Islam is one of the biggest and most practiced religions in the world. Around 1.8 billion followers of this religion devotedly practice Islamic lifestyle and celebrates the rituals. Still, Muslims are the most oppressed, neglected and deprived religious section around the world. From Palestine to Middle-East, from Yemen to Rakhine’s Rohingya community, everywhere Muslim communities are being persecuted, evicted from their lands, and exploited from their civil rights. But why? What’s the reason?

Almost all the scholars conclude to the point that Muslims are being too ignorant about their history, about their origin, culture, rituals, traditions, and glorious past. That is why they are lagging behind from other communities and other sects. In fact, Muslims are lagging behind in every sector, from science to economics, from politics to power control. Nonetheless, they had a great past, their ancestors ruled the world once, both by power and knowledge. That is why it is important for Every Muslims to learn the glorious history of Islam by reading Islamic history books.

There are abundant Islamic history books in Urdu and Islamic History books in English. Fortunately, the trend has begun in our country as well. Now there are adequate Islamic history books in Bangla both original and translated. Let’s see 10 such Islamic history books that are must read.

Ihudi Jatir Itihash (History of Jews) – Abdullah Ibn Mahmud

Jerusalem is one of the most sacred places for the Muslims. Unfortunately, there has been continuous war for decades after decades in that area. The reasons behind this war is deeply rooted into the history of the Jews peoples. This book discuss their history in the light of Qur’an and co-relating with the history of Muslim people in that area. This excellent history book was one of the bestsellers in Ekushe book fair 2020.

Sanjak-E-Usman – Prince Muhammad Sazal

The Mongols under the fierce ruler Genghis Khan were an indomitable force that held the power and potential to rule over the world. But they couldn’t live up to the mark, neither they could prolong their rule. It was because of their reckless lifestyle, cruel ruling and overconfidence. The Mongol empire fell down shortly and the great Genghis Khan was executed. This book will be helpful in knowing this history in detail.

Khalifa Hatyakando (Caliph murders) – Dr. Kamel Kilani & Khalid-as-Saeed

After the departure of Prophet Muhammad (SM), the rule of Islam world fell on the able shoulders of the Caliphs of Islam. From the most famous Khulafaye Rashedin to the Umaiya, Abbasi, Usmani Khelafats- every Khelafats were successful in different dimensions. Unfortunately, each khelafats witnessed blood, countless Caliphs got assassinated by the enemies of the state and Islam. Muslims should know those histories to not let them repeat.

Spain a Muslimder Itihash (History of the Muslims in Spain)- Mahbubur Rahman

When Islam was going through the Golden Age, when the Muslim rulers ruled the world, Muslim scholars carried the lantern of enlightenment, Spain was one of the strongholds of the Muslims. But the region in course of time became totally free of Muslims and the religious community lost its path into the history. There’s a sad history in this story and this book depicts it with authentic information. The book, for its authenticity, is read as a textbook in many universities of Syria, Africa, Egypt and Bangladesh as well.

Islam: Songkhipto Itihash (Islam: A short History)- Karen Armstrong

Islamophobia is at its peak in this modern era. There are Islamophobic communities, people and sentiment in almost every part of the world. Islam is now seen as a religion of extremism and terrorism! Nevertheless, Islam is totally opposite of that, a religion of peace and purity. The writer has tried to establish that fact describing the huge history of Islam precisely and how the modern world is misunderstanding it. Shawkat Hossain translated it into Bangla language.

The spirit of Islam- Sir Sayed Ameer Ali

This book can be relied on at the first place with taking nothing in consideration but the name of the writer, Sir Sayed Ameer Ali. He was one of the most prominent Indian Muslim political leader, writer, thinker and reformist of the British era. His writings were highly appreciated and popular. This book reflects on the life of Prophet Muhammad (SM) and his teachings.

The Indian Musalmans – W. Hunter

It is said that every foreign culture, ritual and anything else that arrived India took the native form. Like other things, religion too took Indian form upon arriving the sub-continent. Islam, with its fundamental beliefs and practices unchanged, took different shape than its original one and that unique shape is the subject of discussion for this book. Eager readers will find this book Interesting.

Spain er Kanna (Tears of Spain)- Mufti Muhammad Twaki Usman

This is another book on the downfall of Islamic rule in Spain. This book focuses on the emotional aspects of the events with authentic references. To know the misery of the Muslims of the then Spain, this book is recommended.

Banglar Musalmander Itihash (History of the Muslims of the Bengal)- Abbas Ali Khan

The historic area of Bengal was once ruled by Hindu and Buddha kings and our ancestors were all idolaters. And then Islam came to this land and conquered everything! How that happened? Read this book to know.

Islamer Digbijoy (Triumph of Islam) – Sadat Hossain Khan

Islam was once confined to the small Arab Peninsula only. In the course of time, this religion spread through the world with huge empires like Persian and Ottoman empires. This didn’t happen overnight. Much blood and many lives were sacrificed for those triumphs. And the glory has faded to some extent how. There is only one way to bring back that glory- knowing the history and learning from the mistakes. This book is a great help in that course of learning.

There is no bound to knowledge. Islam is like a fathomless ocean where we can swim through our whole life, if we want, but can’t know everything. So we need to be very choosy while reading Islamic history books. Apart from the above mentioned books, here are some more suggestions for the eager readers- ‘Arab Jatir Etikatha’ (History of the Arabas), ‘Pobitro Makka Nagarir Itihash’ (History of the sacred Makka), ‘Karbala o Muabiya’, ‘America Muslimder Abishkar’ (America a discovery of the Muslims), Crusade, etc.

–Mohammad Saiful Islam