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
This is a summarized book which I hope to be of great benefit to the reader. This book includes the basics of religion and principles of Islamic Monotheism. It shows the Straight Path of the True Religion (Islam). It covers what follows: Iman (Faith), its characteristics and what nullifies or demolishes it. Each statement is supported by clear-cut proofs.
Author: Hafiz Ibn Ahmed Al-Hakami
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Translators: Ali As-Sayed Al-Halawani - Ali As-Sayyed Al-Hulwani
Publisher: http://www.islambasics.com - Islam Basics Website
The Hadith is Proof Itself in Belief & Laws
Author: Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
This is a summarized study according to the texts of the Quran and the Sunnah on ablution (ritual purification with water), and some rulings concerning prayer.
Author: Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al-Marzooq
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: Cooperative Office for Propagation, Guidance, and Warning of Expatriates in the city of Naseem - A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws
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
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