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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The Islamic definition of Bid’ah: Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is anything that has no basis in the Qur’aan, Sunnah or sayings of any of the companions.” Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship that did not exist (at the time of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions) then later it was innovated.” Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship which has no basis in the Sharee’ah which would warrant its legislation.”
Author: Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339173
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The prescribed book for the course is Subulus-Salaam by the 17th century Yemenite scholar Muhammad ibn Ismaa‘eel as-San‘aanee which is a commentary on Buloogh al-Maraam written by Haafiz Ibn Hajar al- ‘Asqalaanee. In Buloogh the author gathered the majority of the hadeeths which are commonly used as the basic evidences for the Islamic legal system. The course material is comprised of the Chapter on Fasting (Kitaab as-Siyaam) from Subulus-Salaam.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/320530
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To approach the stories of kings and potentates, as well as the movements and vicissitudes of tribes, nations, and masses from a proper historical perspective seems to be an unattainable objective. Something is needed more than human intelligence, empirical method, and rigid scientific criteria: and the only possible source for undefiled knowledge is through religious revelations. The History of Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is an attempt in this regard. It gives a short account of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) based on the Qur’an and authentic and reliable sources in a simple and easy language.
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/321937
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This book list the virtues of a critical aspect of this protection: the HIJAB. The characteristics of the Hijab are discussed, bringing the glad tidings promised (by Allah) to those women adhering to it. It also points out the danger of dazzling displays of ornaments and beauty as well as the terrible repercussions in this life and in the hereafter for those who practice Tabar'roj.
Author: Muhammad Bin Ahmad Bin Ismail AL-Mokadam
Translators: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/51783
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By The Imam, the Hafidh Abu Hafs 'Umar bin 'Ali al-Bazzar. Translated By Abu Sabaayaa. “If I had to swear standing between the corner of the Ka'bah and the spot of Ibrahim, I would swear that I have not laid my two eyes on anyone like him, nor has he seen anyone as knowledgeable as himself.” - al-Hafidh adh-Dhahabi
Author: Omer Bin Ali Al-Bazzar
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/229345
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