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
This is an in-depth resume of the essential rules and laws on the Fiqh of fasting designed to provide the reader with explanation for both spiritual and physical significance and uniqueness of this remarkable act of worship. Sheikh Shu`aib clarifies major point on fasting. His focus is relevance of this divine discipline on to the life and living as well as the interpretation of related text on Fasting based on Al-Qur`an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saas). This book serves as a guide and reference on courses on Islamic studies.
Author: Tajuddin B. Shuaib
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1363
The author said in his introduction: This work comprises a short introduction to the history of the Quran, its recording and its collection. The reader may therefore be puzzled as to why one third of the material in this book tackles the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT), wondering what significance this has on the Quran’s history. This significance shall, I hope, be made clear as the chapters progress, since I have attempted to present only those details which have a direct bearing on the current subject matter.
Author: Muhammad Mustafa A'zami
The Life of Isa (Jesus) -peace be upon him- in Light of Islam: His personality has impacted the three major religions of this world, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Given the importance of his time on earth, it is critical for mankind to fully understand his pivotal role in shaping history as well as the final days.
Author: Ahmad Musa Jibril
Publisher: http://ahmadjibril.com - Ahmad Jibril Website
An article explains why the Muslims abide by the prohibition of usury while the Jewish and Christian secularists are calling to to affirm it. A glimpse at some texts from the Quran and the Sunnah which severely warn against the taking of interest. Interest and Usury in the Bible (Judaism and Christianity) and according to early thinkers. An article explains how something so despised such as interest could be justified and even institutionalized as a standard. The various ways in which thinkers in the past have tried to conjure explanations for the existence of interest. The various ways in which interest has harmed society. The devastating ills of interest on an international level. An Islamic solution to the interest model, and how economy can still thrive without interest.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Publisher: A website Islam Religion www.islamreligion.com
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