Writing a will is a religious obligation on every capable Muslim. It protects against many problems and conflicts that could arise after a person’s death. This obligation is more emphasized in the West: Failing to write a well-founded will may result in the distribution of one’s estate in discord with the Islamic law, and may lead to losses for some of the rightful inheritors.
Author: Muhammad al-Jibaly
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
A nice discussion of some important points needed by those callling to Islam
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1243
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
Qadar is a very sensitive topic. It is the sixth pillar of faith, and many people have gone astray regarding it. Some have denied it altogether while others have gone to such extremes in affirming it that they end up denying human free will.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
The Islamic definition of Bid’ah: Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is anything that has no basis in the Qur’aan, Sunnah or sayings of any of the companions.” Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship that did not exist (at the time of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions) then later it was innovated.” Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship which has no basis in the Sharee’ah which would warrant its legislation.”
Author: Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
The treatise by Imam ibn Hanbal, the Imam of the Hanbali school of juristic reasoning, renowned for his steep knowledge, was written several hundred years ago to the inhabitants of a town where the Imam stayed for a period of time. It contains a full and clear description of the prayer and includes detailed observations of the mistakes, which Imam Ahmad observed during his time in that town. It was and remains an invaluable work for all Muslims. Detailing as it does many common errors made during prayers, some of which are serious enough to invalidate the act of worship.
Author: Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof