online rihla

Updated 01/31/08

I’ve started to catelogue my Islam related book collection over at LibraryThing.  I still plan to highlight my favorites here, but inshaAllah I’ll be reviewing everything over there.

Muhammad Asad’s Message of the Qur’an

My favorite translation of the Qur’an and every book lover’s dream.  This volume is not only beautiful to look at, it is beautiful to read.  Lush arabic calligraphy is spread throughout the volume, and each verse is presented in english, arabic, and transliterated arabic.  Each page is bursting with Asad’s thoughtful footnotes, which draw extensively on the great quranic commentators of the past.

By the Book Foundation, and is well worth the investment 

Reflection of Pearls

My favorite dua book, with the arabic dua, english translation and transliteration.  Has everyday supplications, as well as those found in the Qur’an and hadith, descriptions of prayers, the names of Allah (swt), salawat on the Prophet (saws) and virtues of portions of the Qur’an.

Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship

Words can’t describe how much I love this book.  I’ve read the chapters on salat more times than I can count, and every time, I learn something new.  A must have for anyone seeking to deepen their obligatory actos of worship.

The Accepted Whispers

Absolutely fabulous new dua book.  Contains 200+ duas - 40-ish from the Qur’an, the rest from ahadith.  Cites sources and often gives an interesting little backstory describing the dua.  Provides an english translation, arabic transliteration and straight up arabic.  Divided into 7 sections, meant to be read throughout the week.