Classical Islamic books give their readers enlightened knowledge, Muslim scholars of the past have always understood how Islam was meant to be understood i.e. Islam is practical and that there is no need to delve into matters that are of no use or hypothetical situations.
Islam has always been at the forefront of academia, although the teachings of Islam are practical, i.e. whatever you learn from Islam you can implement in your life and improve it.
There have been multitudes of books from classical times that are and always will be relevant today. Authors such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Kathir, At-Tabari to mention only a few have written books that surpass many modern literature.
Here I’ll list the top five Classical Islamic books that everyone should read. I don’t claim that this is THE top 5, but only what i think is my top five. Let me know what you think by leaving comments.
Tafseer of the Quran by Ibn Kathir
This is by far one of the most used exegesis of the Quran written by the great Ibn Kathir, this classical masterpiece has now been translated into many languages and is accessible to all. The tafseer of the Quran enables the readers into far greater insight of the meanings of the text inside the Quran. Thus making this one of the best classical islamic books to read.
Buy Tafsir Ibn Kathir (10 Volumes; Abridged)
The Forty Hadith by Imam Nawawi
The Great Shafi’i Jurist, Imam Al-Nawawi wrote excellent books which serve simple purposes just like all other great books. The Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi, was one of the first 40 hadith compilations of essential ahadith for all Muslims. Although it is named forty hadith it actually contains 42 ahadith, it also contains traditions that are simple to understand.
Buy An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith
Riyadh-us-Saleheen by Imam Nawawi
Another fine example of great classical Islamic Books, Riyadh us Saleheen is a compilation of around 1900 traditions from the collections of Bukhari and Muslim.
The traditions are arranged into different topics and each topic starts with a related verse from the Holy Quran.
Buy Riyad-us-Saliheen (2 Volumes)
Al-Aqidah Al Wasatiyah by Sheikh al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
The term Aqidah was not used at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) or his companions (ra). It was very simple how they understood Islam and the existence of God.
Buy Sharh Al-Aqeedat-il-Wasatiyah
Perhaps a lot more intense and for the more learned student of knowledge, the commentary of the Al-Aqidah al Wasatiyah seeks to clarify and summorise the creed of the Muslims.
Thanks for reading, please let me know your thoughts by leaving comments.
They certainly are excellent books from the past which are relevant even now. I haven’t read all of them but I know of them, thanks for the post.
Assalaamu alaikom wa’rahmatullahi wa’barakatohu. There may be links to view these books online…I would be interested to see. Jazak Allahu khayrun for sharing information! Ameen.
Wa alaikum Salam, thank you for your comment and suggestion I will try and find those links for you. Barak Allah feekum