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
Ibn Katheer, At-Tabari, As-Syooti and Other Historians. The four Rightly guided Caliphs (Khaliph's) Abu Bakr As-Sideeq, Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, Uthmaan Ibn 'Affaan and Ali Ibn Abi Taalib. The Biography of Umar Ibn Abdel-Azeez who is regarded as one of the Rightly Guided Chaliphs is also included in this book.
Author: Imam Ibn Kathir
Islam is the universal religion, in this comparative study between Islam and Christianity, the reader will notice the tolerant approach of Islam toward other revealed religions.
Author: Ulfat Aziz-us-Samad
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
How we can be loved by Allah
Publisher: Daar Al-Watan
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1315
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
The Importance of the issue of ijtihad, who has the right to make it, and caution of speaking about the religion without knowledge
Author: Salman Bin Fahad al-Awdah
Publisher: http://www.islamtoday.net - Islam Today Website
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1403