Dearest readers, another Ramadan has come and gone, and Eid is upon us. After this time of deep reflection, charity, and commitment to the pillars of Islam, in celebration some may wish to indulge in the act of reading and sharing books with fellow bibliophiles.
Reading is an enjoyable pastime, and it’s made even more so when you are supporting your fellow Muslims who take on the arduous task of writing a novel. Imagine having the skill and talent to write a book made up of thousands and thousands of words…I can’t even manage a simple paragraph sometimes.
This list is comprised of books already published and more that will be released later this year. Boot up reading trackers, and get to adding all these books to your TBR lists. There are some fun titles ahead!
Moonlight Murder (Detective Aunty Investigates #2) by Uzma Jalaluddin
Kausar Khan returns to dispense more vigil-aunty justice in the second installment of the critically acclaimed Detective Aunty series—and this time, the crime Kausar is investigating is dredging up memories she buried long ago . . . -HarperCollins Canada
Uzma Jalaluddin has a spectacular track record with fun and endearing books that centre Muslim characters living normal to exciting lives. This year, we will be getting a follow-up to her exciting new venture, the Detective Aunty series. Moonlight Murder carries the cozy mystery series with a tale that ties to Kausar Khan’s emotional past with her son. Dive into the gentle whodunnit that once again gives readers interesting characters and a compelling mystery.
Published by: HarperCollins Canada
Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: March 31, 2026
Under the Full and Crescent Moon by Aamir Hussain
In a battle of words and beliefs, a young woman must defend her city against zealotry during the Islamic Golden Age. -Dundurn Press
Aamir Hussain’s Under the Full and Crescent Moon caught my attention at first with its lovely cover. However, as a fan of historical fiction, the Islamic Golden Age setting is really what got me hooked. The historical fantasy explores themes of belief and the power of the written word, all while centring compelling female leads. The novel promises to be an engaging tale about Muslim customs, practices, and Sharia Law – a hot topic amongst those who willfully misunderstand.
Published by: Dundurn Press
Publication date: September 23, 2025
If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga
A dark romance exposing the gaps in American identity politics, especially when exported overseas, If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English is at once ravishing and wry, scathing and tender. Told in alternating perspectives, Noor Naga’s experimental debut examines the ethics of fetishizing the homeland and punishing the beloved . . . and vice versa. -Graywolf Press
There are some books I have come across that make me think, “I will need to mentally prepare for this.” Noor Naga’s If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English is definitely one of them. The synopsis alone packs a punch and promises an experimental novel that follows a complex, layered story about love and identity politics.
Published by: Graywolf Press
Publication date: April 12, 2022
Fledgling: The Keeper’s Records of Revolution by S. K. Ali
The first book in a gripping duology from acclaimed author S.K. Ali introduces a fractured world on the brink of either enlightenment or war. -Penguin Random House Canada
S.K. Ali is prolific writer and is only now dabbling in the sci-fi world with her duology Fledgling: The Keeper’s Records of Revolution (which comes to an end this year with Golden Flight). Fledgling follows an epic story about love and revolution in a future version of Earth. Fans of the novel have praised Ali for her world-building, characters, and rich narrative that speaks to her ability to jump genres effortlessly.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint: Kokila
Publication date: October 8, 2024
The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed by Noreen Mughees
Perfect for fans of Sonali Dev and Uzma Jalaluddin, Noreen Mughees’s immersive debut novel reunites star-crossed childhood sweethearts against all odds, only for their second chance to clash with their parents’ strict beliefs. -Penguin Random House Canada
Nothing makes me smile as hard as a contemporary romance – the sincerity and sweetness is just too much sometimes. Noreen Mughees hits us with the best tropes: star-crossed lovers, childhood sweethearts, and second chance love. Although there is a cheeky reference to Pride & Prejudice, this delight is a modern interpretation of Persuasion, which is an easy way to get onto my bookshelf.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint: Alcove Press
Publication date: October 10, 2023
Dawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal Rana
For fans of The Poppy War, She Who Became the Sun and The Will of the Many, a breathtaking fantasy novel about the daughter of an overthrown emperor from an exciting new voice. -HarperCollins Canda
Firstly, the cover is gorgeous, and it is probably my favourite impulse buy in recent years. The fantasy novel throws readers into a fresh new world with an engaging leader and thrilling story. Fantasy is a genre that can easily be messed up, but when it is done right, a sense of elation hits you hard. Others have said that the intricate writing and character development are the highlights of the book, and what more can one want?!
Published by: HarperCollins Canada
Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date: December 2, 2025
Courting Samira by Amal Awad
Set in Sydney, Australia, Courting Samira is a charming, big-hearted rom-com about a twenty-seven-year-old Palestinian woman who finds herself in an unexpected love triangle—a sparkling ode to meddling best friends, traditional courtship, The Princess Bride, and, of course, the possibility of love. -HarperCollins Canada
An unexpected love triangle in the vein of Bridget Jones’s Diary with a relatable and fun Muslim woman as the lead? Sign me up! Rom-coms are a major comfort genre, and to have interesting and diverse Muslim representation brings me such peace. Shocker, we are fairly normal people, who happen to really like The Princess Bride and Jane Austen as much as Amal Awad.
Published by: HarperCollins Canada
Imprint: HarperVia
Publication date: November 7, 2023
A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal
After the jaw-dropping ending of #1 New York Times-bestseller A Tempest of Tea, Hafsah Faizal crafts a deliciously twisty and seductive sequel that will leave readers breathless until the very last page. A romantic vampire fantasy novel for fans of Immortal Dark and Heartless Hunter. -Macmillan
Hafash Faizal is well-known in the fantasy genre with her Sands of Arawiya series. Recently, she has turned her attention to vampires. A Tempest of Tea was the first entry of the Blood and Tea series and was received with tremendous responses, and her follow-up equally so. If you have an affinity for tea, tales about gangs, and well, vampires, then drop everything to read these two books.
Published by: Macmillan
Imprint: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date: September 23, 2025
A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
A Place for Us is a book for our times: an astonishingly tender-hearted novel of identity and belonging, and a resonant portrait of what it means to be an American family today. It announces Fatima Farheen Mirza as a major new literary talent. -Penguin Random House Canada
Amongst the fantasy and rom-coms recommended in this list, this offering stands out as an emotionally resonant drama that demands one’s attention. Fatima Farheen Mirza’s debut novel was met with resounding responses, many praising her thoughtful, evocative, and insightful story about family, identity, and culture.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint: SJP For Hogarth
Publication date: June 12, 2018
Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad
Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, this gorgeous young adult fantasy follows a girl who discovers she’s spent her life under an enchantment hiding her true identity on her quest into the magical Otherworld to unlock her powers and discover her destiny. -Simon & Schuster Canada
After her stunning work on The Candle and the Flame and The Wild Ones, Nafiza Azad’s Road of the Lost, is an enchanting tale about self-discovery with magic, fairies, and a detailed fantasy world you just don’t want to leave. The story follows a girl who discovers a life is a lie (*GASP*), and sets out on a journey to learn more. The premise promises that readers will be whisked away, and that’s all one needs from a fantasy.
Published by: Simon & Schuster Canada
Imprint: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date: October 17, 2023
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
A wickedly funny and audacious debut novel following an academic who flees from heartbreak and lands in Iraq with a one-of-a-kind job offer—only to be forced to do the work of confronting herself. -Penguin Random House Canada
Nussaibah Younis’ debut novel promises to capture your attention and challenge you with a story that starts off fun and entertaining, then morphs into a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery. Readers have expressed that this novel is stunning, complex, and deeply observational.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint: Tiny Reparations Books
Publication date: February 25, 2025
If I Loved You Less by Aamna Qureshi
I know what you’re thinking: poor little rich girl, she has everything, what else could she possibly need? Well, I’m looking for the great love of my life, thank you very much.
Listen, I can’t resist an adaptation of a Jane Austen story, especially if we are tapping into the Muslim community that perfectly fits the dynamics that Austen wrote about over 200 years ago. I’ve always believed that the customs and culture, though informed by Christianity, is incredibly relatable to the Muslim community. And I love that so many Muslim authors see the potential to showcase different cultures and communities through such loveable stories like Emma.
Published by: One More Chapter:
Publication date: July 18, 2024
Unmarriageable by Sonia Kamal
Alys Binat has sworn never to marry—until an encounter with one Mr. Darsee at a wedding makes her reconsider. -Penguin Random House Canada
Again, Jane Austen seems to be a fun thread that ties so many Muslim authors. Soniah Kamal’s Unmarriageable is another adaptation that will have you smiling and kicking your feet in glee from beginning to end. It is a truth universally known, any adaptation of Pride & Prejudice deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint: Ballantine Books
Publication date: February 4, 2020
The Monsoon War by Bina Shah
The Monsoon War is the story of three courageous women — a Wife, a Fighter and a Commander — and the ambitious gambit they enact in order to free their daughters from the regime’s grasp on their lives. -Delphinium Books
Bina Shah’s feminist dystopia follows a narrative that feels all too real. The story follows an army of women who fight against a country determined to control women’s bodies and reproductive choices. Those enthralled by The Handmaid’s Tale will be pulled in by this story which promises an epic, intricate, and layered story about women standing up for themselves. As far as dystopian books go, this one demands your attention now more than ever with the ever-changing geopolitical landscape for women.
Published by: Delphinium Books
Publication date: May 16, 2023
The Hypebeast by Adnan Khan
Striving to get ahead in a world of scams, Hamid is caught in the fervour surrounding a charismatic social-media imam with questionable intentions. – Dundurn Press
The Hypebeast is a novel that has caught my eye every time I visit my local Canadian book shop, always making a mental note to check it out. Now, after pulling it up on the internet I know that is definitely going to be one of my reads this year. This is a crime fiction featuring a fast-paced narrative that plays like a gritty action-thriller, which features enthralling and dynamic characters.
Published by: Dundurn Press
Imprint Publisher: Rare Machines
Publication date: April 22, 2025
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