Book Review: al-Akhtaa’ush-Shaa’iah fee Tilaawat-il-Quraan

al-Akhtaa’ush-Shaa’iah fee Tilaawat-il-Quraan

Compiled by: ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ‘Aytaanee
Published by: Mu’assasah ar-Rayaan Beirut, Lebanon.
Pages: 80

This is a very informative booklet that covers the most common errors made when reciting the Quraan. After the author’s introduction he divides the book into six chapters consisting of the following:

One: Regarding the Basmalah

Two: Regarding the Quranic script

Three: Errors made in some of the Rulings

Four: General Areas of Notice

Five: Regarding the words that errors are made in

Six: Regarding the prohibited forms of stopping and beginning

This is a must read for those who have studied the rulings of Tajweed. The style of writing is simplistic and is meant for the beginner as well as the intermediate reciter of the Quraan. I was extremely thrilled to read the section that explained the meanings of the various signs found in the Uthmani script of the Mushaf. The author’s incredible style of writing makes this one of those reference books that you will turn to over and over again.

Press Release: The Rules of Sacrificial Offerings & Slaughtering - Abridged

Al-Hamdulillaah was-Salaatu was-Salaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaah. We are pleased to announce the release of our latest publication:"The Rules of Sacrificial Offerings and Slaughtering - Abridged" by Imaam Muhamamd bin Saalih Al-'Uthaimeen [1421H], may Allaah have mercy on him.

http://www.al- ibaanah.com/Udhiyah.php

The book is ready for wholesale distribution in the NY tri-state area. If you would like to receive indivdual copies, please click on the link above and orders will be shipped out priority mail in the US and international airmail overseas. Important Note: If you are interested in placing wholesale orders of the book and you are in the north eastern coast, please send us an e-mail as soon as possible to coordinate van delivery prior to 'Eid. Jazaakumullaah khairan for your support.

For an excerpt of this book, please click on the below link:

http://www.al- ibaanah.com/articles. php?ArtID= 173

Book Review: The Explanation of al-'Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah

A couple of weeks ago I was in the Halal Mart here in Norcross buying some falafel mix and hummus to make for the family when I decided to look through some of the Arabic books in the book section of the store. Now mind you most of what they have is questionable but every now and then I will find some treasures of the ‘Ulamaa. It was one of those days. As I sifted through some dusty and filthy stacks I came across “Sharh-ul-‘Aqeedat-il-Waasitiyyah” by the late Egyptian Scholar ash-Shaykh Muhammad Khaleel Harraas (rahimahullah). While it was used, had a huge hole in it, and over priced (I left the price tag on the book when I scanned it) I couldn’t pass this beneficial book up. My wife (may Allah bless her) has the English translation of the book so when I found the original version I decided I would do a review on it after I read it.
Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee (rahimahullah) said regarding the noble Shaykh:

“Shaykh Muhammad Khaleel Harraas was a man from the ‘Ulamaa of al-Azhar. He was an Ash’aree Sufi Philosopher. When he wanted to present a treatise for either his masters or doctorate he was asked to write a book refuting Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) but he wanted to refute philosophy. So he gathered the books of Ibn Taymiyyah to refute them and when he had begun to read them within three months the truth was clarified for him regarding ‘Aqeedah. He then recanted from the Ash’aree creed and began to adhere to Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, believing in their correct creed. He then changed his treatise to “the ‘Aqeedah of Ibn Taymiyyah the Salafi” switching it from “the Refutation upon him”.

I scanned the portion that contains his bio and brother Aboo Maryam Isma’eel Alarcon (hafithahullah) has translated a more detailed biography of him.

Click Here to Read His Biography

This is Shaykh Harraas’s excellent explanation of Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah’s al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah. The explanation seems to be more like notes printed as footnotes to the actual text. The style of language is simple but some of the poetry referenced is a bit advanced. This does not take from the Shaykh’s concise explanation of the issues noted by Shaykh-ul-Islaam.


The English version is decent but there are some omissions in some areas. It was printed by Daar-us-Salaam and reaches two hundred and twenty two pages. There is a nice Index, Publishers Note, Bio of Ibn Taymiyyah and of Shaykh Harraas in addition to the translation.

The Arabic version contains a short Introduction by ash-Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq al-‘Afeefee (rahimahullah) as well as Shaykh Harraas’ introduction which is not included in the English translation.

Book Review: Misquoting Jesus; The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why

Last month I was looking through the religion section at my local library when this book caught my eye. I think the title alone is what compelled me to check it out and read it. It was one of those books that you read from beginning to end. I finished it within a week and was totally taken aback by the facts presented within. Everything the author wrote had already been confirmed for me in the Quran when I read it almost fifteen years ago during a hot Texas summer weekend.

Just read what is quoted from within the jacket cover:

“When World-Class Biblical Scholar Bart Ehrman first began to study texts of the Bible in their original languages he was startled to discover the multitude of mistakes and intentional alterations that had been made by earlier translators. In Misquoting Jesus, Ehrman tells the story behind the mistakes and changes that ancient scribes made to the New Testament and shows the great impact they had upon the Bible we use today. He frames his account with personal reflections on how his study of the Greek manuscripts made him abandon his once ultraconservative views of the Bible.

Since the advent of the printing press and the accurate reproduction of texts, most people have assumed that when they read the New Testament they are reading an exact copy of Jesus’ words or Saint Paul’s writings. And yet, for almost fifteen hundred years these manuscripts were hand copied by scribes who were deeply influenced by the cultural, theological, and political disputes of their day. Both mistakes and intentional changes abound in the surviving manuscripts, making the original words difficult to reconstruct. For the first time, Ehrman reveals where and why these changes were made and how scholars go about reconstructing the original words of the New Testament as closely as possible.

Ehrman makes the provocative case that many of our cherished biblical stories and widely held beliefs concerning the divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, and the divine origins of the Bible itself stem from both intentional and accidental alterations by scribes – alterations that dramatically affected all subsequent versions of the Bible.”

It seems that as Islam is spreading in the West, Christians are becoming more and more conscious of their beliefs and are asking questions that the Church and Biblical scholars cannot answer. And when they can answer many times the responses are in line with what was revealed to a humble Arab man from the Arabian peninsula named Muhammad (peace be upon him) approximately one thousand years ago. What Mr. Ehrman has written was already stated by Allah in His Noble Book when He said:

{And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues as they read so that you may think that it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: “This is from Allah,” but it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie against Allah while they know it.} Soorah Aali ‘Imraan: 78

I remember many years ago there was a Messianic Jew by the name of Zola Levitt (who by the mercy of Allah is now dead) who had a show where he had hosted the infamous Anish Shorosh (may Allah guide him or destroy him). For those of you who do not know this man he is a very evil evangelical Christian Arab devil who has devoted his life to attacking Islam and the Muslims. His antics are well known from his debates with the late Ahmad Deedat (may Allah have mercy upon him) to writing a Quranic version of the Bible called the Furqan. He alleges that he has answered the Quranic challenge to produce a book better than the Quran despite the fact that the majority of this fabricated book draws heavily from the linguistic and rhythmic style of Allah’s Book! (Anyone who is well grounded in the Arabic sciences will attest to this truth). At any rate Anish said on this show back in the mid-nineties that in 2000 the religion of Islam will cease to exist! And here we are in 2007 and Islam is still growing and more and more westerners are leaving Christianity and becoming Muslims. Why? Because people want to know the truth! How truthful are the words of our Lord who said in His Noble Book:

{And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allah, while he is being invited to Islam? And Allah does not guide a people who oppress. They intend to put out the light of Allah with their mouths. But Allah will bring His Light to perfection even though the disbelievers hate it. He is the One Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it victorious over all other religions even though the polytheists hate it.} Soorat-us-Saff: 7 - 9

Perhaps the highlight of the book for me was the mention of the Johannine Comma which is used by many evangelical Christians to support the Trinity, in fact it is the only verse contained in the New Testament that mentions the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost theory. Mr. Ehrman goes on to explain how this verse in the New Testament is no where to be found in the original manuscripts of the Bible. I have scanned the pages for review for anyone who wants to read it. How beautiful are the words of our Lord who said in His Noble Book:

{Surely they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary.” But the Messiah said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden the Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the polytheists there will be no helpers. Surely, the disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of three.” But there is no god worthy of worship except for Allah.} Soorat-ul-Maa’idah: 72 - 73

I hope and pray that researchers such as Mr. Ehrman will open-mindedly look into the Quran and read the message that was revealed to the last of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Book Review: Mujmal I’tiqaad A’immat-is-Salaf

مُجْمَلُ إعْتِقَادِ أئِمَّةِ السَّلَفِ

Mujmal I’tiqaad A’immat-is-Salaf

(The Concise Belief of the Imams of the Salaf)

Collected and prepared by Dr. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdil-Muhsin at-Turkee (hafithahullah)

Printed by Al-Resalah Publishing House, Beirut Lebanon

Pages: 165

This is an excellent work by the noble Dr. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdil-Muhsin at-Turkee (hafithahullah) former director of the Islamic University of al-Imam Muhammad bin Sa’ood, and minister of Islamic Affairs who is currently the president of the Muslim World League. The author collects the statements of the Imams of the past such as Aboo Haneefah, Maalik, ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad bin Hanbal, al-Bukhaaree, Aboo Ja’far at-Tahaawee, Ibn Abee Zayd al-Qirawaanee, and Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon them all, regarding the true Islamic Creed. He brings their statements concerning the Speech of Allah, Imaan increasing and decreasing, and other issues the Muslims today have become ignorant of.

After mentioning their statements and presenting their evidences from the Book and the Sunnah, he then outlines the effects of Manhaj in upholding the correct belief, the knowledge based results in having the correct Manhaj, the true Jihaad in the path of spreading ‘Aqeedah and then the effects of the Jihad of Ibn Taymiyyah. This leads to the sections concerning the call of al-Imaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullah) in addition to the Creed he held.

He also explains the role of the Kingdom in spreading Tawheed and its efforts in disseminating the correct Islamic Knowledge. After this he has various sections covering the issues of Imaan, the sections of Tawheed, and the issue of Takfeer.

It is a very beneficial and enlightening book that deserves to be translated and conveyed to both the Muslims and non-Muslims since it educates one concerning the missionary work of both Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab. What makes me enjoy the book each time I read through it are the various statements of the Salaf that are contained within. It is truly a nice book to own and read.

Book Review: ar-Rihlat-ul-Akheerah Lil-Imaam-il-Jazeerah

ar-Rihlat-ul-Akheerah Lil-Imaam-il-Jazeerah

(The Final Journey of the Imam of the Arabian Peninsula)

Written by Umm Salamah as-Salafiyyah (hafithahallah)

Pages: 450

Printed by Daar-ul-Aathaar San’aa, Yemen

I received this copy some time ago by my brother Aboo ‘Abdillah (hafithahullah) of Hujjah Publication in Brooklyn, New York, may Allah reward him. I have been going through it whenever I get a chance and while it is a bad habit of mine to read seven to ten books at one time, I really got deep into this one.

It chronicles the final years of the Hadeeth Scholar of Yemen ash-Shaykh Aboo ‘Abdir-Rahman Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi’ee (rahimahullah) from the time of his diagnosis with cancer to his travels throughout Yemen, Saudi, America, and other places.

The author Umm Salamah is one of Shaykh Muqbil’s wives and she really put together a very beneficial and tear-jerking account of this noble scholar. It is filled with poetry, newspaper readings, the Shaykh’s final will and testament, the Shaykh’s legal rulings, lectures he gave to his students while receiving treatment abroad, and accounts of his meeting with many prominent Muslim rulers and scholars while residing in Makkah.

It also contains his retraction of what he said against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a clarification to remove the doubts used by those who make Takfeer on the Ruler and its Scholars in that great country.

There is also an entire section of the two hundred and twenty legal rulings he gave while in America most of which were presented to him by Shaykh Fareed ‘Abdullah (hafithahullah) and the American Salafis who went to visit him during his treatment.

This is an amazing book and one that every seeker of Knowledge should have on his or her shelf. Please keep the Shaykh in your Du’aa’s and ask that Allah forgive him of his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Paradise for his efforts in teaching the Book and the Sunnah.

Book Review: al-Fataawaa al-Muhimmah fee Tabseer-il-Ummah

(Front cover of Book)

al-Fataawaa al-Muhimmah fee Tabseer-il-Ummah

(Important Rulings to enlighten the Muslim Nation)

Published by Daar-ul-Minhaaj

This two hundred and six page hardback book compiled by ash-Shaykh Jamaal bin Furayhaan al-Haarithee (hafithahullah) contains a large collection of Islamic rulings from the Major Scholars of Islam such as Muhammad bin Ibraaheem Aali ash-Shaykh, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, ‘Abdur-Razzaq al-‘Afeefee, al-‘Uthaymeen, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aali ash-Shaykh, Saalih al-Fawzaan, Saalih al-Luhaydaan, Saalih Aali ash-Shaykh, ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-‘Abbaad, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ar-Raajihee, Saalih as-Sadlaan, Bakr Aboo Zayd, al-Ghudayaan, al-Atram, Muqbil bin Haadee, Saalih as-Suhaymee, Muhammad bin Haadee, Rabee’ bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, and ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree, may Allah have mercy on those who have passed and may He protect those who are still amongst us today.

(Introduction by Shaykh 'Ubayd-hafithahullah)

The Islamic rulings cover such topics as:

Declaring the Muslim Rulers as apostates

Cursing and Attacking the Muslim Scholars

Loving the non-Muslims

Suicide Missions

Assassinations

Demonstrations and Protests

Rulings concerning the various Muslim groups that exist

Regarding using the word Salafiyyah and its meaning

Public Boycotts

The group “Jama’at-ut-Tableegh”

The group “Ikhwaan-ul-Muslimeen”

General Advice

(Back cover of book with a ruling by the Mufti ash-Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aali ash-Shaykh-hafithahullah, it has been translated in the blog section)

There is an introduction by Shaykh Furayhaan and Shaykh ‘Ubayd who has held the book in high regard and recommended it while praising the Mufti and all of the members of the Permanent Committee, may Allah bless them all and protect them.

I have translated several rulings on my Blog & Translations section and many of the other rulings have appeared on Salafi Manhaj, Salafi Publications, al-Muflihoon and other good Salafi sites.

I want to thank my brother Aboo Aasiyyah Habeeb Herrera (hafithahullah) of Upright Books for sending me a copy of the book. Allah willing I will try to translate it for him if nobody beats me to it.

Book Review: The Top 1,000 Words for Understanding Media Arabic

The Top 1,000 Words for Understanding Media Arabic

Elisabeth Kendall

Georgetown University Press

90 Pages

Softcover

This is an awesome book that I just bought a couple of weeks ago. I was expecting it to be bigger but the content more than made up for it. It contains 1,000 words used in the Arabic Media. The common contemporary media terminology found in this book is what makes it so unique. It has the definitions of words that are not usually found in other Arabic dictionaries. You will find the latest vocabulary such as “Axis of Evil”, “Neo-Nazism” to “Weapons of Mass Destruction” and “financial aid”.

The book is divided into eight sections; General, Politics, Elections, Military, Economics, Trade & Industry, Law & Order, and Disaster & Aid. The Arabic word is listed then its English equivalent. The Arabic vocabulary is also fully voweled so as to avoid any confusion in pronunciation. One word of notice: It contains only nouns, noun constructions and verbs. There is no reference to the particles unless they are attached to the verb.

The type is easy on the eyes and makes for a great reference book. You can keep up with the latest words used in Arabic media whether in newspapers or just surfing online. I bought this one used online for $5.00 and it was well worth it. Overall it is a book worth having to expand your vocabulary.

Ramadhaan Book Review: Sifatu-Sawm-in-Nabiyee Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa salam fee Ramadhaan

The last book out of five books that I have been reviewing for the blessed month of Ramadhaan is the excellent:

صِفَةُ صَوْمِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه و سلم فِي رَمَضَان

Sifatu-Sawm-in-Nabiyee Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa salam fee Ramadhaan

The Description of the Fast of the Prophet, peace be upon him, in the month of Ramadhaan

Written by both Shaykh ‘Alee Hasan al-Halabee & Shaykh Saleem bin ‘Eeed al-Hilaalee (hafithahumaa Allah). This edition was printed by Daar Ibn Hazam by the Maktabah Islaamiyyah. It is 138 pages and contains 24 sections on how the Prophet, peace be upon him observed his fast. Some sections include but not limited to; the Benefits of Fasting, the Benefit of the month of Ramadhaan, the Obligation to fast in Ramadhaan, a section on Suhoor, the Iftaar, those things that nullify the Fast, making up the days of fast that are missed, Laylat-ul-Qadr, I’tikaaf, Taraweeh, Zakaat-ul-Fitr and weak narrations that have been spread concerning Ramadhaan.

Ramadhaan Book Review: Qiyaamu-Ramadhaan

The fourth book in five books that I have been reviewing in the blessed month of Ramadhaan is the classic:

قِيَامُ رَمَضَان فَضْلُهُ وَ كَيْفِيَّة أدَائِهِ وَ مَشْرُوعِيَّة الجَمَاعَة فِيهِ وَ مَعَهُ بَحْثٌ قَيِّم عَنِ الإعْتِكَافِ

Qiyaamr-Ramadhaan Fadhluhu wa Kayfiyyatu-Adaaihi wa Mashroo’iyyat-ul-Jamaa’ati feehi wa ma’ahu Bahthun Qayyimun ‘an-il-‘Itikaaf

The Qiyaam (the Taraweeh Prayer) in Ramadhaan: Its Benefit, How it is to be performed, and the legislated affairs of the People of the Sunnah regarding it along with an insightful study concerning the I’tikaaf

Written by the Noble Hadeeth Scholar ash-Shaykh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee (rahimahullah). It is a brief 46 page treatise covering the aforementioned topics. This edition was the third copy printed by al-Maktabah al-Islaamiyyah in ‘Amman, Jordan.

It was written after the Shaykh’s Salaat-ut-Taraaweeh and is the third treatise from a larger book that the Shaykh had written entitled Tasdeed-ul-Isaabah. Dr. Muhammad al-Jibaaly (hafithahullah) had translated sections from both this book that I am reviewing and Salaat-ut-Taraaweeh in his book regarding the topic, but to this date I do not think that the entire book has been translated and Allah knows best.

The Shaykh brings the evidence for praying eleven units of prayer in Taraweeh, detailing the chain of narrators and the grades of the narrations. He covers the reason why the Prophet, peace be upon him, did not continue leading the companions into group prayer, the appointing of an Imam specifically for the women, the time for the prayer, the manner in which he, peace be upon him, prayed (this section is excellent and has been translated by the brother of Salafi Publications), the manners of recitation, and then an explanation of the Witr, it’s Qunoot and what is said after performing it.

The last portion of the book contains the section on I’tikaaf, its rulings, conditions and what is permissible for the one making I’tikaaf to do, as well as the permissibility of women making I’tikaaf based on evidences and with the condition that there will not be any trial or seclusion of the women with the men. For the Arabic readers reference the last part of the book with Shaykh Muhamad ‘Abdil-Wahhaab al-‘Abdaalee’s Ieedhaah-ud-Dalaalah which is excellent within itself. For the English readers brother Isma’eel Alarcon (hafithahullah) has translated it on his excellent site al-Ibaanah so reference it.

I will end this month with the final book review for the month of Ramadhaan before the Eeed, inshaAllah.

Press Release: Tafsir of Suratul Fatiha, Al Ikhlaas and Mu'athatayn

Coming Soon!

Al Hujjah Publication would like to inform you of one of our new and up coming publications titled " Tafsir of Suratul Fatiha, Al Ikhlaas and Mu'athatayn" by Shaikh ul Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdil Wahaab Al Humbali Died 1206 Hijri with extra references from Imaam As'Saadee Died 1376 Hijri

Translated by:

Abu Sulayman Muhammad Ibn Baker

Barakallahu Feekum

AHP Admin.

Ramadhaan Book Review: Sawmu-Ramadhaan Ahkaamuh-ul-Fiqihiyyah wa-Tibiyyah

The third book in five books that I am reviewing in this blessed month of Ramadhaan is a detailed book covering the Fiqh and medical benefits of fasting entitled:

صَوْمُ رَمَضَان أحْكَامُهُ الفِقْهِيَة وَ الطِّبية

“Sawmu-Ramadhaan Ahkaamuh-ul-Fiqihiyyah wa-Tibiyyah”

The Fast of Ramadhaan; its Legal Rulings and Medical Benefits

Written by Mahmood Mahdee al-Istanboolee with notes by ‘Alee Hasan ‘Abdul-Hameed

This 128 page book is very detailed and contains almost every section from the moon sighting, the permissible and impermissible acts during Fasting, Taraweeh, Laylat-ul-Qadr, Zakaat-ul-Fitr and Eeed Prayer.

Ramadhaan Book Review: Majaalis Shahri-Ramadhaan

This is the second in five books that I wanted to review briefly in this blessed month of Ramadhaan as I am very occupied with tending to my family’s needs in addition to increasing my acts of worship for Allah.

This second book is a personal favorite that I enjoy reading every Ramadhaan. That is because every time I read it, it is as if I missed a benefit from the last time that I read it. It is none other than:

مَجَالِسُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَان

Majaalis Shahri-Ramadhaan

by ash- Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullah)

Printed by the Charitable Organization of Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) ran by one of the Shaykh’s sons, may Allah reward them for their efforts. It is listed as number 29 in a series of works put out by the noble Shaykh may Allah place light in his grave and shower it with His Mercy.

Majaalis is the plural form of Majlis and here the word is meant to denote the sittings that the Shaykh had during the blessed months of Ramadhaan where he would give beautiful and beneficial lectures to the students of Knowledge and the lay people. The book consists of the following thirty lectures given by the Shaykh:

Gathering One: Concerning the benefit of the Month of Ramadhaan
Gathering Two: Concerning the benefit of Fasting
Gathering Three: Concerning the ruling of Fasting in Ramadhaan
Gathering Four: Regarding the ruling of establishing Ramadhaan
Gathering Five: Concerning the benefit of reciting the Quraan and its categories
Gathering Six: Concerning the types of people who fast
Gathering Seven: Concerning the groups of the types of people who fasts
Gathering Eight: Regarding the remaining types of people who fasts and the ruling of making up days that are missed
Gathering Nine: Concerning the wisdom of fasting
Gathering Ten: Concerning the manners of observing the obligatory fast
Gathering Eleven: Concerning the manners of observing the optional fast
Gathering Twelve: Concerning the second category of reciting the Quraan
Gathering Thirteen: Concerning the manners of reciting the Quraan
Gathering Fourteen: Concerning those things that break ones fast
Gathering Fifteen: Concerning the conditions of what breaks the fast and what does not break the fast and what acts are permissible for the one who is fasting
Gathering Sixteen: Concerning Zakaah
Gathering Seventeen: Regarding the people of Zakaah
Gathering Eighteen: Concerning the Battle of Badr
Gathering Nineteen: Concerning the battle of the opening of Makkah, may Allah honor it
Gathering Twenty: Concerning the causes of real assistance
Gathering Twenty One: Concerning the benefit of the last ten days of Ramadhaan
Gathering Twenty Two: Concerning the effort that one should take in worshipping in the last ten days and the night of Power
Gathering Twenty Three: Concerning the description of paradise
Gathering Twenty Four: Concerning the descriptions of the people of paradise
Gathering Twenty Five: Concerning the description of the hellfire
Gathering Twenty Six: Concerning the causes for entering the hellfire
Gathering Twenty Seven: Concerning the second type of causes to enter the hellfire
Gathering Twenty Eight: Concerning Zakaat-ul-Fitr
Gathering Twenty Nine: Concerning Tawbah (Repentance)
Gathering Thirty: Concerning the end of the month of Ramadhaan

It is 232 pages of pure benefit and contains reference to all of the Quranic verses and prophetic narrations. Although some of the poetry that the Shaykh cites is not referenced. If you do not have this book then you need to get it before the Angel of Death comes. May Allah shower His vast Mercy on the noble Shaykh, and please remember to make Duaa for him and for his family in this blessed month.

Ramadhaan Book Review: Juzun feehi Ahaadeethu-Shahri-Ramadhaan

I pray that this blessed month of Ramadan has reached every single one of you in the best of health and in the highest of Imaan. It is a great opportunity for us to engage in perfecting as well as increasing our worship and good deeds.

With that said I wanted to share some good titles and beneficial works that I have read and continue to read in the sixteen Ramadan’s that I have been Muslim, and to Allah I give thanks and praise. The following are definitely not limited to all that is available in the Arabic language concerning Fasting however they are the few gems that I wanted to share with my Muslim brothers and sisters on this special occasion. From them are five books that I will present one by one with some basic information regarding each treatise throughout the rest of this blessed month.

جُزْءٌ فِيْهِ أحَادِيثُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَان فِي فَضْلِ صِيَامِهِ وَ قِيَامِهِ

“Juzun feehi Ahaadeethu-Shahri-Ramadhaan fee Fadhli-Siyaamihi wa Qiyaamihi”

{A Section containing the Prophetic Narrations of the Month of Ramadan, concerning the benefit of fasting and its enactment.}

This is an 89 page small booklet written by al-Imaam al-Haafith Abee Yumni Abdis-Samad bin ‘Asaakir (rahimahullah) concerning the narrations that deal with the benefits of fasting and the rewards earned by the one who carries out this beautiful act of ‘Ibaadah (worship).

While the treatise is very short and consists of 30 narrations the actual book is filled with very beneficial sections. It has been verified and checked by ash-Shaykh ‘Alee bin Hasan al-Halabee (hafithahullah), one of the students of Shaykh al-Albaanee (rahimahullah) and includes a biography of the author and some details as well as pictures of the hand written manuscripts that were used to produce the printed edition of this work.

The narrations are referenced with their sources and the verifier also included several indexes of the narrations, narrators, and the reference sources that he used.

Press Release: The Rights and Obligations Upon Men & Women in Islaam

Coming Soon!!!

This new publication from the Shaykh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (May Allaah preserve him upon good), is an extraordinarily beneficial book. The Shaykh deals with the issue of the rights of men and women based on a seminar that was held by some women in Jedda, Saudi 'Arabia who claimed their rights were withheld. This publication is a refutation upon those who make this claim, as well as a description of the rights given to men and women in Islaam, the loftiness of women’s rights in Islaam over that of those in the West, and the women of other religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism.

We hope that these comparisons will help the reader reflect upon the blessing that Allaah has truly given us. We found it shocking to see the degradation that women of disbelief endure from the deviant ones from both their homelands and religions. The Religion of Islaam is perfect, although its adherents are not. The evil that some do should not reflect upon Islaam, rather it is a deficiency of an individual(s). However, we have found that the degradation and exploitation of women of disbelief is in the roots of their belief systems, and societal practices.

Tarbiyyah Bookstore Staff The Rights and Obligations Upon Men & Women in Islaam Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee ibn ‘Umayr Al-Madkhalee

Pages: 144

Retail Cost: $12.00

[Pre-Order your copies today!]

Book Review: Matn 'Umdat-il-Ahkaam

Matn ‘Umdat-il-Ahkaam

By al-Haafith Taqi-ud-Deen ‘Abdul-Ghanee al-Maqdisee (rahimahullah)

Published by Daar-ul-Kitaab-il-‘Arabee

Pages: 216

This classical text has been recommended by the ‘Ulamaa to be memorized after Imam an-Nawawee’s Forty Hadeeth. It consists of five hundred and fourteen narrations taken from al-Bukhaaree & Muslim. The author said, “Some of my brothers asked me to summarize some of the prophetic narrations that contain rulings that are agreed upon by the two Imams: Aboo ‘Abdillah bin Isma’eel bin Ibraaheem al-Bukhaaree and Muslim bin al-Hajaaj bin Muslim al-Qushayree an-Nisaabooree, so I responded to their request hoping to cause benefit.”

There are nineteen chapters (Kitaab) in this collection and sixty six sections (Baab). This printing is small and hard on my eyes but is great to carry around since it is light and measures 6 ½ by 4 ½ inches. It contains a biography of the author, an explanation about the book and the scholar’s recommendation to study it, an explanation of the method in verifying the narrations, and glossary. The full name of the text is Matn ‘Umdat-il-Ahkaam Min Kalaam Khair-il-Anaam.

You can buy this book almost anywhere Arabic books are sold and usual sells for $7.00. It is a beneficial book to own and is necessary for the student of Knowledge to memorize and act upon.

Book Review: An Explanation of Six Events that Occured During the Lifetime of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

Book Review: An Explanation of Six Events that Occured During the Lifetime of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

By Shaykh-ul-Islaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullah)

Printed by Al-Hujjah Publication (hafithahumullah)

Translated by Aboo ‘Aaliyah ‘Abdullah Ibn Dwight Battle al-Amreekee (hafithahullah)

ISBN: 0-9785009-6-2

Pages: 40

Price: $4.50

This is the latest publication from our brothers at Al-Hujjah Publications of New York, may Allah reward them. It is small yet beneficial and sheds light on six events that occurred during the time of our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam):

The story about Revelation coming to the Messenger (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), the call to Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism), the Prophet’s (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) reading of Soorah an-Najm in the presence of the Companions, the story of Aboo Taalib, the story of the Migration, and the story about the Apostasy after the Prophet’s (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) Death.

Shaykh-ul-Islaam explains these events in brief and touches upon their significance in the life of the Muslim. The actual text is about 31 pages along with the introduction and includes a nine page glossary of Islamic terminology.

I recommend this book for new Muslims as it is short and can be read in one sitting. I enjoyed reading this book once I received it, may Allah reward Aboo Dhikr for sending me a free copy for review.

Book Review: Kalimaat-ul-Quraan: Tafseer wa Bayaan

كَلِمَاتُ القُرْآنِ تَفْسِيْر وَ بَيَان

Kalimaat-ul-Quraan: Tafseer wa Bayaan

Followed by Ahkaam-at-Tilaawati wat-Tajweed

By ash-Shaykh Hasanayn Muhammad Makhloof

Printed by Daar Ibn Hazm

Pages: 416

This is a pocket-sized reference book covering the vocabulary of the Quran with an additional section covering the rulings of Tajweed. I couldn’t find a larger version of this book when I bought it at the bookstore in Dallas but it is a valuable reference book that I have benefited from whenever I translate verses of Allah’s Book on my own. I don’t like the fact that the type is small because my eye sight is poor, and to Allah I complain, however overall it is a book that I enjoy using. What I enjoy most is how the author defines the words in the Quran. I will give you an example in Soorat-ul-Baqarah you find the word:

لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ

“…For the Muttaqeen”

Which he defines as:

الَّذِيْنَ تَجَنَّبُوا المَعَاصِي وَ أدُّوا الفَرَائِض

“Those who abstain from disobedience and who perform the obligatory duties.”

Very simple, plain and to the point, the rest of the book is pretty much like this. I haven’t had a chance to read it from beginning to end but as I mentioned I rely on it a lot when I translate the verses of Allah’s Book in translations of the ‘Ulamaa. There are some difficult sections as far as the author’s explanation of certain words but most of how he defines these words are taken from the books of Tafseer. The Tajweed section is brief but covers the basic rulings that we should all know when reciting Allah’s book. May Allah reward the author and publishers for a beneficial book for those wanting to better understand the Book of Allah in the Arabic language.

Press Release: 501 Arabic Verbs

Book Description

Barron’s 501 Arabic Verbs is printed in Arabic script with exemplary sentences in English for each verb. To reflect correct Arabic style, 501 Arabic Verbs has been printed back cover to front and back page to front. Verbs are arranged alphabetically in a table format, one verb per page with English translation, and conjugated in all tenses and forms. The book’s additional features include common idioms with example sentences to demonstrate verb usage and a grammar review.

Click Here for More Info

Book Review: 201 Arabic Verbs Fully Conjugated in all the Forms

By Raymond Scheindlin

Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

209 Pages retailing for $13.95

ISBN 0-8120-0547-3

This is a very decent book that is arranged in alphabetical order and fully conjugated. What this means is that the past and present tense as well as the command are conjugated based off of the he, she, we, they, etc forms. The author based the verbs used in this book on “The World List of the Arabic Daily Newspaper (Jerusalem, 1940). You do have to have a working knowledge of English grammar terminology in addition to a solid working knowledge of Arabic grammar to make the most of this book. I don’t think that every native English speaking person fully understand the words indicative, subjunctive, jussive used in the charts! If it were not for the fact that I understood Arabic grammar better than I do English grammar I would not have understood it either. Don’t get me wrong it is a good book to utilize and makes as a great reference. The price is economical and is very easy to find.

You can do a lot with this book like arranging the verb types in a folder or focusing on all the feminine forms in a spreadsheet, the suggestions are endless. I included an inside look of my copy so you can get a better look at the text ( I know it is crooked, I apologize!). I hope the rest of you will benefit from it like I did.

Press Release: A Warning regarding the Dangers of the Hair Salons and the Hair Stylist

Coming Soon to an Islamic Bookstore near you...

Al Hujjah Publication and the Dawah Tus Salafiyyah Sister's Book Club presents:

A Warning regarding the Dangers of the Hair Salons and the Hair Stylist

And the Legal Rulings of the Committee of Major Scholars concerning this issue

Gathered and Arranged by Umm ‘Abdir-Rahmaan al-Imaam (Allâh preserve her) with a Foreword presented by his eminence ash-Shaykh Muhammad bin ‘Abdillah al-Imaam (Allâh preserve him)

(Click on Cover to Enlarge)

Permission from the author to translate and print this noble treatise

In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful,
All praise is for Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Allah’s creation Muhammad (sallaa Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in addition to his family, companions, and all of those who follow him in goodness until the Day of Judgment. To proceed:

I, sister Umm ‘Abdir-Rahman, the wife of ash-Shaykh Abee Nasr Muhammad bin ‘Abdillah al-Imam, the one in charge (of the sisters) in the Daar-ul-Hadeeth center located in Ma’bar, Yemen, have written the book entitled, “at-Tahdheer min Akhtaar-il-Kawaafeer” (A Warning regarding the Dangers of the Hair Salons & Hair Stylist). I give permission to the noble sister Umm Kutubah as-Salafiyyah in America, a resident of Roosevelt Island, New York, permission to print this book into the English language for the sake of benefit in this country and to spread goodness. May Allah reward this admirable sister and I ask the Mighty & Majestic by His Exalted Names and by His Beautiful Attributes to provide for her and grant her and her husband the Jannat-ul-Firdaous (the highest level of the Paradise), Aameen.

May Allah bless her in her wealth and her children and whoever may assist her in good as the one who directs others to good is like the one who has actualized goodness.

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Book Review: Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee Muhaddith-ul-‘Asr wa Naasir-us-Sunnah

(Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee the Muhaddith of this Era and the Supporter of the Sunnah) Arabic

119 Pages

Printed by Daar-ul-Qalam

This is an excellent and wonderful work detailing the life of the Muhaddith of this Era Aboo ‘Abdir-Rahman Muhammad Naasir-id-Deen al-Albaanee (rahimahullah). It is divided into two sections the first beginning with the Shaykh’s biography and the second dealing with a list of his written works. From the highlights of his biography is a description of his lineage and the reasons that led up to his father ash-Shaykh Nooh Najaatee’s (rahimahullah) decision to flee Albania and make Hijrah to Damascus. It goes into great detail to outline the Shaykh’s early upbringing (he was nine years old when the family emigrated) which was filled with seeking knowledge and learning his religion at the hand of his father, who by the way was a well known Hanafee scholar, and at the hands of his father’s colleagues all of whom were well known People of Knowledge in Syria. This is contrary to the claim of many people today who wish to portray the Shaykh as someone who merely taught himself by reading books. As you read about his early life you will come to know that all of the lies and accusations levied against him are false and based on jealousy. We ask Allah to guide them and us to fairness and balance before we speak.

From this we learn of the Shaykh’s early studies with Hadeeth and his fascination with the science, spending hours upon hours at the famous Maktabah ath-Thaahiriyyah in Damascus. We learn of the blessings that Allah bestowed on him to own his own clock repair shop, working several hours in the day and then spending the rest to study and tend to this family while other were struggling to make ends meet and occupying themselves with the affairs of this world.

We get to see that the Shaykh spent his time in teaching, going out to give Da’wah and holding circles of Knowledge. We read about the Scholars who knew him and spoke well of him. We read about the books that he used to teach and his love for the Shuyookh of Islam and their works: Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah and Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahumullah). We get to read about the Shaykh’s students and his qualities of patience, gentleness, knowledge and wisdom.

The second section lists all of the Shaykh’s written works, books that he checked, verified, and added notes to. One extremely beneficial point about this book is that there is a biography on eighteen of his most well known works and a description of why they were written or verified. After this a list of his other works is given covering eighteen pages of these titles and if they are published or in manuscript form.

What makes this book and others like it so exceptional is that we get a glimpse into the life of a great scholar and teacher of the Sunnah. This book had me crying, laughing, feeling humility and coming to terms with the life of an Albanian man who spent the majority of his life seeking knowledge and then dispensing it for the Muslim Ummah to benefit from. May Allah shower His Mercy upon the Shaykh and may He grant him the highest place in the Paradise he is deeply missed.