Recommended Islamic reading list in English (summarized here, will have more books and info on each book shared on IG at some point, but just making this thread now):
1 The Quran (Oxford World Classics) translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem: a nice translation written in easy language and moderately useful footnotes, though footnotes wouldn't be considered at the level of tafseer, they provide good context for the verse(s).
2 Toward Understanding the Quran, Abridged Version by Sayyid Abul Ala' al Mawdudi: another nice translation with a bit more context provided in the footnotes that provide slightly greater context to the reader. A good translation.
3 In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan: a short substantive biography of the Prophet ﷺ. Not exhaustive or comprehensive by any means, but a good fundamental introduction to the major events in the seerah with quality reflections. Also good for non-Muslims.
4 Prophet of Mercy by Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi: a translation of his as Sirat an Nabawiyyah, an intermediate-level reading of the biography of the Prophet ﷺ, written from a traditional lens for the modern world. A beautiful presentation of points that any mind can appreciate.
5 Muhammad Man and Prophet by Adil Salahi: a more thorough (854 pages) reading of the biography of the Prophet ﷺ. More historically comprehensive than the previous two, but not as in-depth religious analysis as Prophet of Mercy.
6 A Compendium of The Sources on The Prophet Narrative (a translation of Samira al Zayid's مختصر الجامع من السيرة النبوية) - two volumes a wonderful translation of a wonderful work. Resources and citations are great, it's more of a study resource than a narrative resource.
7 Purification of The Heart translation by Hamza Yusuf (a translation and commentary of Imam Mawlud's مطهرة القلوب) - a must-have for every single person to have after a good Quran translation and seerah collection. Practical manual for spiritual ailments of the heart.
8 Beginning of Guidance (translation of Imam al Ghazali's بداية الهداية) manual on the development of taqwa, from refining one's belief and ritual practice, to fortifying one's character and spiritual state. Read along with @HussainKamani class on @qalaminstitute podcast!
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