by Elizabeth Peltola

A fun side of writing books is the importance of reading books by other authors. In part we learn from each other, and we also see what parts of the literary world still have gaping holes in them, which need to be filled with a new book. Writing on Islam from a Biblical perspective is especially exciting, because there is still so few books written in this genre.

This week I’ve been taking a look at some of the books I’ve recently read, or dipped into, and written a few short reviews online about them… People often ask what books are good to read on Islam, so here are my top three go-to books for anyone wanting to investigate Islam:

1. The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise: Muslims, Christians, and Jews Under Islamic Rule in Medieval Spain

   by Darío Fernández-Morera

   Review:

   This is a tough yet important read for anyone interested in history, specifically the history of Islam as it crossed paths with North Africa and Europe. I have never read such a thoroughly well researched book - the list of footnotes is almost as long as the chapters. Dario Morera's grasp of multiple languages and primary texts (Islamic and non) set a high bar for any other researchers seeking to present a history of Islam as it forged a path through non-Muslim lands in the early and mid medieval period. Not only is the book important for the study of history, it is important for studying similar movements within Islam still in play today, especially those which find its source of inspiration from Islamic texts and rule. This is a must read for any student of Islam.

2. Understanding Jesus and Muhammad: what the ancient texts say about them

   by Bernie Power

   Review:

Bernie's understanding of Islam, the Qur'an and the Bible is evident as you read through this short and detailed book. This is now one of my go-to reference books if I need more information on Islamic teaching on Muhammad and related Bible verses. The many tables throughout the book are immensely helpful. A must read for those who want to understand Islam from its own texts, from an author who has lived among Muslim communities and studied Islam for many years. I have added this book to the reading list for those we train in Biblically understanding Islam.

3. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
by Nabeel Qureshi
Review:

There’s a fascinating element in Qureshi’s book, often missing in Christian books about Islam. It shows the deep love a Muslim family have of their religion, and for each other. The book weaves and compounds stories together to draw us into the world of faithful Islamic practice and how it is lived out by Muslims around the world. It helps the Christian see why many Muslims have no wish to leave Islam nor their community. The book also highlights the plight and pain a Muslim can go through as they leave Islam and begin to trust Jesus as their God and Saviour. A helpful element of the book are the little definition boxes found on the sides of pages explaining the meaning of oft-used Islamic words. This is another go-to book for those interested in understanding Islam and a Muslim’s journey to Christ. It is quite long, and took me some time to pick it up again, but still a must read.

So I can’t plug other author’s books without a quick plug for our own.

1. Questions to ask your Muslim friends: A Closer Look at Islamic Beliefs and Texts
   By Elizabeth Peltola and Tim Dieppe

2. A Short Guide to Islam: A Biblical Response to the Faith of our Muslim Neighbors
   By Elizabeth Petlola
   Available on many online platforms that sell books.