Non-fiction
If you live in the West and feel frustrated by the dominant culture’s ideological intolerance toward you as an orthodox Muslim, or if you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, this one’s for you:
Travelling home by Abdul hakim Murad
This is not the easiest read but it’s certainly a powerful read. I love how Sheikh Murad addresses, ‘Complainants to therapists’. What I loved about this book even more is how solutions on how to deal with Islamophobia or any other Ism and Skism thrown your way are provided from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
If you’re in need of a heart softener that will guide you towards Tazkia-Nufs, pick this up:
The Marvels of the Heart by Al Ghazali
I devoured this book in one day. Al-Ghazali, the eleventh century philosopher, theologian and mastermind discusses the spiritual condition and journey of the heart. Al-Ghazali focuses on how to attain an intimate relationship with Allah (swt) and how to become an Awliyah of Him.
Fiction
If you’re looking for a heart warming read:
A man called Ove by Fredrick Backman
This is a wonderfully cosy read about a grumpy old man with a heart full of beauty. Backman masterfully balances humour with deeply poignant moments, creating a powerful juxtaposition that enhances both the laughter and the pain. Through his storytelling, he reminds us of the complexities of human nature and the many layers that one can form while navigating grief.
The Classics
When feeling distant from faith:
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky critiques the growing influence of nihilism and atheism in 19th-century Russia. Although, this isn’t a religious book, it’s a powerful read from a Muslim’s perspective as the protagonist rejects objective morality. Dostoevsky illustrates to the reader how a life without God leads to moral decay.
When looking for something ridiculously well-written and bingeable:
Emma by Jane Austen
I really enjoyed Austen’s use of irony and satire in this. Emma is a flawed character which makes her relatable and endearing. Austen wants to teach her reader how marriage is a journey of self-discovery.
If you need a reminder of how cutting back on screen time can greatly enhance your quality of life, pick this up:
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Farenheit 451 is beautifully written. It’s a piercing siren heralding the darkness that perpetually lurks at the edges. It’s deep reflection on the consequences of a dystopian world where reading is forbidden. The novel explores themes of societal numbness through overindulgence in entertainment, a concept eerily similar to the distractions and scrolling and social media saturation we witness in today’s world.
