The legality of music and singing in the Islamic shari'ah (the divinely-revealed law) is an issue which is hotly debated among individuals and scholars in Islamic societies of our present day. Arriving at the correct view requires unbiased, scholarly research of the available literature which must be supported by authentic, decisive proof. A considerable amount has been said and written both for and against this subject, and the proliferation of doubt and confusion necessitates another more critical, meticulous analysis and assessment of this whole matter, in order for one to come to a clear, decisive conclusion which leaves not the least bit of doubt in the mind of the reader.
Author: Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kandi
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339176
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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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Dr. Saleh As-Saleh shows in his introduction to this book that Allah could not have created this universe without a purpose. He is All-Wise, All- Knowledgeable, All-Merciful and All-Just. All of these attributes entail providing ways of guidance that would lead to the proper knowledge of Him, and thus the right way to worship Him. Allah sent his messengers to direct man to relate to His Creator through complete submission and obedience (this is the meaning of Islam). He needs to know what benefits him and what harms him. The Message from Allah comprehends everything. It brings man to live for a noble purpose. All forms of worship are explained in the Qur'an and by the Prophet. Worship is not left for our limited minds to decide upon their ways.
Author: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
Publisher: http://understand-islam.net - Understand Islam Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/344782
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Praying 'Eid in the Musallaa is the Sunnah: there is great and profound wisdom behind this Sunnah – the Sunnah of praying in an open area of land. And it is that: The Muslims will have two days of the year where all the people of every city can gather together – whether men, women or children - and turn towards Allaah with their hearts in unity, praying behind one Imaam, making the Takbeer, the Tahleel and supplicating to Allaah sincerely together, as if they were united upon the heart of one man, happy and joyous about the blessing Allaah has bestowed on them. So the Eid will truly be an occasion of celebration for them.
Author: Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
Translators: Abu Maryam Ismaeel Alarcon
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/54235
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All in all, this book should provide a good overview towards understanding the many misguided views that emanate from varied groups influenced by the Mu'tazilah.
Author: Sajid Abdul Qayyum
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: A website Quran and Sunnah : http://www.qsep.com
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/371002
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This book, The Religion of Truth, treats these basic and great subjects. We should know that the only way for our salvation in this life and in the hereafter is to know, for sure, our Lord who created us, believe in Him, and worship Him Alone. We should also know our prophet whom Allah had sent to us and to mankind, believe in Him and follow him. We should know the Religion of Truth which our Lord has commanded us to believe in and practice it.
Author: Abdurrahman bin Hammad Alomar
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/207075
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