Ramadan 2022: 5 books that depict the beauty and history of Islam

For the unacquainted, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims – the Prophet Mohammed reportedly said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained." Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as "The Night of Power". During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline – of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran. With Ramadan 2022 ongoing, here are five books that depict the beauty and history of Islam.

The book explains Islam in all its beauty and complexity. Aslan explores what the popular demonstrations pushing for democracy in the Middle East mean for the future of Islam in the region, how the Internet and social media have affected Islam’s evolution, and how the war on terror has altered the geopolitical balance of power in the Middle East. He also provides an update on the contemporary Muslim women’s movement, a discussion of the controversy over veiling in Europe, and more.

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Though a short book, it clarifies the religious, cultural, and even political significance of Islam's holy book, the Quran. What role does this book play in a Muslim's life, who wrote it, and what feelings do we have for it? All these questions and more are answered by Mattson, who is a religious scholar and teacher.

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The book traces how Islam grew from the other religions like Judaism and Christianity; introduces us to the character of Muhammed; and demonstrates that for much of its history, the religion has been a force for enlightenment that promoted liberties for women and allowed the arts and sciences to flourish. It shows how this progressive legacy is today often set aside as the faith struggles to come to terms with the economic and political weakness of most of its believers and with the forces of modernity itself.

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The book is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness and disappointment with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.

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It takes readers on a journey through years of forgotten Islamic history to discover one thousand fascinating scientific and technological inventions still being used throughout the world today. All in all, it provides unique insight into a significant time period in Muslim history that has been looked over by much of the world.

Pic credit: National Geographic