Evolution of Fiqh

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

Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/291542

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Lessons on Fasting, Taraweeh & Zakaat

Lessons on Fasting, Taraweeh & zakaat: contains numerous beneficial points. Itis divided up into eight sections, which were designed to serve as lessons on distinct topics commonly talked about during the month of Ramadan.

Author: Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Othaimeen

Translators: Abu Maryam Ismaeel Alarcon

Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/53897

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The Best Provision to the Day of Judgment

A book contains sunnahs (recommended acts) scattered in a lot of books. It’s divided into two main sections. The first is concerned with good deeds that have specified rewards whose benefits are restricted to whoever performs them only. Examples of such good deeds are: praying sunnahs and performing ‘umrah. The second section is devoted to the deeds with unspecified benefits, i.e. the good deeds whose benefits reach others like the family, the neighbor or even the community in large. These benefits are achieved in this life as well as the Last Day. Giving charity and useful knowledge are examples of this group of good deeds.

Author: Hakam Bin Adel Zummo Al-Nuwairy Al-Aqily

Translators: Ayat Fawwaz Ar-Rayyes

Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/249745

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The World of the Jinn and Devils

In the work before you, Dr. Umar Al-Ashqar, a well-known contemporary scholar of Islam, has attempted to tackle two important topics. The first topic is that of the characteristics of the jinn. This is a difficult topic for many reasons. One of them is that the devils are known to be liars. Thus, even when a person does encounter them, he cannot put much trust in what they claim about themselves. Therefore, one must virtually rely only on the statements of the Quran and the authentic hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The second topic is the characteristics and methodology of Satan himself. It is no coincidence that Allah has mentioned Satan, his goals, his plots and his allies throughout the entire Quran. This is because Satan is man’s greatest enemy. The believer must know the key to defending himself from Satan.

Author: Omar Bin Sulaiman Al-Ashqar

Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof

Translators: Jamaal Zarabozo

Publisher: http://www.islambasics.com - Islam Basics Website

Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/286181

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Ash-Shafi’i's Risala: Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence

Imam Shafi on On Legal Knowledge Read Classical – Excerpt Written in the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 204AH/820AD), the founder of one of the four Sunni schools of law. This important work gives the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and its influence continues to the present day. During the early years of the spread of Islam, the exponents of Islamic legal doctrine were faced with the problems raised by ruling and administering a diverse and rapidly growing empire. In Medina and Kufa, as well as other cities of early Muslim rule, schools of law had to be developed, but it took the genius of Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi’i, born in the year 150AH/767AD, to establish the principles by which the various legal doctrines could be synthesised into a coherent system. In the Risala, which laid down the basis for such a synthesis, al-Shafi’i established the overriding authority, next only to the Qur’an, of the Sunnah or example of the Prophet Muhammad as transmitted in the traditions.

Author: Muhammad Bin Idrees Al-Shafaei - Mohammed Bin Idrees Al-Shafai

Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof

Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/344944

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