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
Download:
Introduction to history of polytheism and monotheism: Allah (glory be to him) created all people as Muslims and monotheists but devils came to them and changed and distorted their religion. Allah said in a qudsi hadith, “I created all my slaves as haneefs (monotheists), but the devils came to them, made them deviate from their religion, forbade them that which I had permitted to them, and commanded them to join partners with me for which I has given no authority.” As soon as people commit a type of polytheism, Allah sends his prophets to call them to the suitable type of monotheism.
Author: Ameen Al-Ansaari
Publisher: A website Knowing Allah : http://knowingallah.com
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/370996
Download:
Each person is born in a religious environment that is not of his/her own choice. From the very beginning of human existence in this world, they are assigned the religion of their family or the ideology of the state. By the time individuals reach their teens they usually accept the beliefs of their parents or that of their particular society. However, when some people mature and are exposed to other beliefs and ideologies, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs, and search for the truth.
Author: Majed S. Al-Rassi - Majid Bin Sulaiman Al-Russi
Reveiwers: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/51735
Download:
This nice article discusses a very nice topic. It discusses the meaning of Allah's name: An-Nur (the Light). No doubt lots of Muslims did not read about its meaning due to its being obvious but we should take much care of knowing any aspect of Islam even if we think it is very clear. Dr. Saleh As-Saleh explains its meaning through explaining the verse in which it is mentioned in Surat An-Nur.
Author: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
Publisher: http://understand-islam.net - Understand Islam Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/344786
Download:
Ibn Taymiyyah said: "This (enjoining good and forbidding evil) is a duty that the entire Ummah is obliged to fulfil. It is what the Ulama know as an obligation of collective responsibility, if a group in society undertook to discharge it, the other members of this society are absolved from it. The entire Ummah is commissioned to undertake it, but if a group therein was responsible for discharging it, the rest of society is no longer obliged to undertake it."
Author: Sheikh-ul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Translators: Salim Abdullah Marjan
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339184
Download:
The treatise by Imam ibn Hanbal, the Imam of the Hanbali school of juristic reasoning, renowned for his steep knowledge, was written several hundred years ago to the inhabitants of a town where the Imam stayed for a period of time. It contains a full and clear description of the prayer and includes detailed observations of the mistakes, which Imam Ahmad observed during his time in that town. It was and remains an invaluable work for all Muslims. Detailing as it does many common errors made during prayers, some of which are serious enough to invalidate the act of worship.
Author: Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/321977
Download: