Received this question from someone. I'm going to do a thread that gives some book recommendations. My humble request is that you make dua for the brother that asked this question.
[Thread]
[Thread]
Let's begin with the existence of God:
I would start with these books. They are not at all rigorous and neither do they actually address arguments for God's existence directly. However, they begin to give you food for thought regarding the science vs God (religion) debate.
I would start with these books. They are not at all rigorous and neither do they actually address arguments for God's existence directly. However, they begin to give you food for thought regarding the science vs God (religion) debate.
Yes, I actually recommend reading the "God Delusion" to understand arguments for God's existence! The reason is for you be acquainted with (1) the arguments for God's existence rush are attacked and (2) understand basic critiques against God's existence.
I would then recommend you to read Edward Fesers "Five proofs for the existence of God". It's a fantastic book that helps the reader understand some of the most powerful arguments for God's existence and refute the God delusion you've already read.
Next is a more complicated text, but far more fulfilling. The experience of God, is one of the most phenomenal books I've read regarding the concept of God. It describes God in such a way that His very nature and conceptual basis becomes an argument for His existence. Must read!
Whilst I have not read this myself, I have heard that this is a very good book regarding the existence of God. It is slightly harder than the former ones however will definitely help. I also recommend watching any lectures by Richard Swineburn in order to understand it better.
We now enter a more difficult terrain. I would recommend both William Lane Craig's books on the Kalam Cosmological argument and its history. Also look at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophies entry on cosmological arguments, in particular, kalam.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cosmological-argument/
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cosmological-argument/
If you find yourself successfuly completing these I would recommend two books together that will (1) help you understand the limits of science and (2) the teleological arguments and the relationship between physics and God. These are "The Physics of Theism" and "Scientism".
The next book is what I would consider the ultimate book on arguments for God's existence. This is "The Blackwell companion for Natural Theology. It is the most exhausting text on various arguments for God's existence. Everyone should have a copy of this in their libraries!
The next three books are more recent editions to the debate. These involve a revision of both the Kalam cosmological argument, and the leibnizian cosmological argument. Some of these require an understanding of logic so I'll recommend an introduction for that to!
The last book I'm going to recommend is a new approach to the Ontological argument. I personally have not read this because it requires a good understanding of logic. However those who have done so may process to read this for their benefit.
I would now like to focus our intentions on proving Islam is true and hence that the Quran is from God. Before doing so I believe it's important to first quash the "scientific miracles in the Quran argument". I have written an article about this here: https://traversingtradition.com/2018/04/09/deconstructing-the-scientific-miracles-in-the-quran-argument/
What I will recommend next is not reading but two podcasts/Audios. These both go about proving that Islam is true.
Mohamed Ghilan's commentary on the "creed of deliverance" and "Why is Islam true" by Hamza Karamali.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-islam-is-true-with-shaykh-hamza-karamali/id1213037547
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEzNqC6gh-Fn7gU9pr8Hgy7WeFm9iI6K
Mohamed Ghilan's commentary on the "creed of deliverance" and "Why is Islam true" by Hamza Karamali.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-islam-is-true-with-shaykh-hamza-karamali/id1213037547
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPEzNqC6gh-Fn7gU9pr8Hgy7WeFm9iI6K
Although I've recommended this book now, I would also say those looking to quickly digest the information and get a summary of all of the above will find it in this comprehensive and wonderful book by brother @HATzortzis. It has arguments for God and the truth of Islam. Must read
Something vital to the truth of Islam is the concept of prophethood. I would like to recommend brother @MohamedGhilan article on the rationality of prophethood and @yaqeeninstitute phenomenal series on the proofs of prophethood.
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/series/proofs-of-prophethood/#.XSJVIjfTUwA
https://www.google.com/amp/s/mohamedghilan.com/2012/03/17/the-irrationality-of-rejecting-prophets/amp/
https://yaqeeninstitute.org/series/proofs-of-prophethood/#.XSJVIjfTUwA
https://www.google.com/amp/s/mohamedghilan.com/2012/03/17/the-irrationality-of-rejecting-prophets/amp/
Next I highly recommend this book. It will give you a comprehensive overview of the Muslim creed and what we believe in. It really will set some foundational framework for thinking about the religions key points.
Islam between east and west is one of the most phenomenal books I've read. It gives a more philosophical approach to the nature of Islam. Islam and the destiny of man is also a fantastic addition along those lines. Finally, Imam Ghazalis deliverance from error is a must read!
Whilst the following two books are from the ashari creed, they still provide a good conceptual framework that explain the God of Islam and the rationality of prophethood. I highly recommend both these books.
Now to turn our attention to the second most important thing we need to learn to become inspired that Islam is the truth: the life of the messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SAW). Below are some links to series and recommended books.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC89682017B43845D
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavINEeRPeCu3o4SJLFTOhyRXZ6CSeXd1
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC89682017B43845D
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavINEeRPeCu3o4SJLFTOhyRXZ6CSeXd1