al-Ḥusná Turāth

This book is an accessible English translation of Imām `Abd al-Raḥmān al-Sa`dī's (d. 1957 CE) ten-volume Quranic exegesis. This rendition serves as a superior alternative to many translations of the Quran that lack contextual depth or explanations of the āyāt. It is also a good starting point for beginners before diving into advanced Tafsīrs such as Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr. This work by al-Sa`di simplifies meanings and provides explanations offering the background,  context, and practical lessons for Quranic incidents and stories, including those from the Prophet's ﷺ life and past nations. Imām al-Sa`dī seamlessly integrates insights from the classical books of Tafsīr into this comprehensive summary.

Contents: Tafsīr of every āyah in the Quran with its background and context

Level: Beginner

This is the English translation of the masterwork of Imām Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī (d. 1393 CE) called Jāmi` al-`Ulum wa-al-Ḥikam. It is a comprehensive collection of sciences and wisdom set up as a detailed and extremely valuable commentary of the top fifty ḥadīth – including those of the Arb`ūn al-Nawawī: the forty ḥadīth of Imām al-Nawawī (d. 1277 CE).

Contents: Detailed explanation of the top 50 ḥadīth every Muslim must know

Level: Beginner

This six-volume book contains a detailed explanation of every ḥadīth complied in Imām al-Nawawī's (d. 1277 CE) Riyād al-Ṣāliḥīn (Meadows of the Righteous). Each ḥadīth text is in Arabic, followed by its English translation and its detailed and easy-to-follow explanation along with many points of benefit written by the Shaykh Muḥammad al-`Uthaymīn (d. 2001 CE). The original book by al-Nawawī comprehensively captures the authentic Sunnah from several other ḥadīth collections making it an easy reference for Muslims to follow the ideal role model of our beloved Prophet ﷺ.

Contents: Acts of Sunnah; Ideal Islamic virtues; Morals; Ethics; Etiquettes; Behavior; Virtues of acts of worship

Level: Beginner

This two-volume book contains the Arabic text and translation of all ḥadīth that are muttafaq `alayh (agreed upon for their authenticity) by both Imām al-Bukhārī (d. 870 CE) and Imām Muslim (d. 875 CE), making this the most authentic collection of ḥadīth in Islam. This book is compiled by Shaykh Fu' ād `Abd al-Bāqī (d. 1968 CE).

Level: Intermediate

This is an English translation of the popular, comprehensiv, and easy-to-read book on the life of Prophet ﷺ written by Shaykh Ṣafī al-Raḥmān Mubārakpūrī (d. 2006 CE) called al-Raḥīq al-Makhtūm. This book was awarded first prize by the Muslim World League in a worldwide competition on the biography of the Prophet held in Makkah in 1979.

Contents: Events in the Life of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Beginner

This book, also authored by Shaykh Ṣafī al-Raḥmān Mubārakpūrī (d. 2006 CE), is an English translation and an easier read than his other more comprehensive book, The Sealed Nectar. It focuses more on what we can learn from the events in the life of the Prophet ﷺ.

Contents: Events in the Life of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Beginner

Martin Lings’ (d. 2005 CE) biography of the Prophet ﷺ is an internationally acclaimed, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the life of the Prophet. Scrupulous and exhaustive in its fidelity to its sources, this book is presented in a narrative style that is easily comprehensible, yet authentic and inspiring in its use of language, reflecting both the simplicity and grandeur of the story it tells.

Contents: Events in the Life of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Beginner

Muhammad, Messenger of Allah is the first English translation of Qāḍī `Iyad's (d. 1149 CE) definitive text al-Shifā. For a thousand years, this beautiful and majestic book has guided the Muslim community to a straight and balanced path in their beliefs and practices concerning the Messenger ﷺ in particular, and the message in general.

Contents: Quranic references; His qualities and life; His relationship with the Madinan community; His rights upon the Ummah

Level: Beginner

This book is an abridged English translation of the award-winning, comprehensive two-volume compilation of narrations and details of the life of Prophet ﷺ. It is internationally acclaimed as “the most authoritative resource” on the Sīrah. It is compiled by Shaykhah Samira al-Zāyid who has won the approval and praise of numerous scholars.

Contents: Events in the Life of the Prophet ﷺ and supporting authentic narrations

Level: Intermediate

This unique collection of 1,322 ḥadīth by Imām al-Bukhārī (d. 870 CE) is one of the earliest and most authentic works on Islamic etiquette and the Islamic way of life. This book is an essential cornerstone of Islamic morality and is suitable for the general reader and the academic alike.

Contents: Ideal Islamic virtues; Morals; Ethics; Etiquettes; Behavior

Level: Beginner

The book by Shaykh Fu'ād al-Shulhūb, a well-known Islamic scholar, has compiled this book on Islamic Manners summarizing the works of great scholars. This collection relates to the important aspects of daily life so that the readers may benefit from it for their success in this life as well as in the hereafter.

Contents: Ideal Islamic virtues; Morals; Ethics; Etiquettes; Behavior

Level: Beginner

Thse two books are about the true Islamic personality of the Muslim. Authored by Dr. Muhammad `Alī al-Hāshimī as positive affirmations along with their explanations and evidence, this book defines these two books describe the ideal Muslim man and a woman as embodiments of the highest moral character.

Contents: Ideal Islamic virtues; Morals; Ethics; Etiquettes; Behavior

Level: Beginner

This book covers virtues, benefits, and the deeper meaning of knowledge and all acts of the workshop, including night prayer, du`ā, dhikr, and Quran recitation; and it is not meant to be a book on the Fiqh or the 'how' of worship, rather it highlights the importance and the 'why' of worship. This book is an English translation of the first quarter (Rubu` al-`Ibādāt) of Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Qudāmah's (d. 1283 CE) Mukhtaṣar Minhaj al-Qāsidīn, which is an abridgment of Imām Ibn al-Jawzī's (d. 1116 CE) Minhaj al-Qāsidīn which is inspired from Imām al-Ghazāli's (d. 1111 CE) 40-volume magnum opus called Ihyā' `Ulūm al-Dīn.

Contents: The ethics and purpose of Ṣalāh, Zakāh, Fasting, ʿUmrah, Ḥajj, Quran recitation, and daily adhkār

Level: Beginner

This book covers the ethics of eating, marriage, and companionship, earning a living, traveling, enjoying the good, and staying away from sin and evil deeds, entertainment, as well as illustrating the beautiful character of our Prophet ﷺ. This book is an English translation of the second quarter (Rubu` al-`Ādāt) of Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Qudāmah's (d. 1283 CE) Mukhtaṣar Minhaj al-Qāsidīn, which is an abridgment of Imām Ibn al-Jawzī's (d. 1116 CE) Minhaj al-Qāsidīn which is inspired from Imām al-Ghazāli's (d. 1111 CE) 40-volume magnum opus called Ihyā' `Ulūm al-Dīn.

Contents: Ethics of good character, eating, life, ḥālāl/ḥarām, bad actions, counseling, brotherhood

Level: Beginner

This book examines heart ailments and their cures, emphasizing self-discipline, control of desires, and managing issues like pride, malice, and envy, greed, showing off, and self-delusion, aiming to help individuals overcome spiritual obstacles in their pursuit of the Hereafter. This book is an English translation of the third quarter (Rubu` al-Muhlikāt) of Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Qudāmah's (d. 1283 CE) Mukhtaṣar Minhaj al-Qāsidīn, which is an abridgment of Imām Ibn al-Jawzī's (d. 1116 CE) Minhaj al-Qāsidīn which is inspired from Imām al-Ghazāli's (d. 1111 CE) 40-volume magnum opus called Ihyā' `Ulūm al-Dīn.

Contents: Ethics of self-discipline, combatting vices, diseases of the heart, speech, anger, envy, greed, power, pride, and self-delusion

Level: Beginner

This book delves into purifying the soul, addressing desire and heedlessness that cloud the heart, and provides guidance on how to attain spiritual purification. This book is an English translation of the fourth quarter (Rubu` al-`Munjiyāt) of Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Raḥmān Ibn Qudāmah's (d. 1283 CE) Mukhtaṣar Minhaj al-Qāsidīn, which is an abridgment of Imām Ibn al-Jawzī's (d. 1116 CE) Minhaj al-Qāsidīn which is inspired from Imām al-Ghazāli's (d. 1111 CE) 40-volume magnum opus called Ihyā' `Ulūm al-Dīn.

Contents: Ethics of self-development, tawbah, shukr, hope & fear, asceticism, tawakkul, contentment, sincerity, truthfulness, introspection, contemplation, and focusing on the afterlife

Level: Beginner

This English translation of Imām Ibn al-Qayyim's (d. 1350 CE) classic book, al-Dā wa-al-Dawā, explores diseases of the spiritual heart, speaks to the one with such ailments, and provides cures and remedies from the Quran and Sunnah. The well-being of the servant's heart, is far more important than that of his body, for while the well-being of his body enables him to lead a life that is free from illnesses in this world, that of the heart ensures him both a fortunate life in this world and eternal bliss in the next.

Contents: Vices and their remedies; Du`as; Delay in acceptance of du`a; Positive thoughts about Allah; Hope and fear; Envy; Sins; Shirk; Love and infatuation

Level: Beginner

This book, authored by Imām Ibn al-Jawzī's (d. 1116 CE), is an English translation of his collection of insights and wisdom about religion, ethics, and relationships in the form of 375 short essays called Ṣayd al-Khāṭir.

Contents: Wisdom; Insights; Ethics; Relationships

Level: Beginner

This English translation of a two-volume book by Imām Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 1350 CE), called Madārij al-Sālikīn, is considered one of his most well-known and developed works on Islamic spirituality. It is a commentary on Manāzil al-Sā'irīn (Stations of the Wayfarers) which is an early ascetic work by `Abdullāh al-Harawī al-Anṣārī (d. ) where Ibn al-Qayyim respectfully corrects some thinking and terminology of early ascetics and presents details of the stations and ranks during a spiritual journey toward Allah ﷻ.

Contents: Spirituality; Taṣawwuf; Sins; Sūrat al-Fātiḥah; Stations; Istighfār; Tawbah; Hope; Grief; Fear; Gratitude; Patience; Steadfastness; Dhikr; Listening; Humility; Devotion; Watchfulness; Purification; Tawakkul; Submission; Contentment

Level: Intermediate

This English translation of Imām al-Nawawī's (d. 1277 CE) Kitāb al-Adhkār is the definitive compilation of dhikr and du`ā as related by the Prophet ﷺ. Designed as a reference guide and a source of inspiration, this volume presents a clear and elegant English translation of al-Nawawī's classic, together with the text of every single prayer and invocation, both in Arabic letters and in Romanization.

Contents: Comprehensive adhkār and their brief explanation

Level: Beginner

In this work, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates on the status, importance, and etiquette of du`a in Islam. In this comprehensive work, the author discusses, amongst other matters: the excellence and benefits of dua; the types of dua; the pre-conditions that are needed for the dua to be accepted; the recommended etiquette of performing dua; the timings and situations in which a dua is more likely to be answered; the various factors that aid or prevent a dua from being accepted; the relationship of dua with the Devine Decree (qadr); the wisdom behind a delayed response, and many other relevant topics.

Contents: All about duʿā and how to make duʿā

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation with brief explanations of the Islamic Creed, authored by Imām al-Taḥāwī (d. 933 CE), called Bayān al-Sunnah wa al-Jama`ah, commonly known as the Taḥāwī Creed. This Creed is widely accepted as a standard and essential Islamic Creed by all schools of Sunnī thought. Represented in bullet points, it covers all aspects of the Creed from belief in Allah ﷻ, His beautiful names and attributes, the pillars of Īmān, and dealing with other Muslim sects.

Contents: Bullet points of our common Sunnī creed

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of each bullet point of the Ṭahāwī Creed explained in detail by Ibn Abī al-`Izz (d. 1390 CE). The Ṭahāwī Creed is widely accepted as a standard and essential Islamic Creed by all schools of Sunnī thought. 

NOTE: This widely acclaimed commentary is one of several commentaries on the essential Creed and should not be the only one studied. Vigilance should be taken and respect must be given by students to understand all points of view on creedal matters as such issues are hotly debated in academic religious and non-religious circles.

Contents: Detailed explanations of our common Sunnī creed

Level: Intermediate

This is an English translation of Īman bi-Allah which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Allah and his attributes

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of `Ālam al-Malā'ikat al-Abrār which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Angels and their characteristics

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of `Ālam al-Jinn wa-al-Shayāṭīn which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Jinn, Shaytan, and their characteristics

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of al-Rusul wa-al-Risālāt which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Prophets, Messengers, and their books

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of al-Qiyāmat al-Ṣughrá which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: What happens after death

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of al-Qiyāmat al-Kubrá which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: What will happen on the Day of Judgement

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of al-Jannah wal-al-Nār which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Description of Jannah and Jahannam

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of al-Qaḍā wa-al-Qadar which is a part of the popular Islamic Creed series of books authored by `Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar (d. 2012 CE). This series of books presents aspects of belief in an accessible way that is easy to understand for beginners.

Contents: Understanding Qadar, Divine Destiny; Evil and suffering

Level: Beginner

This important primer, authored by Imām al-Shurunbulālī (d. 1069 CE), written in the Ḥanafī school of law, has had unanimous acceptance in the Sunnī world for centuries and is usually the first text studied in law by the neophyte student up until today. This concise work covers issues pertaining to the rites and rituals of worship, i.e., purification, prayer, funeral proceedings, alms-giving, and fasting.

Contents: Ḥanafī primer on the fiqh of worship

Level: Beginner

This important primer, authored by Imām al-Nawawī's (d. 1277 CE), considered a key leader in the Shāfi`ī school of law, has been popular in the Sunnī world for centuries and is usually the first text studied in law by the neophyte student up until today. This concise work covers issues pertaining to the rites and rituals of worship, i.e., purification, prayer, funeral proceedings, alms-giving, and fasting.

Contents: Shāfi`ī primer on the fiqh of worship

Level: Beginner

This is an English translation of an important primer on worship according to the final position of the Ḥanbalī school of law. It was written by the Imām `Abd al-Raḥmān al-Ba`li (d. 1775 CE). This concise work covers issues pertaining to the rites and rituals of worship, i.e., purification, prayer, funeral proceedings, alms-giving, and fasting.

Contents: Ḥanbalī primer on the fiqh of worship

Level: Beginner

This is a translation of, and English commentary on, Ibn Qudāmah's (d. 1223 CE) highly esteemed `Umdat al-Fiqh, a mid-period primer book of fiqh according to the Ḥanbalī school. However, Shaykh Dr. Hatem al-Haj has translated and elaborated on it, noting the opinions of other schools of Islamic jurisprudence, thus giving the English-speaking student a broader base for his or her understanding of fiqh across several schools of law including but not limited to the four primary schools of Islamic law. The author has made the difficult subject of fiqh easier to learn and more comprehensible by using visual aids and a unique symbol system. This book is a must-have for the serious student of knowledge. In the author's words:

Contents: Differences between the four schools of Fiqh

Level: Intermediate

This book is a compilation of four books that deal with the lives, works, and principles of the four imāms (Abū Ḥanīfah, Mālik b. Anas, al-Shāfi`ī, Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal) who founded the four great canonical schools of thought of Islamic law (Fiqh). This book is an English translation of the invaluable work authored by Shaykh Mụhammad Abū Zahrah (d. 1972 CE).

Contents: Biography, contributions, and the principles of the four Imāms

Level: Intermediate

This is an English translation of a book, authored by Imām al-Bājūrī (d. 1860), presenting a concise historical account of the first four caliphs of Islam: Abū Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmān and `Alī (may Allah be pleased with them) who because of their rectitude, became known as the “Rightly Guided Caliphs.” The author's analysis leaves the reader with a clear understanding and helps to increase the love and respect for the Prophet of Allah ﷺ and his Companions.

Contents: Biography of Abū Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmān, and `Alī (RA)

Level: Beginner

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Prophets of Allah ﷺ with this extraordinary book. Abridged and drawing from the renowned masterpiece al-Bidāyah wa-al-Nihāyah (The Beginning and the End) by Ibn Kathir (d. 1373 CE), a celebrated Muslim exegete and historian, this literary gem takes you on a profound journey through Islamic history.

Contents: Abridged stories of all Prophets from Adam to Jesus ﷺ

Level: Beginner

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Contents: Creation of the universe, and details from Ādam to Yūnus ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Details from Mūsá to Īsá ﷺ and past nations 

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Sīrah of the Meccan period of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Sīrah of the early Medinan period of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Sīrah of the late Medinan period of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Virtues and miracles of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Virtues and miracles of the Prophet ﷺ

Level: Intermediate

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Contents: Details of the end times and the Day of Judgement

Level: Intermediate

This extremely popular and acclaimed series Dr. V. Abdur Rahim's (d. 2023) is a seven-volume course that enables the student to acquire a knowledge of Arabic in the classical structural form. All of the books teach essential language skills through applied grammar. Each lesson is based on a conversation that illustrates distinctive language patterns. A variety of exercises helps the student to understand and master each of the patterns occurring in the lesson. The vocabulary ranges from classical and Quranic Arabic to words and expressions current in modern Arabic.

Contents: A full course on understanding Quranic Arabic

Level: Beginner to Intermediate