Read & Reflect

Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past, authored by Firas Alkhateeb, offers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of 1,400 years of Muslim civilization; from pre-Islamic Arabia through the Prophet Muhammad, the Golden Age of science, multiple caliphates, the spread to West Africa and India, into modern nation-states. Originally written for students and general readers, the book captures major empires and milestones with clarity, weaving in social, cultural, scientific, and political threads while challenging reductive narratives about Islam and Muslim societies. The text highlights cycles of rise and decline in Islamic history using themes drawn from Ibn Khaldun, empires flourished when rooted in Islamic principles and declined when disconnected from them. Reviewers praise its readability and it's breadth yet concise, informative, and ideal as a historical primer even for beginners. Some even calling it “the best introductory Islamic history book for anyone” and “a great introduction” to the subject .

You can find the book here.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking exploration of today’s most pressing global challenges, ranging from technology and artificial intelligence to politics, religion, education, and the future of work. Through a series of concise essays, Harari confronts the reader with hard questions about truth, freedom, nationalism, and the human mind’s vulnerability to manipulation in an age of information overload. With his signature blend of history, philosophy, and futurism, he urges us to cultivate clarity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence as we navigate a rapidly changing world. For me, this book serves as a timely intellectual checkpoint, reminding me of the importance of staying informed, questioning assumptions, and preparing mentally for uncertainties in both academic and real-world settings.  

You can find the book here.

Adab al-Ikhtilaf fi al-Islam (The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam) by Dr. Taha Jabir Al-Alwani explores the profound Islamic tradition of managing differences in thought and opinion with respect, humility, and wisdom. Rooted in classical scholarship, the book emphasizes that disagreement is a natural and inevitable part of intellectual and religious discourse, and that Islam provides a refined ethical framework for navigating such differences without division or hostility. Dr. Al-Alwani highlights how early Muslim scholars engaged in differing interpretations with adab (etiquette), prioritizing unity, mutual respect, and sincere pursuit of truth. In the world of academia, this book has been a valuable guide for shaping my attitude during intellectual discussions, especially when facing disagreement or contrasting views.

You can find the Malay translation version of the book here.

Ayyuhal Walad (O My Son) is a short yet deeply profound letter written by the renowned Islamic scholar Imam Al-Ghazali to one of his students. In it, Al-Ghazali imparts timeless spiritual advice on sincerity, knowledge, and the path to the hereafter. He emphasizes that knowledge is only beneficial when it is acted upon and rooted in sincerity (ikhlas), and that true success lies not in memorization or status, but in cultivating the heart and striving for the pleasure of Allah. The book gently reminds readers of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of preparing for the afterlife with wisdom and humility. For me, Ayyuhal Walad serves as a personal mirror, a concise guide that grounds me when navigating both academic and spiritual pursuits, reminding me that intention and action must go hand in hand.  

You can find the book in Malay and English translations.