Book Reviews
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Al Fiqh Al Akbar
Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is one of the surviving works of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA), who was a Great scholar in jurisprudence as well as theology. It is one of the earliest texts written on Islamic creed and Studied for centuries in the Muslim world.
Al-Fiqh al-Akbar not only improves one’s understanding of ‘aqida and deepens one’s appreciation of his or her beliefs, but it endeavours to address questions, which, if left unanswered, could leave insidious doubt and cause communal division. Such questions include: Where is Allah? Does Allah evolve? What constitutes true Islamic belief? Are prophets capable of sinning? Is there creation beyond what we see? What comes after death?
It refines one’s understanding of the Creator, the messengers and divine communication, and enables one to gain much-needed insight into the realities of this life and the events of the hereafter.
Kitab Al Athar
The Kitab al-Athar of Imam Abu Hanifah in the narration of Imam Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani is a compilation of Ahadith that connect directly back to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam (marfu’), those which stop short at a Companion or one of the Followers (mawquf) and those which are attributed to the Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam directly by one of the Followers or Followers of the Followers without attribution to a Companion (mursal).
Imam Muhammad, himself a mujtahid, narrated each tradition from Imam Abu Hanifah and then followed each with some explanatory material.
Nur Al Idah
Nur al-Idah is a Hanafi text which includes vast areas of jurisprudence, namely, the rulings pertaining to worship. It leaves the student or general reader well prepared to deal with the majority of matters ranging from purification, prayer, funerals, zakat to hajj. It reveals in a small way as to why the Hanafi Madhhab is held in such high esteem from scholars all over the world. It is practical, sensible and can be used as a reference book. This book is based on the teachings of Abu Hanifa and his students, namely Imam Muhammad, Abu Yusuf and Zufar; and will provide the reader with a brief look as to why the Hanafi Madhhab is the most widely embraced in the world today.
Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said, If in any matter there is agreement between three people, then one pays no attention to the verdict of anyone who disagrees with them. Someone asked him, who are they? He answered, Abu Hanifa, Abu Yusuf and Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan.
The 4 Imams Abu Zahra
Muhammad Abu Zahra
This book is a compilation of four books which deal with the lives and works of the four imams who founded the four great schools of thought of Islamic fiqh. The book was originally written in Arabic by the great Egyptian scholar and theologian Muhammad Abu Zahra.
In this book, there is a comprehensive, in depth analysis of the four Sunni madhabs and their founders, giving details of their biography and the methods they used in reaching their legal conclusions. This is particularly important in the world today when many thousands of Muslims find themselves in a situation where there is not enough knowledge and therefore, no traditional allegiance to a particular madhab. As a result of this ignorance, there is also a great deal of futile disagreements amongst the Muslims. This work therefore has been long overdue in the English language and will be a milestone in bridging the gap amongst the Muslims and uniting them. It makes a stimulating and enriching read for all who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Islam.
TAFSIR AL JALALAYN ENGLISH
Tafsir al-Jalalayn, meaning ‘The Commentary of the Two Jalals’ is named after its two authors: Jalalu’d-Din al-Mahalli (1389-1459), who wrote half of it, and his student, Jalalu’d-Din as-Suyuti (1445-1505), one of the greatest Muslim scholars of all, who completed it after al-Mahalli’s death. For half a millennium Tafsir al-Jalalayn has been considered the essential first step in the study of the meanings of the Qur’an by teachers and students throughout the Islamic world. Although it is among the shortest and simplest of the complete commentaries, it is at the same time both wide-ranging and profound.
Explained by: Jalalu’d-din muhammad ibn ahmad al-mahalli (791-864/1389-1459) of Cairo was a versatile, scholar who excelled in jurisprudence, theology, grammar, rhetoric, and Qur’anic commentary. He was known for his scrupulousness, fear of Allah, and fearlessness in upholding the truth. Al-Mahalli was offered the highest judicial positions but refused them. He taught jurisprudence in the Mu’ayyadiyya and Barquqiyya madrasas. Abstinent and ascetic, he lived on what he earned by trade. His most famous work is his Qur’anic commentary, Tafsir al-Jalalayn, which he began halfway through the text with Surat al-Kahf, ending with an-Nas and al-Fatiha.. Although he died before he could start the other half, the work was completed by his student, Jalalu’d-Din as-Suyuti. Al-Mahalli’s other books include commentaries on Jam’ al-Jawami’, al-Burda, al-Manahij fi’l-fiqh, al-Waraqat fi’l-usul, Kitab al Jihad. –
Abd al-Rahman ibn Kamal al-Din Abi Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Sabiq al-Din, Jalal al-Din al-Misri al-Suyuti al-Shafi`i al-Ash`ari, also known as Ibn al-Asyuti 849-911AH /1445-1505),, the mujtahid imam and renewer of the tenth Islamic century, foremost hadith master, encyclopedist, historian, and biographer and probably one of the most prolific of all Islamic writers. There are an enormous number of his essays and treatises preserved today. A number of his writings concerned scientific topics or issues related to natural science and food and regimen, amongst other things From Asyut in Egypt,he was among the most renowned and prolific Muslim scholars of all time. He wrote more than 300 books, covering every aspect of the Islamic sciences. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ‘eight, and then went on to study with more than 150 scholars. He travelled extensively in his quest for knowledge — to Damascus, Hijaz, Yemen, India, Morocco, and the lands south of Morocco, as well as in Egypt. Al-Suyuti devoted his life to learning, teaching and writing. He was noble, abstinent and self-sufficient, distancing himself from people of rank and power and living on what he earned by teaching. Major writings of al-Suyuti that remain widely used today include al-Itqan, on the Qur’anic sciences; and Tafsir al-Jalalayn, which he completed when only 22.
SIRATUN NABI ALLAMA SHIBLI NOMANI
Translation of the acclaimed work by ‘Allama Shibli Nomani, completed by his reputable student ‘Allama Syed Sulayman Nadwi.
A comprehensive scholarly, deeply analytical work on the life of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (upon him be peace) in 7 volumes. The names of the volumes are as follows: Life of the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) and Battles, Era of Peace, Miracles, Prophethood and Beliefs, Worship in Islam, Ethics in Islam, Mutual Dealings and Behavior. Most certainly a valuable and indispensable resource for any student of the Sira.
IHYA ULOOM AL DIN
The Revival of the Religions Sciences (Ihya Ulum al-Din) is widely regarded as the greatest work of Muslim spirituality, and has, for centuries, been the most read work after the Qur’an in the Muslim world.
Abu Hamid al-Ghazali is one of the great Muslim jurist, theologian and mystics of the Muslim world. He lived in the 12th Century. He was a polymath who wrote on a wide range of topics including jurisprudence, theology, mysticism and philosophy. In the west he is famous for his devastating attack on philosophy specifically metaphysics in his tahfut al-falasifa, Incoherence of the philosophers. He is also the author of the famed ihya’ `ulum al-din (Revival of Religious Sciences) a book that combined mysticism with practical everyday life actions by emphasizing the underlying psychology of daily life practices and its ramification on life in this world and the hereafter. al-Ghazzali , Algazel (450-505 AH/1058-1111 AD)
The Revival of the Religious Sciences is divided into four parts each containing ten chapters. The first part deals with knowledge and the requirements of faith—ritual purity, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, recitation of the Qur’an, etc.; part two concentrates mostly on people and society—the manners relating to eating, marriage, earning a living, friendship, etc.; parts three and four are dedicated to the inner life of the soul and discuss first the vices that people must overcome in themselves and then the virtues that they must strive to achieve.
THE SECRETS OF ASCETICISM IMAM AL QURTUBI
This guide introduces modern readers to the commentary of al-Qurtubi and presents his rulings on how believers should regard wealth. Topics include the importance of money as a test for Muslims, the necessity that money be rightfully earned and properly spent, the virtue to be found in labour, and the complexities of using money for earthly power. Some examples of zuhd, or ‘doing without,’ by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions are used to clarify the law and provide practical models.
Being the third part of al-Qasru’l-Hirs, al-Qurtubi deals with the issue of zuhd or “doing-without.” Zuhd is a central dimension of Islam, but Muslims in every age have faced the ingrained peril of distorting its meaning and its demands, and veer away from a sound understanding of it. This book not only restores a balance in the understanding of zuhd but offers practical advice of how to bring it into our lives. Special attention is given to the central issue of wealth, from the viewpoint of how to employ it legitimately, and of its being a test to Muslims.
In explaining this sacred state, al-Qurtubi explores many themes, including:
The linguistic meaning of zuhd and the clarification of its essence;
The means to attain control over the earthly plain and to exercise zuhd in it;
The virtue of zuhd, and the fruits it produces;
The states of those who exercise zuhd in this world;
Some examples of zuhd by the Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings;
Some examples of zuhd by the Prophet’s companions;
The virtue of those who acquire ownership of wealth rightfully, and who spend out of it rightfully;
The explanation of the Prophetic hadith: “Every nation has its peculiar test, and the test of my community is “belief lies in wealth.”
This book will be of interest to readers who wish to understand the centrality of zuhd to the Islamic tradition as written by one of the greatest Qur’anic commentators belonging to the Islamic civilisation.
STORIES FROM THE QURAN (HIFZUR RAHMAN SEOHARM)
This is probably the most comprehensive and detailed account of the Prophets and other stories of the Qur’an. It is the complete translation of the four-volume original in Urdu by Maulana Hifz al-Rahman Seoharwi.
It is a summary of the famous book ‘Qasas-ul-Qur’an’ by Maulana Hifzur Rahman Seoharwy; which mention its main aim to draw the attention of the readers towards the ‘results’ of the stories, so as to enable them to adopt a right path — Islamic Way of Life — for the great success in both The worlds.
Apart from the lessonable stories of The Holy Prophets (Alaihimus Salãm) and other saintly personalities, the language and style used are very interesting and heart-touching, not only for well educated persons but for a common man too.
The special heading “Results and Lessons” at end of every chapter is, undoubtedly, remarkable and praiseworthy.
HAYATUS SAHABAH
Hayatus Sahabah is a masterpiece. A Large Collection (2000+ pages) of events and incidents involving the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), meticulously categorized by the common lessons and morals these incidents symbolise.
The author has organised together a vast amount of information to paint a vivid picture of the struggle for Da’wah of the Sahabah, and their training by the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), a picture meant to leave an incredible mark on the reader,
The Author, Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Kandhelvi (r.a), has relied mainly on Authentic Hadith and Works of renowned Classical Scholars.
Translated by Shaykh Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
PROVISIONS FOR THE SEEKERS (ABDUR RAHMAN IBN YUSUF)
Imam Nawawi wrote:
“The science of hadith is the noblest means of attaining closeness to the Lord of the Worlds”
The Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace) was given exceptional oratorical skills. His words were eloquent, comprehensive, and simple, conveying libraries of wisdoms and truths. The Messenger (upon him be peace) himself said, “I have been sent with the jawami al-kalim” (Bukhari)—that is, pithy language that expresses a multitude of meanings in few words.
Bookstores and libraries today are full of books of proverbs, coined by historical personages and political and religious leaders. But each of these pales in comparison to the eloquence of the Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace) and philosophers and sages seem nothing more than struggling students in the light of his divinely inspired wisdom.
This book is a collection of 327 hadiths which the author, Shaykh ‘Ashiq Ilahi al-Bulandshehri, compiled from ‘Allama Tabrizi’s renowned hadith compilation, Mishkat al-Masabih. The book contains many jawami’ al-kalim, as well as prophecies and other accounts and narratives.
The book is ultimately a compilation of hadiths meant to inspire the souls of today’s Muslims and give them a glimpse at the charisma of the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) and a roadmap with which they can achieve closeness to their Lord.
This work is taught in many of the madrasas around the world as a first hadith work. Now it is available in this beautifully bound English edition with a commentary from the classical sources.
The Muwatta of Imam Muhammad Ash-Shaybani
The “Muwatta” needs no introduction as one of the most outstanding and authentic works of Hadith in Islam. It covers all aspects of Islam – Taharah, Salaah, Zakaah, Hajj, Marriage, Divorce, Trade, Crime & Justice, Vows, Inheritance and so forth.
Besides the complete Arabic text and English translation, the book also comprises of the following:
“Introduction to the Science of Hadith”
“Introduction to the Muwatta”
“Introduction to the Science of Hadith Authentication”
“Biography of every Narrator of the Muwatta”
A whole section is dedicated to Rijal narrators of the Muwatta of Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Hayy al-Luknawi
“The Muwatta of Muhammad” By Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani being the transmission of the Muwatta of Imam Malik. This narration of the Muwatta of Imam Malik differs from most of the other transmissions in a number of respects:
that it is not from a Maliki but from one of the two main imams of the Hanafi madhhab;
although Imam Muhammad does not include Imam Malik’s accounts of the ‘amal of Madinah, and Malik’s own judgements and explanations of different points of fiqh from the Madinan point of view, in their place he substitutes his own judgements and the judgements of Abu Hanifah, may Allah show him mercy, but nevertheless sometimes opting for the position of Malik where it is based on a stronger hadith. In this respect, although the book is not the final word on Hanafi fiqh it is a fascinating glimpse of the crystallisation of the Hanafi madhhab in a very early stage.
most interestingly, it contains an amount of ahadith from Malik himself that the Muwatta narrated by Yahya ibn Yahya does not contain, most notably the hadith “Actions are only by intentions”.
This Book Is of particular interest not only to students of Hanafi fiqh, but also to students of hadith in general.
By Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani was a pupil of Imam Abu Hanifah and heard hadith from Mis’ar ibn Kidam, Sufyan ath-Thawri, ‘Amr ibn Dinar, Malik ibn Maghul, Imam Malik ibn Anas (, al-Awza’i, Rabi’ah ibn Salih, Bakir and Qadi Abu Yusuf. He resided in Baghdad and narrated hadith there. He was born in 135 (AH) and passed away in 189 (AH), aged 54.
THE LIVES OF THE NOBLE CALIPHS (IBN KATHIR)
The four Rightly guided Caliphs (Khaliph’s) Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, Uthman Ibn ‘Affan and Ali Ibn Abi Talib.
The four Khulafaa (pl. for Caliph) – Khulafaa-e-Rashidun or the ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs.
This Books is taken from Imam Ibn Kathir’s Classical work Al-Bidayah wa’an-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End) or Tarikh ibn Kathir (The history [book of] Ibn Kathir) which is One of the most comprehensive sources of Islamic history available to the Muslim Ummah.
This Books picks up from the death of the Prophet Muhammad (S)) after which Islam was lead by a series of four caliphs who were his closest companions. These caliphs, known collectively as the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, led the Islamic world and greatly expanded its territory for the next 29 years.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
