Reading more Islamic books: a realistic four-week reading plan
You bought a book you really want to start. Yet it stays on the shelf: the days are full, you don't know where to begin, or you want to read too much at once. A small reading plan can help you actually open the book.
The plan below is intended for reading and studying Islamic books. It is not a religiously prescribed schedule. Adapt the time and amount to your own life and the book you have chosen.
Start with one question and one book
Write down what you want to understand. For example: “I want to get to know the basics of prayer better” or “I want to know more about the life of the Prophet.” Then choose one book that matches it. A clear question also helps you decide what can wait for now.
For an introduction, have a look at Basics of Islam or our English Islamic books. For biographies there is the books about Muhammad ﷺ collection; in English, The Simple Seerah is an accessible start. Look at the table of contents and the language level before making your choice.
Week 1: discover how much reading suits you
Choose three moments when you can read for about ten minutes. Link them to an existing habit, for example after breakfast or after putting the children to bed. Keep the book in a fixed place.
Read the introduction and a short first section. Afterwards, write down one sentence: “This is what I understood today.” You don't have to finish a chapter. Use this week to discover which pace suits the text and you.
Week 2: read with a question in mind
Continue at the same moments. Before reading, look at your original question. Don't highlight everything that sounds interesting, but note down one passage that adds something to your understanding, with the page number.
Distinguish between three kinds of notes: what the author writes, what you conclude from it and what you don't understand yet. That way you can later find out whether a conclusion is in the book or was your own thought.
Week 3: review and discuss
Use one reading session to look back. Can you explain in your own words what the chapter is about? Then check what you missed. Note down unfamiliar terms and ask a specific question to someone with knowledge of the subject.
A question like “Page 24 says this; how does that relate to the explanation on page 31?” is easier to discuss than a loose sentence without context. For questions about applying religious rulings, a qualified teacher or scholar can help you further.
Week 4: consciously choose how to continue
Your book doesn't have to be finished after four weeks. Check whether your original question has become clearer. Do you want to keep reading, review a chapter or choose a simpler introduction? All three can be a meaningful next step.
If you want to go deeper into the meaning of supplications, you could look at A Dua Away by Omar Suleiman or Fortress of the Muslim, a collection of duas from the Quran and Sunnah. Dutch readers can choose 200 Smeekbeden uit de Qur'an en Sahihayn (Dutch edition), with Arabic texts and a Dutch translation. With a collection like this, choose a few texts to study carefully.
What if you miss a week?
Resume at your bookmark. You don't have to catch up on missed pages. If the schedule keeps getting too full, drop one reading session or shorten the sessions.
Unsure mainly about which book to choose? Also read our explanation of Islamic publishers, books and translations. Then choose one book, put a bookmark ready and plan only your first reading session.