Why is reading important?
Reading is an important skill. It is a necessary ability that is crucial for all individuals to have, especially in today's day and age of technology. It is not a secret that with the increasing use of phones and computers, we have drifted away from some of the simplest things like reading.
Reading is vital because it expands your knowledge, empathy, and ability to utilize your imagination.
According to a University of Sussex research, reading lowers stress levels by 68%. That could be considered a significant amount. In our current world, it is easy to fall into everyday stress and anxiety, but reading may help you escape that.
It aids in easing stress and relaxing the muscles, promoting sound sleep and better health.
However, reading can also be a great way to increase your faith and knowledge about your religion. Here, we are talking about some books that will increase your iman - while also increasing your knowledge.
Seeking Knowledge
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Islam supports and welcomes the notion of education, inquiry, and the desire to improve oneself via learning.
The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have said: "Every Muslim has an obligation to seek knowledge."
Additionally, it is said that he stated, "You must pursue knowledge from birth until death."
“Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created – Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not” [Al-'Alaq, 96:1-5].
Here, Allah beautifully instructs his believers to seek knowledge. There are a few mentions in the Quran about seeking knowledge. Here is another that states that knowledge is Tawheed:
“There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise ” [Ali 'Imran, 3:18].
In this verse, we understand that we cannot just assume that we believe in Tawheed, the Oneness of God. We must actively learn and obtain knowledge to truly understand the Greatness and Oneness of Allah – which will help us stand firm on the path of righteousness.
A curated list of essential reads for all knowledge-seeking Muslims
1. Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings
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A thorough, reliable biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Many people believe it to be among the greatest Sira translations in English. Inspirational and easy to read.
2. Ascent to Felicity Maraqi 'l-Sa'adat: A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence by Abu ’l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali (translated by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan)
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A thorough introduction to Islamic doctrine and Hanafi law. It goes beyond the five pillars of Islam. It is a great tool for anybody looking to understand the foundations of the Muslim faith and proper worship procedures.
"This is a significant piece that discusses Muslim devotion. It is essential to develop proper worship techniques... It is also regarded as a book that fulfills educational obligations (fard al 'Ayn). - Imam Yamani
3. The Forty Hadith of Imam al-Nawawi Yahya Ibn Sharaf Al-Nawawi
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The most well-known anthology of hadiths — sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) — that capture the heart of Islam is a remarkable compilation.
This collection of forty hadiths is regarded to be the center around which the religion revolves and offers a thorough introduction to its core principles.
“This book informs us of the essence of Deen (religion) in different aspects.” – Shaykh Abdullah Misra.
