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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Translated from the original Arabic into English, provides a vivid insight into the moral conduct of the early Muslims in a society led by the perfect character of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ('I was only sent to perfect good character'). The Prophet's Companions represent excellent examples of men of vigorous moral stature whose conduct inspired and attracted the masses to the fold of Islam wherever they went during the expansion of the Muslim territories, and contrary to the stereotypic portrayal, in the West, of Islam as being spread by the sword.
Author: Muhammad ibn Ismaeel al-Bukhari
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/291069
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Take your Belief from the Quran and Sunnah: a booklet containing important questions of religious beliefs, the writer replied it was seeded with evidence from the Quran and Sunnah; to reassure the reader to answer correctly; because the doctrine of unification (Tawheed) is the basis of His Excellency rights in this world and the Hereafter.
Author: Muhammad Jameel Zeeno
Publisher: http://www.saaid.net - Saaid Al Fawaed Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/162054
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Rulings on Zakaat al-Fitr.
Author: Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
Publisher: http://www.islamqa.com - Islam : Question & Answer Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1339
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This treatise was prepared by the Agency of Islamic Enlightenment in Hajj. Includes a discussion about those things which nullify a person's Islam as well as common errors made by the commonfolk.
Author: Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Othaimeen
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1377
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