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
This booklet reminds the reader that worldly difficulties are a trial for the believers, while not disregarding the fact that more often afflictions result from one’s sins and disobedience to Allah. It also teaches how appropriate behavior and correct attitude can change an adversity into a worthwhile opportunity to achieve Allah’s Pleasure through Sabr, Shukr, Ihtisaab and Istirja, whereas impatience, panic and complaining can worsen one’s state of affairs. It also explains the futility of invoking the Prophets and the dead to remove hardships, and encourages calling upon Allah Alone to ease one’s affairs.
Author: Shuwana Abdul-Azeez
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: A website Quran and Sunnah : http://www.qsep.com
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali This is a treatise we have written concerning humility (Khushu') and the hearts meekness and breaking (inkisar) before the Lord. The basic meaning of Khushu', is the softness of the heart, its being gentle, still, submissive, broken, and yearning. When the heart is humble, so too is the hearing, seeing, heard, and face; indeed all the limbs and their actions are humbled, even speech. The source of the Khushu, that takes place in the heart is the gnosis of Allah's greatness, magnificence, and perfection.
Author: Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
In conveying the message of Islam to a non-Muslim, it is usually not sufficient to highlight only the positive nature of Islam. Most non-Muslims are not convinced about the truth of Islam because there are a few questions about Islam at the back of their minds that remain unanswered. This book will help non-Muslims to discover and know more common questions about Islam in more depth.
Author: Zakir Naik
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
A discussion of the obligation of keeping a beard and a clarification of some common misconceptions.
Author: Muhammad al-Jibaly
Publisher: Al-Kitaab & as-Sunnah Publishing
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1231
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