Ten Islamic Books to Read This Summer (part 2)

Summer is a time to ease up and let our minds relax. At the same time, however, summer is a great time to catch up on some non-academic reading, i.e. something other than textbooks! If you are looking for suggestions on how to brush up your religious and spiritual know-how, here is a list of ten Islamic books to read this summer. In part 1 you were familiar with 5 books and now other 5 books that you can read during your summer’s holiday.

1. Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims

This book is a must-read book for every Shia Muslim. Sayed Ali Asghar Razwy poignantly addresses the history of Islam from before the birth of the Prophet until the martyrdom of Imam Ali. But in addition to presenting the Shia version of history, he also addresses and refutes many misconceptions and outright fabrications about the history of this crucial period that are made by other Muslims. Available

 online. http://www.al-islam.org/restatement/

2. Adab as-Salat (Disciplines of Prayer)

What is the purpose of washing ourselves before prayer? What is the philosophy behind bowing? What is the symbolic value of prostration? Written by Imam Khomeini, Adab as-Salat is an extremely engaging and easy-to-read guide on how to practice spiritual wayfaring and truly feel connected to our Lord during our prayers. In addition to explaining the significance and philosophy behind every act of prayer, Imam Khomeini also offers practical tips and advice on how to truly let the spirit soar during Salat. Available online. http://www.al-islam.org/adab/

3. Islamic Rulings: Medical Issues

Although this is more of a jurisprudential book, it addresses many vital contemporary questions in regards to modern science and medicine. Translated into English by Shaikh Hamid Waqar, it contains the verdicts of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei about issues like organ donations, sex change, contraception, and euthanasia. Although this book does address many interesting and thought-provoking questions and issues that might not have occurred to us, make sure to check with your own Marja Taqleed regarding specific Fiqhi inquiries.

4. The Awaited Savior of Humanity

What do the Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt have to say about the reappearance of the Twelfth Imam? About his true followers? About the reign of justice he will establish? Written by Abdul-Rahman Mugahi and translated by Shaikh Saleem Bhimji, this short book is a collection of 40 traditions from the Prophet and his Household about Imam al-Mahdi, containing many eye-opening admonitions and extremely informative pieces of information for his Shias.

5. Akhlaq al-Aimma (Morals of the Imams)

This book is written by Sayyid Zafar Hasan Amrohi and is nothing less than a life manual for Shia Muslims. It seeks to illustrate the perfection of the Holy Imams (peace be upon them) and present us with role models and examples. Each of the 18 parts of this book has examples from each of the Holy Imams with respect to that category or topic, ranging from piety and humility to hospitality and courage. Available

 online. http://www.al-islam.org/akhlaq-aimma/