Five books to shape a life

Five Books to Shape a Life of Faith, Excellence, and Moral Integrity

By Faraz Parvez

Professor Dr. (Retired) Arshad Afzal

Retired Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA

(Pseudonym of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)

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Over my 35+ years of teaching, I have had the privilege of shaping the minds of students across different institutions, cultures, and backgrounds. From my early years at Government College of Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan International School and College, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and UQU, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to my tenure at MJCCS until its closure, I have seen generations of students grow, excel, and carve their own paths in professional and personal life. Some of my former students are now approaching retirement age, while others—like the graduates of MJCCS—are just stepping into their professional journeys.

From Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Jordan to Palestine, Sudan to Morocco, and Tunisia, my students hail from diverse regions, each carrying their own aspirations and challenges. Whether they are beginning their careers or leading institutions, the pursuit of becoming a better Muslim, a responsible professional, and a person of high moral standing remains universal.

So, as a teacher who still sees his students as lifelong learners, I recommend these five masterpieces to help you navigate life with wisdom, discipline, and faith. This weekend, take some time to explore these books—not just as texts, but as mentors in print, guiding you towards excellence.

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1. "The Ideal Muslim: The True Islamic Personality as Defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah" – Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi

A must-read for anyone seeking to embody the principles of Islam in daily life. This book presents the characteristics of a true Muslim, covering personal conduct, social responsibilities, and spiritual growth. If you have ever wondered what a model Muslim looks like in the modern world, this book will give you a well-structured blueprint.

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2. "The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity" – Mohammed Faris

One of the biggest challenges for any professional is balancing faith, productivity, and daily responsibilities. This book does a brilliant job of integrating Islamic principles with modern self-improvement strategies. Whether you are starting your career or leading an organization, this book will help you manage your time, set goals, and stay spiritually fulfilled while being highly effective.

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3. "Reclaim Your Heart: Personal Insights on Breaking Free from Life’s Shackles" – Yasmin Mogahed

Life often feels like a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows. This book is a powerful guide on detachment, resilience, and finding peace amidst life’s struggles. Yasmin Mogahed offers a unique perspective on dealing with hardships, loss, and emotional turmoil while staying rooted in faith. A perfect book for anyone facing personal or professional challenges.

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4. "Becoming Good: Building Moral Character" – David W. Gill

Success isn’t just about knowledge and skills—it’s about character. This book, though written from a Christian perspective, has universal moral lessons that can help anyone develop integrity, kindness, and courage. It explores how good character leads to professional success and a meaningful life, making it a vital read for professionals and students alike.

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5. "The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories" – Edited by William J. Bennett

Some lessons are best learned through stories. This book is an incredible collection of moral tales, poems, and essays that highlight virtues such as responsibility, perseverance, and integrity. Whether you are a student, teacher, or working professional, these timeless stories will inspire and guide you towards becoming a person of high moral standing.

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Final Thoughts: A Teacher’s Message to His Students

Dear students, no matter where you are in life—starting out, leading a company, or approaching retirement—learning never stops. I have taught thousands of students from different countries and cultures, and my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing them grow into responsible, ethical, and successful individuals.

These books are not just for casual reading; they are companions for life. They will help you become a better Muslim, a productive professional, and a person of unwavering integrity. Read them with an open heart and a curious mind, and they will shape your journey in ways you never imagined.

So, take this weekend to invest in yourself. Read, reflect, and strive to become the best version of yourself.

Your teacher and mentor,

Faraz Parvez

Professor Dr. (Retired) Arshad Afzal

Retired Faculty Member, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA

(Pseudonym of Professor Dr. Arshad Afzal)