Great Books of Islamic Civilization

By Omar Al-Khayyam, translated by Roshdi Khalil

Omar Al-Khayyam's famous book on algebra and equations is considered to be perhaps his most important contribution to mathematics.

By Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni, translated by Dr Paul E. Walker

This work, commonly known simply as al-Irshãd (The Guide), is a major classic of Islamic theology. Its author, Imān al-Haramayn al-Juwayni (d. 478/1085), was the leading Ash‘arite (Sunni) theologian of his time. Here the master sets out systematically what he considered the sure proofs for the principles of any discourse about God and His attributes, about what must be said concerning Him, and how the human being should understand what is possible in respect to God.

By Ibn Kathir, translated by Dr Trevor Le Gassick

Compiled in the 14th century AD by a prominent Syrian scholar, the al-Sira al-Nabawiyya of Ibn Kathir is a full examination, in chronological order, of the background, life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The first volume of this four-volume set relates the history of the Arab tribes who were the Prophet’s forebears, the lives of his parents, and the accounts of unusual events surrounding his birth. It then goes on to relate anecdotes regarding his childhood, the signs of the prophethood, and the first revelations.

By Ibn Kathir, translated by Dr Trevor Le Gassick

Compiled in the 14th century AD by a prominent Syrian scholar, the al-Sira al-Nabawiyya of Ibn Kathir is a full examination, in chronological order, of the background, life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Volume III gives details of the numerous battles and campaigns waged between 3 AH and 8 AH to defend and spread the religion of Islam.

By Al-Mawardi, translated by Professor Wafaa H. Wahba

The Ordinances of Government is believed to have been written under commission from one of the caliphs of Baghdad, as indicated in the author’s preface. It contains insights into key issues of Islamic law, including the appointment of sovereigns, officials, judges and military commanders, and their rights, responsibilities and duties; fighting apostates, insurgents and brigands; dividing the spoils of war; boundaries between countries, land reclamation and water supplies; land enclosure, tithes, taxes and alms; crimes and punishments; fornication, theft, drinking and adultery.