Reading List
Zeeshan Ali
YouTuber & Content Creator · Smile2Jannah
Zeeshan Ali is a British content creator known online as Smile2Jannah, the name of his YouTube channel. His videos mix comedy with commentary on Islam and on how Muslims are portrayed in the media, and the channel built a large following through that blend of humour and religious content. Alongside the comedy he has posted about the books that shaped him, from motivational and self-help titles to works on politics, science, and religion, framing reading as central to how he thinks and speaks.
1001 Inventions
The enduring legacy of Muslim civilization
by Salim Al-Hassani · 2012 · History
“This book, 1001 Inventions, Muslim Heritage in Our World, goes through the Muslim contributions in absolutely every single field you could possibly imagine.” — via Video, July 2017
How to Think Like Sherlock
Improve your powers of observation, memory and deduction
by Daniel Smith · 2012 · Self-Help
“I was quite impressed by that guy, and when I saw this I have to get this, How to Think Like Sherlock.” — via Video, July 2017
Secrets and Lies
The hidden truth behind history's most notorious conspiracies
by David Southwell · 2005 · Reference
“This book, Secrets and Lies by David Southwell. Everything in this book is not conspiracy based, and there's some really wacky stuff in here.” — via Video, July 2017
Logically Fallacious
The ultimate collection of over 300 logical fallacies
by Bo Bennett · 2012 · Reference
“I use this book called Logically Fallacious, the ultimate collection of over 300 logical fallacies.” — via Video, July 2017
Revolution
by Russell Brand · 2014 · Politics
“His book Revolution was very important to me. He uses swear words and sexual innuendo, so just be cautious if you are to get this book.” — via Video, July 2017
Secrets of Mental Math
The mathemagician's guide to lightning calculation
by Arthur Benjamin · 2006 · Mathematics
“Secrets of Mental Math, this book is filled with techniques to help you solve mathematical problems very quickly. Some of the techniques he gave was amazing.” — via Video, July 2017
The Things That Nobody Knows
51 mysteries of life, the universe and everything
by William Hartston · 2011 · Science
“This book really grabbed my attention, The Things That Nobody Knows, 51 mysteries of life, the universe and everything by William Hartston.” — via Video, July 2017
Fields of Blood
Religion and the history of violence
by Karen Armstrong · 2014 · Religion
“I had to get this book of Karen Armstrong called Fields of Blood. She kind of shed a whole new light on the issue, and I thank her for that.” — via Video, July 2017
The New Rulers of the World
by John Pilger · 2002 · Politics
“John Pilger, a very honest speaking journalist, this book was particularly impressive, The New Rulers of the World. He goes into the Iraq conflict in a lot of detail.” — via Video, July 2017
Dirty Wars
The world is a battlefield
by Jeremy Scahill · 2013 · Politics
“Dirty Wars, I've read a few chapters in this book, found it very interesting. Dirty Wars by Jeremy Scahill.” — via Video, July 2017
Instant Influence and Charisma
by Paul McKenna · 2016 · Self-Help
“Instant Influence and Charisma, three things that would change your destiny. Highly recommend this book.” — via Video, July 2017
I Can Make You Smarter
by Paul McKenna · 2012 · Self-Help
“After I read this I developed a great deal of respect for this guy, so I got his other books. I Can Make You Smarter, highly recommend.” — via Video, July 2017
The Science Delusion
Freeing the spirit of enquiry
by Rupert Sheldrake · 2012 · Science
“The Science Delusion, Rupert Sheldrake. I've recommended this in a previous video, very good book, a bit advanced though.” — via Video, July 2017
The Divine Reality
God, Islam and the mirage of atheism
by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis · 2019 · Religion
“Hamza Tzortzis's book, the Divine Reality, also excellent book.” — via Video, July 2017
Dying to Win
The strategic logic of suicide terrorism
by Robert A. Pape · 2005 · Politics
“The book that everybody quotes is Dying to Win. Highly recommend this book.” — via Video, July 2017
Live Your Dreams
by Les Brown · 1992 · Self-Help
“This book I highly recommend, Les Brown, Live Your Dreams. This guy is an absolute inspiration, anyone who's going through some problems, depression or whatever.” — via Video, July 2017
The Soul of a Butterfly
Reflections on life's journey
by Muhammad Ali, Hana Yasmeen Ali · 2004 · Biography
“I wanted to get a book written by Muhammad himself, Soul of a Butterfly. I would highly recommend this book.” — via Video, July 2017
Everything You Need to Know About Everything You Need to Know About
by Daniel Tatarsky · 2011 · Reference
“Everything You Need to Know About Everything You Need to Know About by Daniel Tatarsky. I read this book cover to cover, very good book.” — via Video, July 2017
God’s Undertaker
Has science buried God?
by John C. Lennox · 2009 · Religion
“John Lennox is a Christian professor of maths in Oxford University, so his take on atheism was very interesting. His book, highly recommend it, one of the best books I've read.” — via Video, July 2017
The Art of Creative Thinking
by Rod Judkins · 2015 · Self-Help
“I took a shot in the dark with this book and by Allah I did not regret it. This has to be definitely one of the best books I've read.” — via Video, July 2017
Change Your Life in 7 Days
by Paul McKenna · 2004 · Self-Help
“When I was in a dark place this book, Change Your Life in 7 Days, helped me the most. I'd highly recommend this book, it's probably one of the best books I've ever read.” — via Video, July 2017
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
by John Perkins · 2004 · Politics
“One of the few that I had read cover to cover. Amazing book, The Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. Highly recommend it.” — via Video, July 2017
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
by Malcolm X, Alex Haley · 1965 · Biography
“It's after reading the autobiography of Malcolm X that I started investing in books and I started reading.” — via Video, July 2017