One of the most influential Muslim scholars in the West, Hamza Yusuf is a leading proponent of traditional Islam.
Born on January 1, 1958, he is the founder of Zaytuna College, the first accredited Muslim college in the United States.
A prolific writer and speaker, Yusuf have authored numerous books on Islamic law, theology, and spirituality.
Here are some books recommended by Humza Yusuf.
A Different Kind of Teacher by John Taylor Gatto
John Taylor Gatto is a different kind of teacher. He’s the kind of teacher who believes that education should be about more than just memorizing facts and figures. He believes that education should be about preparing students for life.
Gatto has been teaching for over 30 years, and in that time, he’s developed his own unique approach to education. He’s written several books on the subject, including “Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling” and “The Underground History of American Education.”
In his book, “A Different Kind of Teacher,” Gatto shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful educator. He offers some tips for educators who want to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
In his book Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman argues that television has had a detrimental effect on our society.
He believes that television has turned us into a nation of passive spectators, more interested in entertainment than critical thinking or political engagement.
As a result, we are in danger of losing our democracy. Postman’s book is a warning about the dangers of television and its impact on our culture and politics.
Arabic Thought and the Western World in the Golden Age of Islam by Eugene A. Myers
In his book, Arabic Thought and the Western World in the Golden Age of Islam, Eugene A. Myers explores how Arabic thought influenced the Western world during the Islamic Golden Age.
Myers begins by discussing how the Arabs were able to preserve and build upon the knowledge of the Greeks during their conquests. He then goes on to show how Arabic thinkers made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, philosophy, medicine, and astronomy.
Finally, Myers demonstrates how the decline of the Islamic Golden Age led to a decline in Arab-Western relations. However, he argues that the impact of Arabic thought on Western civilization is still evident today.
Homeschooling for Excellence by David Colfax and Micki Colfax
Homeschooling for Excellence by David Colfax and Micki Colfax is a book that explores the reasons why homeschooling can be an excellent option for children.
The authors dispel common myths about homeschooling and provide research-based evidence that homeschooled children can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
They also offer practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, including how to create a curriculum and manage their time.
How to Read a Book by Charles Van Doren and Mortimer J. Adler
In their book, How to Read a Book, Charles Van Doren and Mortimer J. Adler provide readers with a detailed guide on how to approach reading with the intention of gaining knowledge from the text.
They begin by explaining the different levels of reading and the appropriate level of attention required for each.
The first level, elementary reading, is defined as “the kind of reading that enables us to get the most out of books we read for pleasure.”
The second level, inspectional reading, is “a more active and demanding form of reading” which is used when readers want to gain a general understanding of a book’s contents.
The third and most difficult level, analytical reading, is used when readers want to gain in-depth knowledge from a text and critically evaluate its arguments.
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) by Martin Lings
In his book, “Muhammad (P.B.U.H)” Lings tells the story of Muhammad ﷺ, based on the earliest sources available.
Lings paints a picture of Muhammad ﷺ as a man who was deeply spiritual, yet also practical and down-to-earth.
He shows how Muhammad’s ﷺ teachings changed the course of history, and how his example continues to inspire Muslims today.
On Disciplining the Soul by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
In his book “On Disciplining the Soul”, Al-Ghazali offers advice on how to live a devout and virtuous life. He discusses the importance of self-control and discipline in achieving righteousness and avoiding sin.
Al-Ghazali’s work has had a profound impact on Islamic thought and culture and continues to be highly regarded by Muslims today.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell argues that the true story of success is far more complex than we typically assume. He challenges the meritocratic idea that successful people are simply those who are smartest and work hardest.
Instead, Gladwell shows that success is often the result of a combination of factors, including timing, opportunity, and culture.
Gladwell’s exploration of success is both fascinating and thought-provoking. He offers readers a new way of thinking about what it takes to be successful. If you’re interested in learning more about how success really works, then you’ll want to read Outliers.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Malcolm X was one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement. His autobiography, written with the help of journalist Alex Haley, is one of the most important works of the 20th century.
In it, Malcolm X chronicles his life, from his childhood in Michigan to his years as a street hustler in Boston and New York, to his time as a leader in the Nation of Islam.
The book is an intimate portrait of a complex man who struggled against racism and violence all his life.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Brothers Karamazov is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky that was first published in 1880. The book centers on the conflict between three brothers, Dmitri, Ivan, and Alexei.
The story takes place in Russia during the late 19th century and explores themes of morality, religion, and family.
Dostoevsky’s novel is considered to be one of the greatest works of Russian literature. It has been praised for its complex characters and psychological depth. The Brothers Karamazov is often studied in literature courses due to its literary merit and philosophical implications.
The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman
In his book “The Disappearance of Childhood”, Neil Postman argues that childhood is disappearing in modern society. He observes that children are now exposed to the same things as adults, including violence, sex, and drugs.
As a result, they are growing up faster and losing their innocence. Postman believes that this is harmful to both children and society as a whole. He calls for a return to a time when children were protected from the harsh realities of life.
The End of Education by Neil Postman
In his book The End of Education, Neil Postman argues that the current educational system is failing to prepare students for the real world.
He contends that the education system is too focused on standardized tests and rote learning, and not enough on critical thinking and creativity.
He calls for a radical overhaul of the education system, one that would put more emphasis on preparing students for the challenges of the real world.
The Jews of Islam by Bernard Lewis
In his book The Jews of Islam, Bernard Lewis explores the history of the Jews living under Islamic rule.
He discusses how the Jews were treated in Islamic society and how they interacted with their Muslim neighbors.
Lewis also looks at the different ways that Jews and Muslims view each other, and how this has changed over time.
The Lives of Man by Abd Allah ibn Alawi al-Haddad
In his book The Lives of Man, Abd Allah ibn Alawi al-Haddad explores the different stages of human life and how to make the most of each one.
He begins by explaining that the first stage is infancy, which is a time when people are not yet responsible for their actions. This is followed by childhood, which is a time when people learn about right and wrong and begin to take on more responsibility.
adulthood is when people are fully responsible for their own lives and should strive to live in accordance with God’s will. finally, old age is a time when people can look back on their lives and reflect on what they have accomplished.
Al-Haddad emphasizes that each stage of life has its own challenges and opportunities and that it is important to make the most of both.
The Prophetic Invocations by Abd Allah ibn Alawi al-Haddad and Mostafâ Badawî
In his book, “The Prophetic Invocations”, Abd Allah ibn Alawi al-Haddad provides a detailed explanation of the various invocations that were used by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
He also includes a section on how to make these invocations yourself. Mostafa Badawi, in his book “The Call of the Prophets”, focuses on the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and provides an in-depth look at the various aspects of his life.
The Technological Society by Jacques Ellul
In a world where technology is constantly advancing, it’s difficult to keep up. The Technological Society, written by Jacques Ellul, is a book that explores the effects of technology on society and how we’ve become slaves to it.
With the technological advances of the last century, our world has changed drastically. We’ve gone from horse-and-buggy to cars and trains; from telegraphs to phones and computers. But as our dependence on technology has grown, so too has our addiction to it.
In The Technological Society, Ellul examines how technology has taken over our lives. He argues that we’ve become enslaved by our own devices, unable to function without them. We’re controlled by the very thing that was supposed to make our lives easier.
To Renew America by Newt Gingrich
In his book, To Renew America, Newt Gingrich sets forth a plan to revive the American dream and get the country back on track.
He offers solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing the nation, including job creation, tax reform, and national security.
He also discusses some of the root causes of these problems, such as our education system and our government’s regulatory burden.
With clear and concise explanations, Gingrich provides a roadmap for how we can renew America and make it great again.
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