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
These are three good books for learning Arabic Language for the non-native speakers. But we should pay your attention that they are for who has slightly good knowledge about Arabic and how to pronounce it. We don't claim that you can consider them as an alternative to a teacher but they are good step for who wants to be excellent at Arabic. With these books, there is an Arabic-English glossary confined to the words mentioned in these books, and the author shows in its introduction how to find any word.
An excellent 18 page treatise upon the excellence of Hajj and its rulings. Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah & Silsilah Ahadeeth Ad-Daeefah. Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya
Author: Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
Translators: Abbas Abu Yahya
The testimony of "Laa ilaaha ill-Allah", its meaning, prerequisites, conditions, and fruits.
Author: Saleh Bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan
Publisher: http://www.islammessage.com - Islam Message House Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1223
Imam Shafi on On Legal Knowledge Read Classical – Excerpt Written in the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 204AH/820AD), the founder of one of the four Sunni schools of law. This important work gives the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and its influence continues to the present day. During the early years of the spread of Islam, the exponents of Islamic legal doctrine were faced with the problems raised by ruling and administering a diverse and rapidly growing empire. In Medina and Kufa, as well as other cities of early Muslim rule, schools of law had to be developed, but it took the genius of Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi’i, born in the year 150AH/767AD, to establish the principles by which the various legal doctrines could be synthesised into a coherent system. In the Risala, which laid down the basis for such a synthesis, al-Shafi’i established the overriding authority, next only to the Qur’an, of the Sunnah or example of the Prophet Muhammad as transmitted in the traditions.
Author: Muhammad Bin Idrees Al-Shafaei - Mohammed Bin Idrees Al-Shafai
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
An overview of the rites of Hajj, Umrah, and Ziyaarah in the light of Quran and Sunnah.
Author: Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Othaimeen
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1375