The prescribed book for the course is Subulus-Salaam by the 17th century Yemenite scholar Muhammad ibn Ismaa‘eel as-San‘aanee which is a commentary on Buloogh al-Maraam written by Haafiz Ibn Hajar al- ‘Asqalaanee. In Buloogh the author gathered the majority of the hadeeths which are commonly used as the basic evidences for the Islamic legal system. The course material is comprised of the Chapter on Fasting (Kitaab as-Siyaam) from Subulus-Salaam.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
This booklet reminds the reader that worldly difficulties are a trial for the believers, while not disregarding the fact that more often afflictions result from one’s sins and disobedience to Allah. It also teaches how appropriate behavior and correct attitude can change an adversity into a worthwhile opportunity to achieve Allah’s Pleasure through Sabr, Shukr, Ihtisaab and Istirja, whereas impatience, panic and complaining can worsen one’s state of affairs. It also explains the futility of invoking the Prophets and the dead to remove hardships, and encourages calling upon Allah Alone to ease one’s affairs.
Author: Shuwana Abdul-Azeez
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: A website Quran and Sunnah : http://www.qsep.com
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
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
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
In Islam there are five basic duties which Muslims must perform. They are known as the five pillars of Islam (Arkanul Islam). These are: Shahadah, the establishment of prayer (Salah), the payment of Zakah (paying the poor due), the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah and Sawm Ramadan (fasting the month of Ramadan).
Author: Humood Bin Muhammad Al-Lahem
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Translators: Mahmoud Reda Morad Abu Romaisah
Publisher: Cooperative Office for Propagation, Guidance, and Warning of Expatriates in the city of Albatha - A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws