The author says in the introduction of the second edition, “The overall purpose of this book is to acquaint the reader with the historical factors behind the formulation of Islamic law (Fiqh), in order that he or she may better understand how and why the various schools of Islamic law (Madh-habs) came about. It is hoped that this understanding will in turn, provide a basis for overcoming the petty differences and divisions which occur when present-day followers of different schools of people without definite schools try to work together. Thus, another aim of this book is to provide a theoretical framework for the reunification of the Madhhabs and an ideological basis for Islamic community work free from the divisive effects of Madh-hab factionalism.” The book consists of six chapters: foundation, establishment, building, flowing, consolidation, and stagnation and decline.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
This book talks about some situations from the biography of our Prophet Muhammad such as: his life in Makkah, calling people to Islam, persecution for the early converts, emmigration to Abyssinia then Madina, Islamic country in Madina, conquest of Makkah, the farewell pilgrimage and his death. It also mentions his physical description and manner. In addition, it mentions what the prophet said about the environment, treatment of animals and relationships with non-Muslims. It also sheds light on his appreciation of woment and his love for children. On the other hand it takls about what non-Muslim scholars have said about Prophet Muhammad such as: Alphonse de Lamartine, Sir George Bernard Shaw, Michael Hart, Mahatma Gandhi, Thomas Carlyle, Edward Gibbon, Simon Ocklay, Annie Besant, W. Montgomery Watt, Bosworth Smith, Wolfgang Goethe, Lane-Poole, W.C. Taylor, Dr. Gustav Weil, Washington Irving, Arthur Glyn Leonard and Jules Masserman.
Reveiwers: Abu Adham Osama Omara
Publisher: http://www.mercyprophet.org
An summarised text detailing the rules governing the Criticism of Hadeeth. From its introduction -'A hadith (pl. ahadith) is composed of two parts: the matn (text) and the isnad (chain of reporters). A text may seem to be logical and reasonable but it needs an authentic isnad with reliable reporters to be acceptable; 'Abdullah b. al-Mubarak (d. 181 AH) is reported to have said, "The isnad is part of the religion: had it not been for the isnad, whoever wished to would have said whatever he liked." During the lifetime of the Prophet (SAS) and after his death, his Companions (Sahabah) used to refer to him when quoting his sayings. The Successors (Tabi'un) followed suit; some of them used to quote the Prophet (SAS) through the Companions while others would omit the intermediate authority - such a hadith was known as mursal (loose). It was found that the missing link between the Successor and the Prophet (SAS) might be one person, i.e. a Companion, or two persons, the extra person being an older Successor who heard the hadith from the Companion.'
Author: Mahmood Al-Tahaan
The Nine Conditions of the Testimony of Faith.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Publisher: Al-Basheer Magazine
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1371
Believing in the hereafter and the reward and punishment in it is one of the fundamentals of Islam. Allah made signs before it indicating its approach. The prophet made the matter of the hereafter great, whenever he mentioned it his voice became louder and he got angery. Due to the prophet's repetition of the Hour the companions feared that it might have taken place during their life.
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: Cooperative Office for Propagation, Guidance, and Warning of Expatriates in the city of AlQaseem - A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws
In this work, the world- renowned scholar of comparative fiqh, Dr. Saalih al-Sadlaan of Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University discusses the most important issues of fiqh. In this work, the author has done an excellent job of concisely mentioning the most important aspects of the different fiqh topics he discussed. Furthermore, he has discussed many issues that are not greatly discussed in the English literature, such as the rules concerning bequests and endowments. Hence, this work was chosen to be translated as a welcomed addition to the available English literature.
Author: Saleh Bin Ganim Al-Sadlan
Translators: Jamaal Zarabozo