by Umma (MWN Hub Team)

In the month of Ramadan, closer attention is given to the state of one's spiritual heart. As we make time for reflection, to read and listen to the Qur’an, which kindles an awareness of the spiritual heartbeat: is the beat rhythmic or wavering?

Reading books on spirituality and self-development can be a way to revive and strengthen the spiritual heart. Often these books encourage us to think introspectively, cultivating a mindfulness that can lead to transformative change. You find yourself pondering over how often you have taken steps to purify your heart; clearing out the blockage that yearn for immediate gratification and the emotions that pollute. You start to consider how often you have sat down to understand the meaning of the Qur’an? You realise that over time, the spiritual heart has receded, giving way to the heart of desires.

Here are 5 books that provide practical tools for spiritual growth and help to nurture a more awakened and balanced heart.

In The Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and Self-Development by Khurram Murad

In The Early Hours is one of those books that you will find yourself returning to. It is a short read with 7 chapters looking at ways to develop the spiritual self. The reader is encouraged to consider what their ultimate goals are? How well do they use their time in the remembrance of Allah? How often do they reflect on why we are here? This book does well in outlining the importance of intention, the need to continuously renew it and the value of establishing regular acts of worship. Murad reminds the reader to ‘remember that Islam is a state of becoming not a state of being. Each day you must strive to improve and better yourself – and you will improve.’

 

Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You: Addressing the Impact of Trauma on Faith by Najwa Awad & Sarah Sultan

We have all at some point in our lives experienced a trial that has been difficult to overcome. Without accessing the right support, the trauma can lead to loss of faith and hope. Psychotherapists, Najwa Awad and Sarah Sultan wrote Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You to support anyone who has been through any kind of trauma. This book uses the powerful optimism of Surah al-Duha [93] to inspire reassurance that healing is possible – that light will enter the darkness. The authors use a holistic and Islamic approach to provide practical tools that they describe will enable ‘you to rediscover yourself through the lens of growth and healing.’

 

Quranic Prescription by Dr. Madiha Saeed

Dr. Madiha Saeed is a certified family physician who has studied holistic medicine. Her book, Quranic Prescription guides the reader on how they can live a better life that is in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah. There are three parts to the book, the first two focus on the impact of general lifestyle, sharing tips on how to build a more balanced and healthier way of living. The third part provides prescriptive solutions for those who want advice on healing from certain ailments. If you are looking for a book to help you make healthier lifestyle choices, then choose this book.

 

The Power of Dua by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

In times of despair, we find ourselves supplicating often. However, how often do we sincerely spend time in preparing our du’a? Aliyah Umm Raiyaan’s book, The Power of Du’a, provides a framework on how to prepare one’s du’a. In providing tools to navigate the practise of du’a, this encourages readers to reflect on their spiritual heart and the sincerity of their du’as. By also including real-life stories of miraculous outcomes from supplicating, this demonstrates the transformative benefits of du’a. This book is a perfect read for anyone looking to nurture a more meaningful practice of du’a and to improve their dialogue with the Divine.

 

Timeless Seeds of Advice Part 2: A Deeper Reflection by B.B Abdulla

Second in the series of Timeless Seeds of Advice this book is a collection of advice taken from the Qur’an, Prophetic sayings and past and present Islamic scholars. It acts as a treasure trove of wise sayings that enthuses spiritual reflection and growth. While the book is structured into three sections described as journeys focussed on the revival of faith in the heart, it can be read from any section. Therefore, becoming one of those books that you can pick-up and read from any point.

 

These 5 recommended books can help to improve the state of the spiritual heart. They can be the pick-me-ups for healing. They can become the resources to help you to realign and to grow spiritually.