Muhammad Salih al-Jabri

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Decade's Night

    Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous decade, this novel delves into the lives of individuals grappling with personal and political upheaval. Through a series of interconnected stories, the characters navigate love, loss, and resilience, reflecting the broader societal changes around them. The narrative weaves together their struggles and triumphs, painting a vivid picture of a community in flux and the enduring human spirit that binds them.

    The 17125th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. What ʿīsā Ibn Hishām Told Us

    Or, A Period of Time

    Set against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing Egypt, this narrative unfolds through the eyes of its protagonist, who navigates the complexities of a society caught between tradition and modernity. Through a series of vivid anecdotes and encounters, the story captures the essence of cultural transformation, highlighting the tensions and harmonies that arise as old customs meet new influences. The protagonist's journey is both a personal and societal exploration, offering insights into the evolving identity of a nation and its people.

    The 17125th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. What 'Isa Ibn Hisham Told Us

    Set in the late 19th century, this satirical novel offers a vivid portrayal of Egyptian society during a time of significant cultural and political change. Through the eyes of a resurrected historical figure, the narrative explores the complexities and contradictions of modernity as it clashes with traditional values. The protagonist's journey through Cairo's bustling streets provides a humorous yet insightful commentary on the social dynamics, highlighting the absurdities and challenges faced by individuals navigating a rapidly evolving world. With its rich tapestry of characters and keen observations, the story captures the essence of a society caught between the past and the future.

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  4. 4. Fan Of Swords

    Set against the backdrop of a mystical realm where ancient traditions and modern conflicts collide, this tale follows a young warrior's journey of self-discovery and valor. As he navigates a world filled with political intrigue and magical forces, he must confront his own fears and insecurities to fulfill a destiny that could alter the fate of his people. Through trials of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, the protagonist learns the true meaning of courage and honor, ultimately forging a path that challenges the very fabric of his society.

  5. 8. The Nature Of Man And The Psychology Of The Human Soul

    A concise exploration of human nature from a traditional Islamic-psychological perspective, describing the soul’s components (ruḥ, qalb, nafs), innate disposition (fitra), and the inner dynamics that produce moral choice, conflict, and psychological disturbance. It maps stages of spiritual development and purification (tazkiyah), identifies sources of vice and virtue, and offers practical guidance—rooted in religious teaching and ethical analysis—for cultivating self-discipline, remedying inner ailments, and achieving psychological balance and closeness to the Divine.

  6. 9. The Mysticism Of Hamzah Fansuri

    A concise study and translation of the Acehnese mystic’s writings that analyzes his metaphysical doctrine of unity with the Divine, his use of Malay poetic symbolism and Qur’anic exegesis to express ecstatic union, and his historical impact and controversies in seventeenth‑century Southeast Asia; the work situates his thought within classical Sufi traditions and local Islamic culture, clarifying key poems and treatises and the debates they provoked over perceived pantheism and orthodoxy.

  7. 11. Prolegomena To The Metaphysics Of Islam

    A concise, systematic introduction to the metaphysical foundations of Islam that examines how the central doctrine of divine unity (tawhid) shapes notions of existence, causality, prophecy, and human knowledge; it surveys and seeks to reconcile insights from kalam, falsafa, and Sufism, argues for the compatibility of reason and revelation, and proposes a coherent philosophical framework for understanding Islamic metaphysics in relation to modern intellectual concerns.