Ramadan is known as the month of the Qur’an. It is the time when Muslims around the world increase their recitation, reflection, and connection with the Book of Allah. While the Qur’an remains the central focus of this blessed month, many people wonder: What else should I read in Ramadan to deepen my spiritual growth?
The answer lies in choosing readings that strengthen understanding, refine character, and increase closeness to Allah — without distracting from the Qur’an itself.
Here are meaningful categories of books that can complement your Ramadan journey.
1. Tafsir: Understanding What You Recite
Reciting the Qur’an is rewarding, but understanding it transforms the heart.
Reading tafsir (exegesis) alongside your daily recitation allows you to grasp the meanings, context, and lessons of the verses. Even reviewing the explanation of a few verses each day can deepen reflection during prayer and dua.
Classical works such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir provide detailed explanations rooted in authentic scholarship. For readers seeking accessible language, The Clear Quran offers clarity and smooth readability.
Ramadan becomes far more powerful when the Qur’an is not only recited but understood.
2. Seerah: The Life of the Prophet ﷺ
Ramadan is an ideal time to reconnect with the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His character, patience, generosity, and devotion were especially evident during this month.
Reading Seerah strengthens love for the Prophet ﷺ and provides practical guidance for implementing Islam in daily life.
One widely respected biography is The Sealed Nectar, which presents his life in a structured and engaging format.
When you understand how the Prophet ﷺ fasted, prayed, forgave, and gave charity, your own Ramadan becomes more intentional.
3. Books on Purification of the Heart
Ramadan is not only about external worship; it is about internal reform. It is a month for softening the heart and removing spiritual diseases such as arrogance, jealousy, anger, and attachment to worldly distractions.
Books focused on self-development within an Islamic framework can be transformative during this time.
For example, Purification of the Heart explores common spiritual ailments and practical methods to overcome them.
Reading such works encourages self-reflection — an essential component of a meaningful Ramadan.
4. Hadith Collections
The sayings of the Prophet ﷺ offer concise yet profound guidance. Including a small daily reading from a hadith collection can enhance your understanding of faith, character, and worship.
Collections like Riyad as-Salihin are organized by themes such as sincerity, patience, repentance, and gratitude — all highly relevant during Ramadan.
Even reflecting on one hadith per day can influence your behavior and mindset.
5. Fiqh of Fasting
Understanding the rulings of fasting ensures that your worship is both spiritually and legally sound. Reviewing the essential rulings regarding intention, invalidators of fasting, and voluntary acts helps avoid mistakes and increases confidence in your practice.
This type of reading is especially helpful at the beginning of Ramadan to strengthen clarity and intention.
Creating a Balanced Ramadan Reading Plan
While additional reading is beneficial, balance is essential. The Qur’an should always remain the primary focus. Supplementary reading should enhance — not replace — your engagement with it.
A simple structure might include:
Daily Qur’an recitation
15–20 minutes of complementary reading
Reflection and journaling on key lessons
Quality is more important than quantity. A small amount of consistent, focused reading is more impactful than rushing through multiple books without reflection.
Choosing What Suits You
The best book for you depends on your personal goals:
If you seek deeper understanding of the Qur’an → focus on tafsir.
If you want inspiration and practical examples → read Seerah.
If you aim for inner transformation → choose books on purification.
If you desire concise daily guidance → read hadith collections.
Ramadan is an opportunity for structured growth. Selecting thoughtful reading material can elevate the month from routine fasting to meaningful transformation.
Ramadan is a season of renewal. Let your reading nourish not only your mind, but your heart. When chosen wisely, books read in this month can continue benefiting you long after Ramadan ends.
May your reading bring understanding, your understanding bring action, and your action bring you closer to Allah.