Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) is taking an active role in the personal and literary goals of casual and avid readers alike this Ramadan season.
HBKU Press has identified some book recommendations that delve into holistic wellness and spiritual learning topics such as intentional consumption, healthy lifestyle habits, and Islamic learning.
“HBKU Press strives to maintain a diverse catalogue as we continue to grow and expand,” said Bachar Chebaro, executive director of HBKU Press.
“Our books range from entertaining to educational, but always succeed in contributing some sort of intellectual value to the life of the reader. For Ramadan, we took care to recommend books that nourish the mind and support in the overall purpose of the season, which is to reflect inwards and emerge more mindful of ourselves than when we began.”
Prominent Muslim scholars such as Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Khaldun, and many others have produced original works that serve as staples in learning centres throughout the world. Interest in Islamic civilisation and history continues to rise worldwide, and HBKU Press has since compiled a series which aims to present a collection of Islam’s most important intellectual contributions to non-Arabic readers.
The first of the series, The Great Book of Islamic Civilisation: On Quranic Exegesis, is an abridged version of the Introductions of Muhammad Tahir bin ‘Ashur and becomes available to the English-speaking world for the first time in this translation of one of the most significant contributions to Islamic civilisation. His Introduction, popularly known as Muqqadimat Ibn Ashur, is a bridge between the classical and the modern throughout the scholarly journey of Quranic exegesis.
‘Scenario Thinking: How Do You Plan for Your Future?’ by researcher Yasser Eid invites readers to adopt more flexible and adjustable strategies for the future. Through scenario planning, the reader is able to apply critical thinking practices to personal and professional life, as well as develop a versatile tool for decision-makers, stakeholders, leaders and managers, and researchers in the field of planning and foresight. Inspired by the unprecedented global events and aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, this book is informed by the level of preparedness with which countries were able to manage the various emergencies that were consequently borne, and how they might face potential future crises.
‘Vacations to Paradise’ by Dr Samir al-Shaer similarly broaches the importance of thought regulation as it pertains to everyday life; his approach to managing internal discussions centres around the effects of stress and mental activity on insomnia and sleep quality. He draws on his experiences undergoing an impactful religious and philosophical journey which sees him recalling his development of a now perfectly crafted tool.
Finally, A Refreshed Soul by Asma al-Dosari examines charity as a transcendent phenomenon which views the gift of giving as a spiritual experience for both the giver and the receiver. In her book, she posits that giving is a way to strengthen one’s own spiritual values through the analysis of charitable work and its development in the Holy Qur'an and as practised by the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). The book also expands to include the constructed system of values that define the giving of both individuals and institutions alike.
Some of the titles for this Ramadan
