our souls to be attached to the wrong things. How do we overcome barriers to connecting with Allah ﷻ and the Beloved Prophet ﷺ by listening, and ultimately, obeying? In his sequel to With the Heart in Mind: The Moral and Emotional Intelligence of the Prophet ﷺ (review available here), Shaykh Mikaeel focuses on the art and science of listening in three tiers: listening to oneself, listening to others, and ultimately, listening to Allah ﷻ. The book can be purchased here.
Compiled by Abu Zayd AbdurRahman and Heraa Hashmi.
Disclaimer: Material published by Traversing Tradition is meant to foster scholarly inquiry and rich discussion. The views, opinions, beliefs, or strategies represented in published articles and subsequent comments do not necessarily represent the views of Traversing Tradition or any employee thereof.
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