6 Islamic Books Muslim Millennials Should Read

Reading seems like a lost art among millennial Muslims with the ever-growing use of social media and technology. Plus, most Islamic books might seem daunting with its heavy and sometimes irrelevant content. However, reading is a gateway to growth and learning, especially beyond your schooling years.

Reading provides an escape from screens and helps stimulate the mind. For millennial Muslims with a curious mind and learning attitude, you should definitely pick up these Islamic books to educate yourself about Islam and strengthen your connection with God.

1. Letters to a Young Muslim ― Omar Saif Ghobash

“Life is diverse. Living is to live with difference. Anyone telling you that difference should be stamped out is stamping out life. Those people insisting that there are black and white answers to the difficult questions are stamping out the diversity that is inherent in life.” ― Omar Saif Ghobash, Letters to a Young Muslim

In a series of letters to his son, author Omar Saif Ghobash illustrates the dilemmas faced by many young moderate Muslims worldwide. He addresses the complexities of navigating Islam in today’s modern world. His letters read as manifestos that cover issues from the charged political climate of the current world to the realities faced by Muslim millennials face.

Millennial Muslims will find it relevant as Omar Saif Ghobash references recent events such as the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack and free speech. This book might find its home with young moderate Muslims trying to navigate life in the liberal world while still staying true your Islamic faith.

2. Reclaim Your Heart ― Yasmin Mogahed

“So often we experience things in life, and yet never see the connections between them. When we are given hardship or feel pain, we often fail to consider that the experience may be the direct cause or result of another action or experience. Sometimes we fail to recognize the direct connection between the pain in our lives and our relationship with Allah SWT” ― Yasmin Mogahed, Reclaim Your Heart

With the pace the world is moving at, it’s easy for Muslims to drown in the hustle of life. In this book, Yasmin Mogahed empathises with her readers about the struggles and pain with life as she offers personal insights and perspectives about the bigger picture of life.

With references to hadiths and the Quran, this book will provide relief with renewed faith as she discusses moderation in love, hardships, one’s relationship with the Creator, women’s status and ummah. If you’re feeling jaded and disconnected, this might be the book for you.

3. Green Deen: What Islam Teaches about Protecting the Planet ― Ibrahim Abdul Matin

“A Green Deen is the choice to practice the religion of Islam while affirming the relationship between faith and the environment.” ― Ibrahim Abdul Matin, Green Deen

Climate change has been a subject debated by many politicians and environmentalists around the globe. It is often seen as a liberal issue but did you know that environmentalism has close ties to the principles of Islam? In his book Green Deen, Ibrahim Abdul Matin illustrates the “Green Deen” which advocates for Muslims to become good stewards or Khalifas of earth and highlights how Islamic practices encourages Muslims to be advocates of the environment.

Also read: Islam and the Environment: The Importance of Being an Eco-Friendly Muslim

4. The Qur’an ― M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

“The Fātiḥa is the opening to all good things.” ― Muhammad A.S. Abdel Haleem, Understanding the Qur’an: Themes and Style

Sometimes, as Muslims, we might find it difficult to connect with the Quran due to our lacking in understanding of Arabic. If you face a similar issue, then this book is a great source of knowledge and understanding for you. M.A.S. Abdel Haleem publishes a superb new translation of the Quran.

It is rather difficult to find a book that is written in contemporary language and yet remains faithful to the true meaning of the Quran. Also, the author includes notes on all historical, geographical and personal allusions for easy reference.

5. The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity ― Mohammed Faris

“…disconnection is the ability to unplug your mind from the constant bombardment of all the distractions that come your way in order to connect to your inner mind and inner focus. It is the ability to find solitude in yourself. The more we can develop our ability to focus, the more we will be in control of how we respond to (or ignore) the distractions that come our way.” ― Mohammed Faris, The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity

In his book, Mohammed Faris encourages modern Muslims to live a productive life that intersects Islamic traditions and modern science and psychology. The Productive Muslim is an informative and practical guide. It’s perfect for millennial Muslims who wish to live a life of spirituality and physicality.

This Islamic book highlights the idea of living a meaningful life when we are more efficient in managing our time, instead of just going through the motions. Living a productive secular life is not mutually exclusive to being a good Muslim.

6. Revive the Heart ― Nouman Ali Khan

“The believer recognises that whatever Allah gives you, whatever food He puts on the table, whatever job you found, whatever business you’re doing – not only is it good enough, you desperately needed it. You don’t get to be fussy with Allah and tell him, ‘Ya Allah, I don’t know if I want this one’. You don’t get to tell Allah, ‘I know You provided me this rock or this tree to sit under but if You could provide me some kind of bedding, it would be better’. ‘I know You gave me this water over here but maybe some coconuts might help.’ No, no, no. Whatever You have given me, is exactly what I needed and I desperately needed it. “ ― Nouman Ali Khan

Nouman Ali Khan calls for a renewal of Muslim’s spiritual connection with God. This easy read forces millennials Muslims to reflect on our actions, assumptions and beliefs in order to transform our spiritual and eventual outlook on life. Revive Your Heart aims to aid young moderate Muslims in addressing modern issues many believers face today while still maintaining a spiritual connection with your Creator.

Also read: 10 Muslim Travel Instagram Accounts to Follow