As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, we are all looking for ways to deepen our connection with Allah SWT and our understanding of the deen. While we abstain from nourishing our physical bodies, there’s a timeless tradition of Ramadan that stands out — nourishing our minds and souls through reading. 

We asked the Amaliah community and they have given us eight interesting resources that promise to offer poignant and deeply inspiring guidance as a way to light up our Ramadan days and nights.

1. The Power of Dua by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

In The Power of Du’a, Sunday Times bestselling author and revert, Aliyah Umm Raiyaan takes us on a journey that shows how faith and practising du’a can transform your life. Filled with heartwarming reflections and practical advice for incorporating dua into daily life, this book is a comforting guide to revive and develop a close relationship with Al Mujeeb – The One Who Responds. A beautiful exploration of the transformative power of dua, you will find yourself returning to its pages year after year.

2. Reflecting in the Names of Allah by Jinan Yousef

Jinan Yousef’s work invites readers to contemplate the meanings of the divine names of Allah. The author provides a comprehensive explanation for Allah’s names and attributes, giving clear and beautiful explanations for each name so you can apply each name of Allah SWT to your life and use them in duas. The book is a must-read for those looking to deepen their understanding of their Rabb this Ramadan.

3. Revival of the Heart: Collection of 40 Hadiths

This collection of forty hadiths curated by various scholars serves as a spiritual guide for helping us navigate life’s various challenges with wisdom and grace. Each hadith is a gem on its own, offering timeless teachings filled with wisdom that will resonate deeply within your heart. In addition to the translation, each hadith comes with a practical example, making the learning easy to implement in our lives.

4. Learning Spirituality from Imam Husayn (RA): A Commentary on Du‘a ‘Arafah by Javed Shomali

Du’a ‘Arafah of Imam Husayn is an invaluable treasure trove of spirituality that draws inspiration from the dua that Imam Hussain (RA) made. This book provides profound commentary on dua and the essence of spirituality and devotion. The poignant reflections on the realities of Tawheed make it a powerful companion for the sacred month of Ramadan.

5. Muhammad by Martin Lings

Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad (ﷺ) is an internationally acclaimed account of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) life, drawing from ancient Arabic sources. This masterpiece offers a captivating portrayal of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), providing readers with profound insights into his (ﷺ) character, teachings, and legacy. The biography is chronological, while the writing style is easy to read and immerse oneself into. It is hailed as a definitive biography, enriching our understanding of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) with depth and authenticity.

6. Jannah: Home at Last by Omar Suleiman

Using authentic narrations and an engaging storytelling style, this book is bound to keep you hooked as Imam Omar Suleiman attempts to describe the immense beauty and majestic stature of Jannah. We all know that this world and all its struggles are temporary, but do we truly understand it? Why not focus on our eternal abode with this beautiful book that will surely soothe our broken and weary hearts this Ramadan. 

This is also available as a series by Yaqeen Institute on their YouTube channel by the same name. The 10-15 minute episodes provide a quick guide on Jannah, a place built by our deeds and decorated by our du’as. Where every second of discomfort and pain will be repaid with sights and rewards unimaginable and the company of the Most High.

7. Seeing for Ourselves And Even Stranger Possibilities by Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan

“Why do we yearn to be seen when we are already far too visible? How do we want to be perceived, and how are we exposed? Could we ever really see for ourselves?”

In memoir, vignettes, poetry and essays, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan shares her observations on the complexities of being visible and invisible simultaneously. She reflects on the hypocrisy of society, its power to judge, the open-air arenas of family, friendship and grief, public image and revelation of the self in solitude.

Suhaiymah encourages the readers to consider the strangest, most exciting possibilities that occur when we surrender to another kind of sight. Submitting to the gaze of the Unseen and the All-Seeing, Manzoor-Khan invites us to close our eyes and discover what it would mean to look with our souls instead. A great book for self-reflection and turning our eyes inwards and towards the relationship between our souls and the One Who created them.

8. Science and Islam: A History by Ehsan Masood (On the Islamic Golden Age)

If educational knowledge and Islamic History are what you’re looking for, then Ehsan Masood’s exploration of the Islamic Golden Age will be perfect for you. Between the 8th and 15th centuries, scholars and researchers working from Samarkand in modern-day Uzbekistan to Cordoba in Spain advanced our knowledge of astronomy, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medicine and philosophy to new heights. These scientists were part of a sophisticated culture and civilization that was based on belief in one God – a picture which helps to debunk the myth of the ‘Dark Ages’ in which scientific advance faltered. 

Ehsan Masood weaves the story of these and other scientists into a compelling narrative, making this non-fiction book an easy read for all.

We hope these books can offer you guidance in moments of reflection, solace and comfort in moments of despair, inspiration when most needed, an illuminated path to follow the Sunnah and a way to deepen your bond with Allah SWT. May this Ramadan be a time of reflection, growth, and spiritual renewal for us all. Happy reading and Ramadan Mubarak!