Blog Post: karsbreanne.com/home/2018/11/8/my-top-10-islamic-book-recommendations Muhammad by Karen Armstrong - amzn.to/2Qtczmt This is 1 out of 2 of the first books I bought before converting, along with a Quran of course. I remember quickly running to the religion section of Barnes and Noble so I could make the purchase before anyone noticed. This book is an in depth comprehensive look at the life of the Prophet (sws), but at the same time is an easy read to understand and work through. Most of my fundamental knowledge of our Prophet (sws) came from this book! 2. The Heart of Islam by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - amzn.to/2OyBVxI This is a beautiful text covering the fundamentals of Islam from a Sufi perspective. It talks about everything from worship, to how we interact with others, to the art of war. A really stunning account of our faith that I learned a lot from. 3. No God but God by Reza Aslan (It’s on sale!) - amzn.to/2QuzjCP So this is the 2 of the first 2 books I bought before converting, and it is my favourite to this day. It covers the entire history of Islam, as well as gives a detailed summary of the life of our Prophet (sws), while also delving into current political discourse. Aslan absolutely nails it with this book - I cannot recommend it enough. Incredibly written and so informative (I’ve read it about 3 times!). 4. Reflections by Gai Eaton - amzn.to/2JPd0oJ This is another composition from a Sufi-convert perspective, that was collected by his children after he passed away. This book is really what the title says - reflections: on life, faith, spirituality, and more. A stunning read, my husband really loved it as well. This is also one you could read over and over. 5. Intention, Sincerity and Truthfulness by Al-Ghazali - amzn.to/2OwFpAE Basically, anything by Al-Ghazali, and I highly recommend watching the film about his life (available on Alchemiya). This book is one of a huge collection covering Islamic principles, and while it is a hefty read with rich language, it definitely worth it. Though I recommend highlighting or taking notes! 6. The Man in the Red Underpants by A.R. Green - amzn.to/2QuXi4w This book is the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover! Even reading the first few pages you might be unsure of where it’s going, so I won’t spoil it for you! It’s a very short read that can be completed in less than a day, but very thought provoking and helps simplify Islam for those who may be just learning. 7. Lost Islamic History by Firas Al Khateeb (on Sale!) - amzn.to/2RLB3aY Stepping away from the faith based side and covering Islam in History (as the title clearly states), this is a very cool book if you’d like to learn more about Islam in the world, the rise and fall of empires, and the achievements of the Message. 8. Reclaim your Heart by Yasmin Mogahed - amzn.to/2QuXDUQ Is it really an Islamic book collection without some Yasmin Mogahed? But do not be fooled, this book is not just for the broken-hearted! It is for anyone who may be relying on anything other than Allah for their happiness, and is a complete iman booster in a book. 9. Radical Reform by Tariq Ramadan - amzn.to/2JPDVRg Okay so, I haven’t actually finished this one yet but it was gifted to me by a friend who has great taste in literature, so I’ll share his message for me here: Meliorism is the belief that the world will improve and human can aid its betterment. Our souls are a divine spark placed deep within us, to give us the power of discernment but also to take part in the destiny of the cosmos. We are God’s coworkers. But to begin this process of internal, and external reformation, it is vital that one extends their knowledge to its furthest limit. And a few people have expressed the path to achieve this than your fellow countryman Ernest Hemingway: “Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual”. I pray this is useful. 10. The Sealed Nectar by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri (only £4!) - amzn.to/2JPcSFL Another summary of the life of our Prophet (sws), but very beautifully written and detailed. Goes in depth regarding his character and morale, as well as the hardships he faced so that we may learn to appreciate all he sacrificed so that Islam could live. That’s all for now! My top 10 Islamic book recommendations. Additionally, I always get asked which Quran’s I use, and I use a few different ones for different things. For translation (meaning/explanation) - this is a beautiful version by Ahmed Ali, very poetic. amzn.to/2SWKUvZ For recitation/reading (in Arabic) - any mushaf will do! amzn.to/2SSpvE2 For transliteration (before I could read Arabic) amzn.to/2Pmw4k7

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