Check out the first edition of our monthly book list, a roundup of four book recommendations related to Islam, politics, social issues, and anything else we think is worth reading. The monthly list will include books whose authors or ideas we may or may not agree with, but that we find interesting and useful for generating discussion.

Have a title you think we should read? Comment down below or let us know on Twitter @QarawiyyinProj.

1. Deglobalization: Ideas for a New World Economy

Deglobalization is a succinct yet comprehensive overview of the crises of global capitalism and some proposed reforms to the international system. The author, Walden Bello, is a Filipino academic and politician known for his critique of development initiatives by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Centering the global south in his analysis, Bello addresses how development programs of the twentieth century have often further mired developing nations in economic dependency, and proposes a reversal of the system of global capitalism.

Length: 132 pages

Table of contents:

1.  Introduction: The Multiple Crises of Global Capitalism
2. Marginalizing the South in the International System
3. Sidestepping Democracy at the Multilateral Agencies
4. The Crisis of Legitimacy
5. The Vicissitudes of Reform, 1998-2002
6. Proposals for Global Governance Reform: A Critical Analysis
7. The Alternative: Deglobalization

2. Reformation of Character

Shaykh Tamim Ahmadi’s translation of Mawlana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar’s book details the characteristics of virtuous and blameworthy character, as well as practical ways to reform oneself. Part One covers nineteen sections on the characteristics and methods to obtain noble character. Part Two covers thirty sections similarly related to evil character.

Length: 111 pages

Table of Contents:

1. A Brief Life-Sketch of the Author
2. Introduction
3. Statements of Hakim Al-Ummah Thanwi
4. Part One – Noble Character
5. Part Two – Evil Character
6. Conclusion

3. 114 Tips to Help You Finalize Memorize the Qur’an

Suleiman Hani’s 114 Tips covers techniques for memorizing the Qur’an, as well as the necessary preconditions and things to avoid. The book explains that memorizing the Qur’an is not merely an end to reach in minimal time, but a journey that requires various aspects of one’s life to be in line with their goal of memorizing the Book of Allah .

Length: 168 pages

Table of Contents:

1. The Conditions
2. Frequent Factors
3. Essential Motivation
4. Memorization Techniques
5. Language Barrier
6. Reviewing the Qur’an
7. Teaching Children
8. Health Habits
9. Special Merits
10. Miscellaneous Matters
11. Conclusion
12. Map Your Journey
13. Memorization Charts

 4. Towards Sacred Activism

In his latest book, Imam Dawud Walid provides a general overview of the Islamic approach to activism, as well as advice on engaging in activism in a political sphere dominated by liberal and secular values. Imam Dawud is an American scholar who has been active in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. His other books include Centering Black Narrative: Black Muslim Nobles Among the Early Pious Muslims and Centering Black Narrative: Ahl al-Bayt, Blackness & Africa.

Length: 75  pages

Table of Contents:

1. What is Justice
2. The Obligation of Social Justice Activism
3. Prerequisites for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
4. Etiquettes of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
5. Entering Into Coalitions for Social Justice
6. Wading Through Contentions of LGBT Community Engagement
7. Spiritual Self-care for Sacred Activism
8. Conclusion