7 Books Muslim Teens Will Love Reading
Perfect, Easy-To-Read Books For Muslim Teens
Muslim teenagers are no different than other teens when it comes to reading for
- entertainment
- spiritual
- educational purposes
They love a good book that helps them get the answers to the questions they have at this stage of their life. Whether your teen is into prophetic biographies, American history, or novels, there is something here for everyone to enjoy on our list of books Muslim teens will love reading.
Age-Appropriate Books Muslim Teens Will Love
We’ve compiled a list, along with short summaries of 7 books that Muslim teens will love reading. Some of the books on the list are light-hearted entertainment pieces and others are more scholarly and serve as a great resource for Islamic history.
Each one of these books is captivating and thought-provoking, providing plenty of discussion opportunities for young readers. Check out the list below. First up is “Paradise State Of Mind”!
Insight Into The 3 Components That Make Up Every Human
Get It Here: Paradise State Of Mind
By Amal Maow
The book “Paradise State of Mind” by Amal Maow is a great source for teens who want to understand the three components that make up every human: the Ruuh (soul), the Nafs (soul+body), and the Jism (body). Maow explains that knowing each part of yourself is essential to increasing the quality of your life and that when you know who you are and where you come from, there is a sense of security and confidence you will maintain within that no one can take away.
Embracing Your Muslim Identity
The book is perfect for encouraging an acceptance of “your Muslim identity” in teens and young adults. Sr. Amal provides insight into what it means to maintain a “Paradise State Of Mindset” in this beautiful yet, challenging world.
Author Bio – Amal Maow, Charlotte Islamic Academy 2013 Alumni, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA where she majored in Biology and English with a concentration in creative writing. Sr. Amal has published 4 books based on theology, spirituality, and the effects of worship on human anatomy.
She is a graduate of Harvard with a Master’s degree in Neuroscience. Currently, she works as an instructor at Harvard remotely. She’s working towards her Ph.D. and her goal is to become a professor inshallah.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (15) 5-Star Reviews
Book Length: 220 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 13+ years
Publication Date: March 14, 2019, Independently published
“There Has Never Been An America Without Muslims”
Get It Here: Muslims And The Making Of America
By Amir Hussain
Muslims and the Making of America by Amir Hussain is a book that discusses the history of Islam in America and how Muslims have helped to shape certain aspects of American culture. He highlights the importance of Muslim influence in inventions, the arts, education, sports, and food culture.
We’re Woven Into The Fabric Of America
Hussain argues that Islam has been, and continues to be, an important thread in the fabric of American life. He concludes that America would not exist as it does today without the essential contributions made by its Muslim citizens. He seeks to correct misconceptions about Islam and American Muslims.
Author Bio – Amir Hussain is a Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He is considered by some to be one of the most important teachers of Islam in America. Hussain, who is himself an American Muslim, contends that Muslims played an essential role in the creation and cultivation of the United States.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (21) 4.7-Star Reviews
Book Length: 142 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 15+ years
Publication Date: October 15, 2016, by Baylor University Press
“The First Memoir By Sports Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar”
Get It Here: Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off The Court
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court tells the story of the basketball superstar’s life, from his difficult childhood to his record-breaking career. Abdul-Jabbar recounts the important people and events that helped shape him into the man he became, including his strict father, his coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee.
Using Basketball To Break Down Barriers
He discusses his experiences with racism and prejudice, and how he used basketball as a way to break down barriers and unite people. Abdul-Jabbar is an activist for social change and has used his platform as a world-renowned athlete to speak out on important issues such as education, gun violence, and racism. Becoming Kareem is an inspiring account of one African American Muslim man’s journey to greatness.
Author Bio – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons in the NBA while also serving as an activist for racial and religious equality alongside the likes of Muhammad Ali. Abdul Jabbar is a 6-time MVP, 19-time NBA All-Star, 15-time All-NBA team member, and 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team member.
A Proud Descendants of the Yoruba Tribe
In 1971, at age 24 and after converting from Christianity to Islam he became known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His name means “noble one” or Servant Of The Almighty. He was given this name by Hamaas Abdul Khaalis and according to Kareem his name change is his way of “latching on to something that was part of my heritage because many of the slaves who were brought here were Muslims”. His family members are descendants of the Yoruba, and their culture survived slavery.
About The Book
Amazon “Teacher’s Pick” Book – Books recommended by teachers for young readers to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Amazon Global Rating: (493) 4.6-Star Reviews
Book Length: 304 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 13+ years
Publication Date: November 21, 2017, by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“The Best Islamic Biography for Young Muslims”
Get It Here: The Sealed Nectar
By Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri
The Sealed Nectar is a biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) written by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri. The book chronicles the life of the Prophet (SAWS) from his (SAWS) birth until his (SAWS) death. It provides in-depth details on the events that occurred during his (SAWS) life, as well as his (SAWS) teachings and actions.
Inspiring And Easy To Comprehend
Muslim teens will find it easy to clearly understand his (SAWS) role as a Messenger of Allah (SWT), his (SAWS) miracles, character, and accomplishments. The book also includes extracts from the Quran and Hadith which illustrate various aspects of the Prophet’s (SAWS) life.
The Sealed Nectar is an authoritative source on the life of the Prophet (SAWS) and is highly respected by Muslim scholars. This book is a comprehensive biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
Author Bio – Sheikh Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri was an Indian Islamic scholar, teacher, and writer within the Salafi creed. He wrote the book, Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum. Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum was honored by the first Islamic Conference on Seerah Muslim World League as the first prize winner book took place in 1978.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (928) 4.9-Star Reviews
Book Length: 588 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 15+ years
Publication Date: Revised Edition – January 1, 2002, by Dar-us-Salam Publications
“Adventurous, Educational, and Inspiring!”
Get It Here: The Adventures of Nur Al-Din
by Badees Nouiouat
The Adventures of Nur Al-Din is historical fiction text – Farid is a young boy in Tunisia who, as the Spaniards start to flex their influence, finds his life beginning to change. The son of a fisherman, the family can barely enter the waters under the watchful eyes of the Spanish fleets. When approached after a fight to join a pirate crew by Captain Aruj of the Barbarossa and his brother Khidr, he decides to leave his family and stretch his wings.
Friendships Are Tested In Tough Times
Having always dreamed of being in a leadership role, his optimism, and eagerness are quickly put to the test as the crew’s first mission in Northern Africa fails and sends the pirates scrambling on land. They journey to the Mosque of Uqba (Great Mosque of Kairouan) and get help from the Emir in Tunis to replenish their losses. It is then onto Tripoli where friendships and internal issues of race, power struggles, and love develop.
The book concludes with Nur-Al-Din’s eventual rise to power as head of the crew and his acknowledgment by the Ottoman Empire.
Author Bio– Badees Nouiouat is a writer from Irving, Texas. He spent his childhood playing soccer and running around the halls of the masjid. He began writing to give his four younger brothers exciting books with an authentic representation of Islam.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (28) 4.9-Star Reviews
Book Length: 224 pages
Language:English
Reading Age: 16+ years
Publication Date:June 5, 2021, Independently Published
“An Empowering Story About Fitting In While Staying True To Self”
Get It Here: Unsettled
by Reem Faruqi
Featured in the Today Show’s AAPI Heritage Month list, Unsettled is the story of Nurah, a Pakistani girl who moves to the United States and struggles to fit in. Nurah is different from the other kids at school because of her accent and her clothing, and she feels excluded and lonely. However, she eventually befriends another student named Stahr and discovers that she is talented at swimming.
Nurah’s brother Owais is also struggling in the United States, but instead of working together to get along in their new home, a rivalry gets in the way of their relationship.
Eventually, Nurah learns to stand up for herself and her family, and she finds her place in the world.
Awards
– A National Council of Teachers of English Notable Verse Novel
– Jane Addams 2022 Children’s Book Award Finalist
– 2021 Nerdy Award Winner
– Muslim Bookstagram Award Winner for Best Middle School Book
Author Bio – Reem Faruqi is a writer who enjoys writing stories that reflect her own experiences. She used to teach second grade and attributes “one of the best times in her day was read aloud time” because it allowed for creativity, and imagination while also providing educational content which helped in building relationships between students/makers alike!
Today though – at home with daughters ages 6 & 8 years old- there’s nothing more she loves than reading together after homework or bedtime tales from books like “Lailah’s Lunchbox” where you can see how they react.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (69) 4.8-Star Reviews
Book Length: 352 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 13 – 15 years
Publication Date: May 11, 2021, HarperCollins
“Short, Inspiring Stories About Real-Life Heroes”
Get It Here: Stories of 20 Mighty Muslim Heroes
by Tamara Haque
Do you realize that Muslims come from all around the world? Do you know of any Muslim women working in areas such as astronomy, activism, education, and other fields? You’re familiar with Galileo and Newton, but do you know Ibn al-Haytham or Mariam al-Asturlabi?
The Men & Women Who Shaped Our World
The second book in the Mighty Muslim Heroes series features these stories and 20 more inspiring Muslim women and men who have shaped, and continue to shape our world. This book aims to inspire and empower teens by sharing these illustrious multicultural biographies. This sequel, chock-full of information, tidbits, and aspirations of present and past Muslim heroes is guaranteed to empower and inspire every teen who reads it.
A Social Impact Purpose
A portion of book profits is donated to Human Appeal Australia (a registered British charity) that serves underprivileged communities around the world.
Author Bio – Tamara was born in Bangladesh and spent her youth in Saudi Arabia before relocating to Australia. As a youngster, she loved Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and Charles Dickens. These authors inspired her to look up to many heroes, including Matilda.
Tamara loved her multicultural upbringing but didn’t always find it easy to embrace her Muslim identity. Reading about Islam’s rich history and its great heroes helped encourage her self-identity. She wrote her first book to inspire both children and adults, not just Muslims, to be proud of their heritage while also changing any misconceptions they might have encountered.
About The Book
Amazon Global Rating: (21) 4.5-Star Reviews
Book Length: 270 pages
Language: English
Reading Age: 12 – 13 years
Publication Date: January 1, 1994, Kazi Publications, Inc.
Which Will Your Teen Read First?
We hope you enjoyed this list of captivating books that Muslim teens will love reading. If you’re looking for some great reads to keep your teen reader entertained, uplifted, engaged, and inspired, search no more! You’ve found the list.
Don’t forget– these books make for great discussion starters with your teens, so talk to them to find out which one they’d like to read first!
