Reading list · Qur'an
Understanding the Qur'an: Tafsir and Reflection
From classical tafsir to reflections on single surahs, books that help you understand what you recite.
Mon Nov 09 2026
Many of us recite the Qur'an every day without fully understanding it. Reading a tafsir, or a book of reflections on the Qur'an, changes the way you hear the words in your prayer.
This list includes classical commentaries for those ready to go deep, along with shorter books that explore the themes of the Qur'an or focus on a single surah. Whatever your level, there is a place to start here.
Towards Understanding the Qur'an (Tafhim Al-Qur'an) Volume 13: Surah 13 (Al-Tahrim) to Surah 77 (Al-Mursalat)
by Sayyid Abul A'La Mawdudi
Volume 13 of Towards Understanding the Qur'an, Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi's well-known commentary. Deep insight into the meaning of the Qur'an.
Living with the Qur'an: A Yearlong Journey to Falling in Love with Allah's Words
by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan
A yearlong journey with the Qur'an, with daily reflections to help you fall in love with Allah's words. Warm, practical and encouraging.
Meaning of the Holy Qur'an: Complete Translation with Selected Notes
by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Abdullah Yusuf Ali's classic English translation of the Qur'an with selected notes. One of the most widely read translations in the world.
Tafsir al-Quran: Studying the Quran
by Ibn Kathir
An introduction to studying the Qur'an through the tafsir of Ibn Kathir, one of the most trusted commentaries ever written. A helpful companion for anyone who wants to understand the Qur'an more deeply.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Volume 1
by Ibn Kathir
The first volume of Tafsir Ibn Kathir in English, one of the most widely read explanations of the Qur'an. A treasure for anyone who wants to study the meanings of the Qur'an with the Prophetic hadith that explain them.
Parables of the Qur'an
by Yasir Qadhi
Dr. Yasir Qadhi explains the parables of the Qur'an and the lessons Allah teaches through them. A beautiful way to understand the Qur'an more deeply.
Stories of the Qur'an
by Ibn Kathir
The stories of the Qur'an as told by Ibn Kathir in his famous commentary. A trusted way to learn the stories of the prophets.
The Straight Path: How Surah Al-Fatiha Addresses Modern Ideologies
by Nazir Khan
Nazir Khan shows how Surah al-Fatihah answers the big ideologies of our time. A thoughtful and timely book.
A simple habit: before you read a surah in your own prayer, read what one of these books says about it. You will never hear it the same way again.











































































































































