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
A short but influential admonition regarding death.
Publisher: Daar Al-Watan
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1323
The Congregational Prayer is one of the most important outward manifestations of Islam. Prayer is of extreme importance to the well-being of a persons religion. But prayer in Islam is more than just an individual spiritual experience. It is mean to be performed in a congregation - the foundation of a Muslim society as a whole.
Author: Saleh Bin Ganim Al-Sadlan
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
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
Most people agree to the fact that Allah’s (God’s) Word cannot be contradictory. What He spoke about Himself must be true. He made Himself known as The Creator, The One, The Originator, and The Provider. He is the First, nothing is before Him; The Last, nothing is after Him; The Most High, nothing is above Him; The Most Near, nothing is beyond His reach, and He encompasses everything while He is above heavens, distinct and separate from His creatures. Great in His Majesty and Honor, Most Merciful, Severe in Punishment, All-Knower, Most Compassionate, All-Wise, and All-Just; Most Perfect in all of His Names and Attributes. He does not beget, nor is He begotten. There is no equal to Him, and there is nothing like unto him, and thus He alone deserves to be worshipped. In essence, the religion as revealed1 to nations before us and to mankind up to the Day of Resurrection, calls for the worship of none but God (Allah).
Author: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
A very useful article shows the pure Islamic belief of monotheism. It briefly mentions that Allah alone is worthy of worship, He is worshipped directly and Allah is not like his creation nor his creation is like him.
Author: Abdur-Rahman Demashqeyyah
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: An Islamic centre of Qatar www.fanar.gov.qa