Read A Book On Your Travels

Today I sat on the train and observed something quite amazing. I noticed that the majority of the people on the train were reading some form of literature. Some were reading huge novels, others were reading fashion magazines and some were reading newspapers. I then thought of how wonderful it would be if Muslims began to pick up Islamic literature and then take it along with them on travels etc.

How many times have we found ourselves twiddling around with our thumbs while we are sitting on the bus or train with nothing to do. Strangely enough, when we are at home in the warmth of our house, it is very hard to pick up a book and read it from cover to cover simply because of the temptation to sleep or indulge in other things. However, when we are in trains, buses or waiting rooms, we instantly become interested in reading something or the other. It is for this reason that we should keep an interesting Islamic book in our bags that we take a long especially for our travels. By doing this, we will be benefitting enormously in our knowledge of Islam and we will also be getting reward for seeking knowledge.

Then when it is time to get off the train, you can put your book back into your bag only to continue another day. Slowly but surely, a person will be able to get through many books. It is thus important for us to go to our local Islamic shops and pick out a nice book that will be an interesting read, thereafter, it is up to us individually to make an effort in reading them.

So next time the person on your left is reading a Metro and the person on your right is reading the Twilight series, you can take out a nice Islamic book and fit right in.

The following are some books in English that I have found extremely beneficial to read and are easy to understand for the common person also:

1. Shamail Tirmizi by Imam Tirmizi rahimahullah - This is an excellent book for everybody who wants to know about the characteristics of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It has his a description of how he looked, smiled, sat, ate, walked etc. It is available in English with a commentary written by Hazrat Sheikh Zakariyya rahimahullah to help you understand better.
2. The Sealed Nectar by Sheikh Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri - This is a great biography of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It highlights all the important occurrences that took place in the blessed life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam right upto his passing away.
3. The Islamic Conquest of Syria by Imam Waqidi rahimahullah and this is has been translated into English by Maulana Sulayman al Kindi sahib.This book is exceptional! It tells of how life continued for the Muslims after the passing away of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It shows how the Islamic empire grew and tells stories of effort, struggle, courage, bravery, love, compassion and much more. It truly is a great read.
4. Hayaatus Sahaba by Maulana Yusuf Khandalwi rahimahulah - This book is three volumes and relates various stories in relation to the sahaba radiallahu ahum. It is highly recommended for people who are looking to see the beautiful nature of the companions of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.
5. Manners in Islam by Imam Bukhari rahimahullah - This is a book of hadith on manners which has been compiled by Imam Bukhari rahimahullah.
6. Ashraf's Blessings of Marriage - this is perhaps one of the best books on the topic. It deals beautifully in regards to a topic which concerns many people. A very important book in general.
7. Ahsan al Qasas by Sheikh Abdur Raheem sahib - This is a tafseer of Surah Yusuf which is written in a very attractive way. It deals in depth with regards to the story of Yusuf alayhis salam whilst diverting the reader's attention towards various lessons which can be learnt.
8. Chosen Souls by Sheikh Irfan Sidyot sahib - This book provides short one-page-biographies on many splendid Islamic personalities who have passed. It highlights their efforts and love for Islam.
9. The Ideal Muslim(ah) by Muhammad Ali al Hashimi - This book helps a person to realise how he/she should be. It has various chapters which pertain to the different aspects of a Muslim's life and how he/she should deal with them.
10. The Wisdom Behind The Commands of Islam by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahimahullah - this book is a great piece of work which explains all those niggling questions that a person has. It explains all those commands that we have been given as Muslims which do not seem to conform with our logic. It answers many of the 'Why?' questions and removes many misconceptions.
    
    May Allah Ta'ala give us all the ability to benefit from the correct literature and give us beneficial knowledge. Ameen.