I’m a young Muslim woman and I read all the time. Unfortunately, the percentage of books that represent my religious heritage is very low, especially today when I feel having a religious character in a book can illicit very polarizing responses from readers. We all want some form of recognition in the books we read; whether of our identity or the things we believe in. I’m overjoyed when I read a story that is inclusive of my religion and portrays the intricacies and complexities of our spirituality and lifestyle. There’s a deeper connection that I feel when I read a book that represents the Muslim community in some big or small way; and it’s a special feeling every time.
Being a reader from Saudi Arabia makes is complicated for me because access to English fiction is limited. But over the years, I’ve gathered a bunch of books by or about Muslims that I recommend whenever I get the chance. I love them for various reasons, so I hope this list will introduce you to some really good books to read. Literature is one of our best tools for understanding each other, and we need that in our world now more than ever.