Holding on to Allah's Rope: Of minds and books, swords and whetstones

أَعُوذُ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ، بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

My, how time flies. So little of it in which to read as much as I'd like, but sometimes the chances sneak in and I can keep the influx of information/perspective flowing. There are many different kinds of books out there, serving different purposes. Some fuel the imagination, others simply tell a story, and then there those books which seem to clarify vision itself. I love books in general, but those which increase insight are my favorite type, followed by epic literary works.

I don't know where I should place the Qur'an. It is a book like no other, intended not to entertain, but inform and guide the sum of humanity. I could say one should begin with it, at the top of a list, but likely the reader has already come across other books, religious and otherwise. I might think to place it at the end of a list, something to ponder when other books are finished, but then a person might never get around to it. So perhaps the ideal place is in the middle of one's journey of exploration. The Qur'an reaches people who seek truth, who understood that this life is not everything. To have found Allah's book, means to open a gateway into an understanding that goes beyond anything mortal, a necessity of unequaled weight in an age where whim dominates popular thought. I would say the only ones who dare to open the Qur'an are those unafraid of having their perspective challenged, who are brave enough to accept a path that bridges life and death in purpose.

In fairness, not all the books here are suitable for every taste. They each reflect part of me, in both choices made as well as ideals sought. Maybe others will choose to do the same, maybe not.

Books of insight
These generally present wisdom, understanding and developing one's connection with Allah. They bring forth an enhancement of character, a broadening appreciation of why a person would submit to the Creator of everything.

Books of Islamic reference
These are more focused on those who encapsulate the reminder openly and within themselves (as far as the eye can tell), useful for deepening understanding of history and how certain personalities lived.

Epic literary works
A major reason as to why this section exists is because of the inspiration from and connection to a beacon of mine. If she had not been my Muse, Allah knows how my spark would have ever been lit. But alhamdulillah, it was, and the rest is destiny; would love to add to this list if she ever finds more gems. Needless to say, these are more for those who enjoy reaally long reading.

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin
The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan
Symphony of Ages - Elizabeth Haydon
The Liveship Traders Trilogy - Robin Hobb
The Farseer Trilogy - Robin Hobb
The Tawny Man Trilogy - Robin Hobb
The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy - Robin Hobb
The Sevenwaters Trilogy -Juliet Marillier -(still....reading book 1)
The Expanse Series - James S.A. Corey -(not yet begun, looks promising)

Books of miscellany
These don't really fit any other classification, most were picked up randomly and a few as a result of some school-related purpose. It's been many years since I finished them, and most of the impact they had has long been absorbed into my formative development. Less to take in than epic literary works, and far less than books of insight, but they have their own niche of curiosity and understanding to fill; usually shorter (exception of HP, which I cannot call an "epic") and diverse topics.

Holding on to Allah's Rope

Of minds and books, swords and whetstones

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