Almost everyone on the earth today is discussing Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. People want to know, “Who was he exactly?” “What did he teach?” “Why was he loved so much by some and hated so much by others?” “Did he live up to his claims?” “Was he a holy man? “Was he a prophet of God?” “What is the truth about this man – Muhammad?” How can we discover the truth and be totally honest in our judgment? We will begin with the very simple historical evidences, facts as narrated by thousands of people, many of whom knew him personally. The following is based on books, manuscripts, texts and actual eyewitness accounts, too numerous list herein, yet all have been preserved in original form throughout the centuries by both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
The story of one of the Companions search for the truth.
Author: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1225
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
Explaining the Fundamentals of Faith: discusses the fundamentals of faith, by outlining and detailing the objectives of the Islamic 'Aqeedah. Numerous references are made to the Qur'an and authentic Ahadith, for establishing the sincere intention and worship to Allaah, liberating the mind and thought from the irrational and chaotic losses, establishing peace of mind and sound thinking, safeguarding the intentions, learning to establish a strong Ummah (community), achieving happiness in this life and the hereafter, and more.
Author: Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Othaimeen
Reveiwers: Jamaal Zarabozo - Ahmad Bolter - Ahmad Bolter
Translators: Abu Salman Diya ud-Deen Eberle
Publisher: Islamic Propagation Office in Rabwah
Hajj & Umrah from A to Z: a careful scientific approach that gradually guides pilgrims to perform the Hajj rituals very easily and smoothly. The design was developed through an educational perspective that handles all critical issues of Hajj rituals from a learners’ viewpoint, an approach that is always needed when high standards of accuracy are required.
Author: Mamdooh Muhammad
Publisher: Dar Ashbelia
A nice discussion of some important points needed by those callling to Islam
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1243