This Ramadan create a routine where you are encouraging the love for reading and knowledge. Below is a curated booklist of what I will Inshallah be undertaking with some added ‘Loves’ in my Book wish List.
The Holy Quran
Of course the most important book to read during the month of Ramadan as well as throughout the year is the Holy Quran.
It was during the 30 days of Ramadan that Angel Jibreel would come down and sit and recite the Quran with the Prophet Muhammad [SAW].
Ibn ʿAbbās narrated that Gabriel used to meet with the Prophet every night in the month of Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him.1
Therefore reading, reciting and listening to the Quran during the period of Ramadan is one of the main components every Muslim will complete. The Quran does not need to be completed during these 30 days however many Muslims will carry this out. Rather it is beneficial for you to study and understand the teachings the Quran is giving you so you can act upon them throughout the rest of the year.
You can get many versions of the Quran that also provide translations and trans-i-literation’s. I personally use the Ibadah London Quran with the English Translations by A. Yusuf. Ali.
The 99 Names – Guided Journal
This journal was a wonderful addition to my Ramadan collection last year. After searching for something that would give me the meaning, the usage and reasons as to why the names of Allah were so important I found this book by Ramadan Legacy. Now called Towards Faith.
Written in collaboration with Ustadha Jinan Yousef. This multi use book encourages you to study the names of Allah and really understand them. The journal also encompasses an audio reflections that you can use whilst studying each name. Allowing you to connect with scholars and teachers around the world through their reflections. Each name has a space for you to write your own answer to a reflective question related to the name.
Personally, I love that this book can be a perfect companion for you throughout the year and help you use Allah’s 99 names in various situations you may encounter.
You can purchase the 99 Names Journal here.
Ramadan Reflections – A guided Journal
Another journal that was a delight to work through was Aliyah Umm Raiyaan’s Ramadan Reflections.
It was honestly a wonderful piece of writing. Each chapter was short and concise as this is a book to start and end during Ramadan. However I did not complete it during Ramadan as I was juggling a house renovation last year. Never the less I did carry it through after Ramadan and it was still a wonderful and insightful book to work through.
Within each chapter Aliyah will self reflect on a time related to the topic she is discussing; there is a related dua for the reader to read and learn as well as quotations from various Islamic sources. To further engage, Aliyah has written out questions to complete the chapters where you can sit and reflect for yourself. Allowing yourself to really understand where you are on your journey.
For example if you take a chapter of Gratitude; you will encounter a beautiful dua of thanks towards Allah for all he has provided us. This then leads to questions i.e: I am grateful for the following small blessings… and ends with a page for your own reflections on the chapter itself.
This journal is well thought out and as a none-journal-er it has increased my interest in future Quran or Islamic journaling.
Prayers of the Pious
If you know me, you will know that Imam Omar Suleiman is my go to Imam. Every Ramadan I listen to his mini series on Yaqeen Institute. Last year is was on Jannah – Home at Last and this year Inshallah it will be on Qadr – Why me?
Months after Ramadan he launches a book related to the mini series from that years Ramadan. Prayers of the Pious is one of those.
This book is small collection of duas, and reminders backed with examples and teachings for you to use for yourself. It helps to place these teachings of the Prophet Muhammed [SAW] in situations we may come across today. Each dua helps the reader to gain greater understanding and knowledge as to why we recite what we do.
In 30 short segments this book gives the reader a chance to delve into each prayer and begin to add them into their own routine.
If you want this spiritual gem then take a look at Kube Publishing website.
A Treasury of A’ishah
A gift that gives throughout the year. A Treasury of A’ishah – A Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved by Dr Sofia Rehman was my go to last year. Hence why it deserves a spot for this year especially if you haven’t read it yet.
A much needed book within the Islamic and societal sphere. It is a simply written book that encourages us to really look at our understandings of Islam and culture. It dives into many ‘Islamic’ expectations that have been placed upon women by society and culture and debunks them. Using the teachings of A’ishah Bint Abu Bakr [RA] and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad [SAW], Dr Sofia Rehman educates the readers on the rights of women.
Broken into 5 chapters of (tasfir) Exegesis, (fiqh) Jurisprudence, (aqidah) Theology, (siyasah) Politics, and (al-raqa’iq) Heart Softeners. This concise book gives the readers food for thought as well as breaking the cycle of misinformation when it comes to women in Islam.
Wish List
As usual and as a book lover I will always have more books than I can read on my ‘to purchase list’. Here are two I would love to invest in this Ramadan Inshallah.
90 Days Quran Journal: This year inspired by my journaling last year I have found a Quran Journal that looks great. Created by Helm Paper Co this journal has enough space for all your notes. Using the various Surahs and prompts you can easily learn and become more educated on each surah and its meanings.
The Power of Du’a: Aliyah Umm Raiyaan’s latest addition. The Power of Du’a is going to be another essential addition to your shelves for Ramadan and beyond. A book that provides each reader a way to prepare their heart before making Du’a, asking Allah from a place of certainty during Du’a and finally moving forward in faithful trust after Allah responds.
- https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-origins-of-the-variant-readings-of-the-quran ↩︎
