5 spiritual books to read this Ramadan
Ramadan has begun. The month of fasting is also for spirituality, reflection, and self-improvement. Alongside books that allude to religious scriptures, there are many books by authors that are a good read while you fast. These are books that can help with one's personal growth, offer spiritual guidance, and make this month more fruitful and productive.
Here are 5 enriching and spiritual books you can read this Ramadan:
Light Upon Light by Nur Fadhilah Wahid
Nur's Light Upon Light published in 2017, was well-received by readers all over the globe. This book is a compilation of Nur's experiences between 2013 and 2014, during which she wrote 40 letters to her readers about self-reflection and her quest to develop a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
In contrast to other religious books, which tend to concentrate more on dense facts, the Singaporean author wishes to convey her message about Islam in a way that is very simple to understand. She also ensures that her work is accessible to all readers without there being any religious boundaries so that non-Muslims can gain insight into the religion.
Secrets of Divine Love by A Helwa
To reawaken one's faith, dispel doubts, and deepen one's spiritual connection, Helwa's Secrets of Divine Love book draws on the spiritual secrets of the Quran, ancient mystical poetry, and tales from the prophets and spiritual teachers. The Southern California poet and author believes that everyone on the mortal plane is beloved by God and holds a spiritual relationship with God. Therefore, she wrote this book intending to enlighten readers about how Islamic spiritual practices and teachings can support the restoration of a person's connection with God.
The City of Brass by S A Chakraborty
This tale is an immersive fantasy inspired by Islamic history. Con artist Nahri experiments with a subject she does not fully comprehend and ends up calling forth a strong Djinn. They journey together to the magical and Djinn-filled metropolis of Daevabad. But there is unrest brewing within the gates of Daevabad and Nahri's unexpected arrival might set off events that she could have never envisioned. The fantasy novel features nuanced characters and a well-constructed world that is easy to get consumed in.
Alif the Unseen by G Willow Wilson
Written by the author of Ms. Marvel comic, Alif the Unseen is a 2012 cyberpunk fantasy book that took home the 2013 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. In the book, a hacker from the Middle East named Alif finds a book of djinn tales that could usher in a new era of quantum computing. The stakes are raised when the secret book of the jinn is discovered to possibly reveal a new information technology and Alif must fight for life or death, assisted by both seen and unseen forces. This story is a complex mash-up of concepts, philosophy, technology, and faith.
Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf
Purification of the Heart is based on a poem by Muslim scholar Imam al-Mawlud. It is a guide to rid one's heart of the many ailments of the heart like envy, miserliness, arrogance, hatred, and anger. It dives into Islam's spirituality as a religion, with Hamza Yusuf offering perceptive commentary from the Quran and Hadith in manageable, well-organised chapters that are simple for us to read and ponder upon later. This is one book you should take your time with as you contemplate and reflect on its profound counsel.
These books offer insight into a peaceful and beautiful religion while offering stories that fill us with hope and excitement. With something for everyone's reading preference, set some time apart to read these books and make this month more productive.