Muslim literature, like any other literary tradition, includes a wide range of themes and subjects. Muslim authors share their cultural and personal experiences and offer valuable insights into humanity, spirituality, identity, and society. In this article, we’ll explore 10 important books by Muslim authors that have enriched the global literature.
Firstly, it should be stressed that Muslim authors tend to avoid writing on certain topics. Islamic literature typically refrains from discussions that could be perceived as disrespectful or blasphemous towards Islam, its prophets, or sacred texts. Love and romance are common themes in literature, but Muslim literature avoids explicit depictions of sexuality. Another not popular topic is casinos because gambling is generally considered prohibited in Islam. However, some contemporary authors from Muslim-majority regions have explored these themes and removed the taboo associated with them. They assert that it’s one’s right and choice to read about or try the newest online casinos. And people are free to red and think about whatever they want.
This was a slight digression from the main topic. And now I will introduce you to the 10 Must-Read Books by Muslim Authors.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hossein
“The Kite Runner” follows the story of a young boy Amir from Kabul, Afghanistan. Khaled Hossein shows the complex relationship of this boy with his childhood friend Hassan. This novel is about friendship, betrayal, redemption, and guilt against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history at the time of the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban regime.
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
Another masterpiece by Khaled Hosseini, “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” shines a light on the resilience and courage of Afghan women amid decades of war and oppression. The tale revolves around Mariam and Laila. These two women are brought together by circumstance as they both endure the hardships of war, poverty, and oppression under the Taliban regime. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond and find strength and resilience in each other’s company.
“The Reluctant Fundamentalist” by Mohsin Hamid
This is a thought-provoking novel that would make you think of identity, belonging, and the complexities of post-9/11 world politics. The novel is presented as a conversation between a young Pakistani man and an unnamed American listener. You would learn what could be the impact of geopolitical events on individual lives.
“The Moor’s Account” by Laila Lalami
In her book, Laila Lalami presents a captivating historical tale that reinterprets the journey of Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca from the viewpoint of a Moroccan slave Estebanico. Lalami uses Estebanico’s narrative to amplify the voices of marginalized people. She touches on themes like identity, survival, and cultural clashes in 16th-century America.
“Home Fire” by Kamila Shamsie
Kamila Shamsie’s “Home Fire” is a contemporary retelling of Sophocles’ Antigone set in the context of British Pakistani identity and the global war on terror. The novel follows the lives of three siblings – Isma, Aneeka, and Parvaiz – whose fates become entangled in politics, love, and loyalty.
“The Bastard of Istanbul” by Elif Shafak
“The Bastard of Istanbul” is a multigenerational saga that weaves together the lives of two families – one Turkish and one Armenian. Their pasts are marked by the tragedy of genocide. Shafak delves into themes of memory, identity, and the quest for peace in a fractured world through vivid characters and compelling storytelling.
“An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir’s “An Ember in the Ashes” is a gripping fantasy novel set in a brutal and dystopian world inspired by ancient Rome. The story follows the intertwined journeys of a slave girl Laia, and, a soldier Elias as they navigate a society rife with oppression, rebellion, and dark magic.
“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things” is a lyrical and evocative novel. The action takes place in the lush landscape of Kerala, India. Through the lives of fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, Roy explores themes of love, loss, caste, and societal oppression. He weaves together past and present in a narrative that is both heartbreaking and transcendent.
“In the Country of Men” by Hisham Matar
“In the Country of Men,” Hisham Matar paints a vivid picture of life during Muammar Gaddafi’s rule in Libya. as experienced by a young boy named Suleiman. The book shows how tyranny affects people through Suleiman’s life. The boy faces family issues and political turmoil and deals with loyalty, betrayal, and the longing for freedom.
“Orhan’s Inheritance” by Aline Ohanesian
“Orhan’s Inheritance” is a moving novel that is about the painful legacy of the Armenian genocide and its impact on generations of families. Through the story of, a young Turkish man Orhan, and his quest to uncover his family’s secrets, Ohanesian explores themes of memory, reconciliation, and the enduring power of love and forgiveness.
The works of these 10 Muslim authors offer readers a diverse array of perspectives, themes, and narratives that enrich our understanding of the world and the human experience. These must-read books illuminate the complexities of life and inspire us to embrace empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.