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
This book is a must for every Imam and anyone who expects to give Friday sermons in the English speaking world. The sermons contained in this book are collected from the sermons of Prophet Muhammad (S) himself, his companions and various prominent scholars. The sermons are both educational and heart moving, therefore fulfilling the goal of the Friday sermon. Every Muslim who attends the Friday congregational prayer wants to have his faith increased with inspirational and encouraging exhortations, and at the same time be sure that the information that he is receiving is Islamically correct. Thus, we present this collection of sermons in hopes that it will assist the reader in delivering quality religious speeches, thereby fulfilling the obligation of the Friday sermon in the best manner. May Allah grant us success.
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Upon whom to these characteristics of the awaited prophet apply? Upon Jesus or Muhammad (peace be upon them). This book examines these prophecies in a very logical and scientific method.
Author: Jamal Badawi
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
The first and second articles are an introduction for the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and make comparison between the Quran’s content and the orientalists’ sayings about it. The third explains that in order for a religion to be true, it must be from God in a total sense and not only in its origin then the scholars distort it. The fourth and fifth mention one of the unique qualities of the Quran which is its detailed preservation, a fact which makes it much different than all other religions, confirm that the Quran itself contains proofs for its truth and requires no “leap of faith” in order to believe it, and take a look at the accusation that Muhammad borrowed or stole the Quran from other religions, particularly the Christianity and the Judaism. The sixth and seventh mention the depictions of God and the Prophets in the Quran vs. the Bible and the Talmud and explain the comprehensiveness, completeness, balance and practicality of the legislation of the Quran. The eighth shows the Quran's effect on the generation of the Prophet and the next generations to the extent that it made them leaders of the world to guide people to the straight path. The ninth mentions a unique prophecy which dealt with events completely out of the control of the Prophet or the Arabs that the Byzantine kingdom will defeat the Persian Kingdom within three to nine years. The tenth takes a look at some of the scientific facts mentioned in the Quran which modern scientists, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, affirm as true. Finally, the eleventh shows the linguistic miracle of the Quran and refers that Allah challenged the disbelievers of Makkah to compile a book like the Quran but they failed. The challenge got into very simple standard i.e. to compile a Surah (Chapter) looks like any of its Surahs but they also failed.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Publisher: A website Islam Religion www.islamreligion.com
A brief but nice booklet discussing Zakaah, those items and amounts upon which it is due, and where it is to be spent. Includes a few important fataawa related to Zakaah
Author: Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1269
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