When it comes to increasing your knowledge of Islam there is a plethora of English Translated Islamic books to read. Islam is a complete deen i.e. a comprehensive religion that has answers for all of life’s’ affairs. There are many books one can pick up to read. But, in Islam gaining knowledge just for the sake of having knowledge isn’t acceptable, one must gain knowledge to actually apply it in their lives.

This is isn’t a comprehensive list but certainly a starting point for anyone who wants to pursue in the right direction insha-Allah.

The Sealed Nectar – Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum

This is a biography of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Mustapha (peace be upon him) written by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri. It is a detailed narrative/timeline of the life of the beloved (peace be upon him).

Stories of the Prophet

By the famous scholar Ismail ibn Kathir, this is one of the chapters of one of the most authoritative books in Islam, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya – The beginning and the end. Stories of the Prophets (peace be upon them all) includes stories of 29 Prophets that are mentioned in the Quran from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them). The accounts of the Prophets are taken from the Quran and ahadith and some accounts are from the previous scriptures i.e. the Bible.

A Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom – Jamia Ulum wal Hikam

Of the greatest commentaries of the Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi by Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali. The forty hadith alone without commentary can be easily understood as the collector i.e. Imam Nawawi collected those for knowing essential ahadith but the commentary added by Ibn Rajab gives a lot more insight into the reality of those ahadith and how one should shape their lives according to it.

Zad al-Ma’ad – Provisions of the Hereafter

This is also another Seerah (biography) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) written by the famous Islamic scholar, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah. As well as listing the narrative it also has lessons that can be taken and applied in your life.

What are the books that you have read?