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
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Qadar is a very sensitive topic. It is the sixth pillar of faith, and many people have gone astray regarding it. Some have denied it altogether while others have gone to such extremes in affirming it that they end up denying human free will.
Author: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/318529
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An article explains why the Muslims abide by the prohibition of usury while the Jewish and Christian secularists are calling to to affirm it. A glimpse at some texts from the Quran and the Sunnah which severely warn against the taking of interest. Interest and Usury in the Bible (Judaism and Christianity) and according to early thinkers. An article explains how something so despised such as interest could be justified and even institutionalized as a standard. The various ways in which thinkers in the past have tried to conjure explanations for the existence of interest. The various ways in which interest has harmed society. The devastating ills of interest on an international level. An Islamic solution to the interest model, and how economy can still thrive without interest.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Publisher: A website Islam Religion www.islamreligion.com
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/190075
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This is the English book "Ibn Taymiyyah Expounds on Islam" - A book of various Fataawa on Islamic faith, life and society. Translated by Muhammad Abdul Haqq Ansari and printed by The Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in America (IIASA).
Author: Sheikh-ul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah
Translators: Mohammed Abdul Haqq Al-Ansari
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/339158
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Abridged translation of the Introduction and four chapters from Ibn al-Jawzee's classical work Talbees Iblees Dr. Bilal Philips' explosive edited translation of Ibn al-Jawzee's classical work 'Talbees Iblees', which offers the Ibn Jawzee's views on the Shi'a sect, as well as various other groups such as the Khawaarij (Khaarijites) and the Baatineeyah.
Author: ِAbu Alfaraj ibn AlJawzi
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/250726
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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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