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
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/291542
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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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Allah has sent the Messenger (S) with guidance and the Religion of Truth. Strict adherence to the guidance of His Prophet (S) is required from the followers of Islam. The scholars of the Islamic community have attached great importance to it and produced texts regarding the Acts of Worship, Dealings and Habits in the light of the Divine guidance. This book is one of the most famous works written on this subject. This book is one of the important resources of knowledge for those who seek to know the Seerah of their Prophet (PBUH) as well as, the Fiqh learned from it. This is a book that is unique in that it explains the Sunnah through the Seerah and the Seerah through the Sunnah.
Author: Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339189
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The Importance of the issue of ijtihad, who has the right to make it, and caution of speaking about the religion without knowledge
Author: Salman Bin Fahad al-Awdah
Publisher: http://www.islamtoday.net - Islam Today Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1403
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A nice discussion of some important points needed by those callling to Islam
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1243
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Children are the fruits of the marital relationship and a pleasure in this life. In fact, parents must train their children so that they become solace of their eyes in this life and hereafter.
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/358850
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