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
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/291284
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A beautiful book for non-Muslims which takes a look at the criteria used to find the true religion of God.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Reveiwers: Ahmad Bolter - Mueed AbdulSalam Abu Hashim - Abdur-Rahman Murad - Khalid Al-Ahmadi - Mahmood Hasan - Dawood Fateh - Ahmad Bolter
Publisher: Islamic Propagation Office in Rabwah
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/62884
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This Small treatise brings to light many amazing and intricate points of benefit with regard to knowledge and discerning between which of its types are beneficial and non-beneficial. The Prophet praised some forms of knowledge while condemning others, at times he would ask Allah to grant him beneficial knowledge while at other times he would seek refuge in Him from non-beneficial knowledge.
Author: Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Translators: Mahmoud Reda Morad Abu Romaisah
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339191
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This is a gift for all the new Muslims who currently know the right path to Allah. This is a means to strength and preserve their belief. In this book Sheikh Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo shows the fruits of becoming a Muslim, the excellent features of Islam and all aspects of Islam. Sheikh Jamaal illustrates the pillars of faith on which one’s belief is based and the pillars of Islam which contain the best practical deeds (e.g. prayer) and the best deeds of the heart i.e. the monotheism. As Islam is a social religion, Sheikh explains the Muslim’s behavior towards all individuals in the society, old or young, whether they embrace Islam or not. Afterwards he puts up some notice about both of the permissible and prohibited financial dealings. He also mentions the factors which increase the one’s belief and help the Muslim to abide by Allah’s commands. He refers to the obstacles (e.g. lust, misconception and ignorance) in the path of the Muslims prevent him from continuing his way to Allah. He also shows the prerequisites of the sincere repentance which is between the person and his God without a mediator. Finally, he gives a word for the new Muslim.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/193813
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Undoubtedly, the heart leans towards those who are kind and gentle. It was said a long time ago: "Make your face happy and your words gentle, and you will be more beloved to the people than those who give them a gift". The one calling to the religion of Islam and dealing with other people has the utmost need to gather the people around him, and cause their hearts to lean towards him so that they will listen to him. Adorning himself with kindness and gentleness helps to achieve that goal with the grace of Allah.
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/289146
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Allah is above the seven heavens far from His creation but with them wherever they are cognizant of them, their deeds and hearts. This is explained through given evidences from Quran and sunnah. Allah rose above the throne which contradicts the void creed of the Ash'arites and those agree with them that Allah is everywhere by His self.
Author: Munqith ibn Mahmood As-Saqqar
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/320527
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