Guided by Experts (Part 1)

Welcome to Guided by Experts—a blog series dedicated to exploring the books recommended by some of the greatest minds of our time. In this series, we dive into the reading lists of scholars, thinkers, and visionaries to bring you books that will challenge, enlighten, and inspire. This article marks the first installment of the series, featuring none other than Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad (Tim Winter), a profound scholar whose work has reshaped the understanding of Islam in the modern world.

About Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad

Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad, also known as Timothy Winter, is one of the most influential Muslim scholars of our time. A Cambridge academic, theologian, and translator, he is the Dean of the Cambridge Muslim College, where he has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary Western thought. His work has been instrumental in presenting the true, intellectual, and spiritual face of Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe and beyond. Through his lectures, writings, and advocacy, Sheikh Murad has inspired a generation to explore Islam beyond its stereotypes, engaging with its deep theological, philosophical, and literary traditions.

Whether you're Muslim or not, there's something irresistible about his reading recommendations. These books span history, philosophy, theology, literature, and even the odd existential crisis. Here’s a list of books he recommends—each one a doorway into deeper understanding, reflection, and perhaps even transformation.

(Click titles to buy the book from Amazon)

1. Emperor and Galilean by Henrik Ibsen

A historical drama about the tension between paganism and Christianity, this play dives into the existential struggle of Emperor Julian as he attempts to revive Rome’s ancient gods in the face of rising Christianity. Ibsen doesn’t just give us history; he gives us a meditation on fate, faith, and the grand (often tragic) ambitions of mankind.

2. Islam and Romanticism: Muslim Currents from Goethe to Emerson by Jeffrey Einboden

Did you know that some of the greatest Western intellectuals of the Romantic era were profoundly influenced by Islam? Einboden traces the deep, often surprising connections between figures like Goethe, Emerson, and Muslim thought. A must-read for anyone who still believes East and West are separate worlds.

3. Poems on the Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Paul Abdul Wadud

In an age where poetry has been reduced to Instagram captions, here’s a collection that revives its original purpose—spiritual elevation. Wadud’s verses on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are lyrical, heartfelt, and deeply meditative.

4. Anything Goes by Theodore Dalrymple

A scathing, witty critique of modern moral relativism, Dalrymple dissects the cultural and intellectual decay of the West with brutal precision. If you like your philosophy with a side of sarcasm, this one’s for you.

5. Structure and Qur'anic Interpretation by Raymon Farrin

Think the Qur'an is just a random collection of verses? Think again. Farrin uncovers the intricate literary structure of the Qur'an, proving that its coherence and symmetry are nothing short of miraculous. This book is a game-changer for anyone interested in Qur'anic studies.

6. The Leaf of the Neem Tree by Jamal Mehmood

A poetic, introspective work exploring faith, identity, and exile. Mehmood writes with a quiet power that lingers long after you put the book down.

7. Jefferson's Muslim Fugitives by Jeffrey Einboden

Enslaved Africans writing letters in Arabic to President Jefferson? Yes, it happened. Einboden uncovers this hidden chapter of American history, revealing how Islam was present in the earliest days of the United States.

8. Desert Encounter by Knud Holmboe

A gripping travelogue by a Danish journalist who journeyed across North Africa and converted to Islam. Part adventure story, part political critique, this book is a forgotten gem.

9. The Early Hours by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

A short but powerful book on faith, prayer, and the transformative nature of Islam. Written by the man who gave us one of the most famous English translations of the Qur'an.

10. Saracen Chivalry by Zia Inayat Khan

A spiritual guide inspired by the wisdom of medieval Muslim knights. Think of it as a Sufi version of The Art of War—but for the soul.

11. The Springtime that Never Came by Athanasius Schneider

A thought-provoking conversation on faith, modernity, and the struggles of maintaining religious tradition in a secular age.

12. From the Stage to the Prayer Mat by Radia Christine Brodbeck

A world-famous dancer walks away from the spotlight and towards God. This memoir is a deeply personal and inspiring story of spiritual awakening.

13. From Utah to Eternity by Sara Louise Baker

A fascinating journey from Mormonism to Islam, exploring faith, family, and the quest for ultimate truth.

14. The New Leviathans by John Gray

A devastating critique of liberalism’s failures, Gray’s book forces us to ask: what comes after the age of progress?

15. Ishi in Two Worlds by Karl Kroeber

The biography of the last surviving member of a Native American tribe, Ishi in Two Worlds is a haunting meditation on cultural loss and resilience.

16. Love's Secret: A Journey to the Beyond by Anonymous

A mystical, dreamlike book that explores love and the divine. Who wrote it? No one knows—but that only adds to its mystery.

17. God in the Quran by Jack Miles

A Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar examines the portrayal of God in the Qur’an. A fascinating read whether you’re religious or just intellectually curious.

18. The No-State Solution by Daniel Boyarin

A radical rethinking of Jewish identity and the concept of the nation-state. This book is bound to spark some heated debates.

Works of Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad

1. Traveling Home: Essays on Islam in Europe

It is a deeply insightful critique of modernity, secularism, and the challenges facing Muslims in the West. With his characteristic eloquence and erudition, Murad unpacks the tensions between Islam and European identity, offering a vision of faith that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to contemporary realities. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Muslim experience in the modern world.

2. Understanding the Four Madhhabs: The Facts about Ijtihad and Taqlid

It is the antidote to the modern obsession with DIY religion. With razor-sharp clarity, he dismantles the illusion that every believer is suddenly a jurist, reminding us that tradition isn’t a burden—it’s the scaffolding that holds the house of Islam together. This book answers pressing questions like: Why are there four schools of thought? Is it necessary to follow one? If you’ve ever wrestled with these ideas, Murad sets the record straight with wisdom, wit, and scholarly precision.

3. Commentary on the 11th Contentions

Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad is a masterful exploration of his thought-provoking aphorisms—sharp, poetic reflections on faith, philosophy, and the modern condition. These contentions are not mere opinions; they are distilled wisdom, challenging both the skeptic and the believer to rethink their assumptions. In this commentary, Murad unpacks their deeper meanings, weaving together Islamic tradition, Western philosophy, and contemporary realities with his signature eloquence and depth.

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