Book Review: In Memory of Dr. Bakr Aboo Zayd and Dr.Saleh as-Saleh

With the recent passing of Dr. Bakr Aboo Zayd and Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (rahimahumaa Allah) I wanted to present two very beneficial books from these two people of Knowledge.

(Cover of Adab-ul-Haatif)

The first is Adab-ul-Haatif (the Islamic Manners of Using the Telephone). It is a short treatise only 38 pages long published by Daar-ul-‘Aasimah. I have had this book for a very long time after I heard brother Dawud Adeeb (hafithahullah) mention it many years back. I bought it from al-Basheer Book Publishing for like maybe $3.00. The Shaykh (rahimahullah) divides the book into many important sections. He explains the legislated manners the Muslim should observe when using the phone such as verifying the phone number before calling so not to bother someone else. The length one should remain on the phone so as to be considerate of one’s time. Answering the phone with the Salaams and not imitating the non-Muslims by using, “Hello”, etc. He even has a section dedicated to the women and how they should deal with using and answering the phone.

(Inside of Book)

One important section for me was the manner in which how the one who seeks Fatwaa from the Mufti should act. Many of us neglect this when we contact the Scholars and Shaykh Aboo Zayd brings some benefits from the Book and the Sunnah regarding this issue. I was also extremely happy to read his presenting some English terms used by the Muslims today and a better equivalent for it in Arabic. For example many Muslims say “at-Talifoon” whereas he says its better to say al-Haatif (telephone) or al-Masarrah. Some Muslims say Faaks (fax) he says Raasil, etc.

No doubt this book will prove to be useful for the Muslims who read it and implement it while it shows the great insight that Dr. Aboo Zayd had when it came to issues affecting the Muslims. We ask Allah the Mighty & Majestic to have mercy upon him and to grant him the highest position in Paradise.

***Update***

May Allah reward our brother Abu Nuaym who provided the link to the PDF Arabic text of the book. This was the exact same print that I had before I sold my library to go overseas!

Click Here to View Book In Arabic (PDF format)

Who was Dr. Bakr Aboo Zayd?

(Cover of Book)

The second book is from the noble Student of Knowledge Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (rahimahullah) in one of the best English translations concerning the issue of al-Qadr available today. While the book itself has been around for some time many new Muslims are beginning to study Islam and many want a better understanding of this very controversial topic.

(Inside of Book)

Using the works of the ‘Ulamaa such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Qayyim-il-Jawziyyah, Aboo Ja’far at-Tahawee, Muhammad bin Naasir as-Sa’dee, Ibn Baaz, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, al-Albaanee, and others Dr. Saleh as-Saleh outlines the meaning of al-Qadr along with its ranks, and Sixteen cases centered around common misconceptions surrounding al-Qadr. It is an excellent work and one that every English speaking Muslim should own. I have had this book since it came out in 96 and it is still a constant reference work for me whenever I give Da’wah or teach my family. We ask Allah the Mighty & Majestic to have mercy upon Dr. Saleh as-Saleh and to grant him the highest position in Paradise.

Who was Dr.Saleh as-Saleh?

Book Review: An Arabic-English Lexicon

About the lexicon:

The Arabic-English lexicon by Edward William Lane is a remarkable reference dictionary of the Arabic language for native speakers of the English language. It is widely recognized and used by many students who are learning Arabic and of whom Arabic is not their native language.

In my own personal experience I have found the lexicon to be more suitable for usage in translating from Arabic to English than with in-depth Arabic studies. What I mean by this is if I want to gain a better understanding of a particular Arabic word then I will refer to an Arabic dictionary as opposed to the lexicon. That is because in order to fully understand Arabic one must understand it by way of the language itself not by translation. The proof for this is in Mr. Lane’s own work. He used the Arabic dictionaries of the ‘Ulamaa of the language to compile his lexicon.

Don’t get me wrong the lexicon is very beneficial for the native English speaker as a reference work but if the lexicon had never been compiled the Arabic student could have still accessed the abundant Arabic works that were written and made available by the People of Knowledge. In the first volume the author cites all of the classical works and the names of the compilers that he used to base his lexicon off of. In fact his original plan for the lexicon was to translate the entire Taj-ul-‘Aroos into English but then he decided to sift through it and other works instead. In fact if you look at the format of his work and compare it with the dictionaries that he used you will find a striking resemblance.

One down side to the lexicon is that the author only completed the first five volumes of it. So from volumes six through eight it becomes very deficient in terms of detail. This leaves out a large portion of the meanings of the Mithaal (those Arabic words that begin with Waaw or Yaa). Despite this you will still find a decent compilation of words from these last few volumes.

About the author:

The author’s biography and the methodology that he used to compile this work are contained within the first portions of the lexicon itself. I found it very interesting to read about him because he spent close to thirty years working on this compilation.

I have come across several statements in various books implying that Mr. Lane embraced Islam. For example in Kais al-Kalby’s “Muhammad in the Bible” page 595 he wrote:

“A British Muslim, born in 1801 in Harvard, London. Lane studied the Language (Arabic) and culture of the Muslims…He became a Muslim in 1825 and married an Egyptian woman.”

Yet through admission of his own nephew Stanley Poole, Edward Lane never accepted Islam, he merely pretended to be Muslim so as to gain an in-depth knowledge of the Arabic language. He remained a devout Christian and Orientalist up until the day of his death.

This brings me to my final point regarding the author. When using this lexicon Muslim students of Arabic must keep in mind that the author was not from the People of Knowledge, not an Arabic grammarian in Nahw, Sarf, Balaaghah, Fiqh-ul-Lugah, or any of the other sciences of the Arabic language.

(A page from the Taaj-ul-'Aroos)

The lexicon is available in several formats:

An eight volume version that was printed in India. I currently own this copy and while I tend to enjoy bulky and large print due to my poor eyesight if you have to travel with this edition you are going to face some difficulties due to its size and weight.

A two volume version that has been condensed. This version is ideal for travel but still bulky. It also seems to be more costly than the eight volume version and I still cannot figure out the reason why. Shop around though you may be able to find it at a decent price somewhere.

A CD version of the lexicon for those who prefer referencing via computer. It is much lighter and is ideal for laptop use.

A free online version of the lexicon is available. You can download the entire eight volume version in PDF format. Be advised that it is slow and tends to be a hardship when sifting through each page. I tend to benefit from it when I am at work and I need to look up a word or two that I am not familiar with. The link is: http://www.studyquran.co.uk/LLhome.htm

Press Release: The Status of Jesus in Islaam

AL-IBAANAH BOOK PUBLISHING

NEW PUBLICATION (JANUARY 2008)

The Status of Jesus in Islam

By Dr. Rabee' Ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee

Completely Revised and Updated

Paperback, 6x9 in., 48 pages

ISBN: 0-9814757-0-1

About the Book:In this brief treatise, the author sets out to clarify Islam’s true position towards Jesus, which is the middle course between two extremes. At one extreme there are those who believe that Jesus is God, the Son of God or part of a divine trinity while on the other extreme there are others who slander him and deny his message.The correct belief regarding Jesus as confirmed in the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s teachings is that he was no more than a prophet and messenger of God sent with the same message as all the prophets before him such as Moses, Abraham and Noah. That message was to worship God alone and avoid false deities. This is the one true unwavering message of the Creator to His creation throughout the course of time, and it is the same message that Jesus brought to his people and which Muhammad brought to his people after him.We hope that this short treatise will serve as an invitation to Christians to reflect on the beauty and simplicity of Islam, which has taken a moderate stance towards Jesus, assigning him a lofty role as one of the foremost messengers of God.About the Author:Dr. Rabee’ Ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee is one of the well-known scholars of Saudi Arabia. He is a former graduate and professor at the renowned Islamic University of Madeenah. He has authored numerous books and treatises about Islam which clarify misconceptions and false notions concerning it.

Order the Book Now!

Book Review: Just some stuff from off the shelf

In this review I wanted to present some books for those who have reached an intermediate level of Arabic reading. Back in Texas there is a used book outlet called Half Price books that buys books from the public and then turns around and sells them at half their price. Next to the Islamic bookstores this spot was my favorite place. I would rummage through the Arabic section and find books that Muslims had discarded and sold to this bookstore. I bought a large amount of Arabic books from this store. I found books by Shaykh al-Albaanee, Shaykh-ul-Islaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab, Muhammad ash-Shinqitee, you name it I would find it. One time I even found Subul-us-Salaam (the explanation of Buloogh-ul-Maraam) for half of what it sells on the Internet! When I got home and started to read to my dismay I found that it had belonged to a brother that I knew personally who had stopped seeking Knowledge, may Allah protect us from that. The way I knew this was because his name was on all four volumes of the book along with other books that I had purchased.

I also found a lot of Arabic children’s books and I became fond of reading them to develop vocabulary and to strengthen my reading skills. So I wanted to share just some of the many booklets that I have amassed.

This booklet focuses on teaching short Soorah’s of the Quraan along with lessons about respecting the parents, Paradise and Hellfire, and a host of other Islamic topics. It is a short book and looks photocopied. It was printed in Jordan and I believe was used in the educational system in the late 80’s.

This book (below) comes from Lebanon at a time when it dominated the scene in publishing Arabic books. It came out in the 70’s and centered around teaching Fushaa in an every day conversation setting. What makes it unique is that you learn Arabic by the pictures presented in each lesson.

If you notice the page I scanned you will see where it is teaching you how to say that you are closing your eyes and opening them, I am seeing you and you are seeing me, etc.

I taught some lessons from this book to some of my children and I found that they were picking up on how to think in Arabic and say simple things such as my hand is on my head, my finger is in my ear, etc. A lot of Arabic books today do not teach simple things like this.

When I first saw this book on the shelf two things went through my mind. One it is an extremely old and dirty book. I mean it is so dirty that your fingers are stained black from the print. Second I thought someone placed this book in the wrong section because it’s written in Urdu. I was right about my first thought but wrong about the second. It was a bilingual book teaching Arabic to Urdu speakers, but written in mostly Arabic.

As I went through the pages I immediately fell in love with the stories and sections contained in the lessons. It has a lot of vocabulary to learn and the type is very old but the style of Fushaa used is what makes it enjoyable. There is a good portion of poetry along with prophetic narrations and statements of the Salaf.

Now before you think I am strange for buying this next book I would like to share with you something I had read from the biography of Shaykh al-Albaanee’s life (rahimahullah). He once stated:

“The first books that I would read from were Arabic stories such as Thaahir wa ‘Antarah, al-Malik Sayf, and other works. Then the translated detective stories of Arsene Lupin and others like it, then I found a desire towards historical readings.”

So when I came across the Arabic translation of “Little House on the Prairie” out of curiosity I wanted to see how well I could understand it. I found that I understood a great deal of the story even though I had never read this book in English before. I was only familiar with the television program that aired when I was a young boy.

I will say that once you understand Arabic you will prefer to read many Arabic translations over their original sources. I have purchased other translated works and found that the beauty of the Arabic language captures far more in-depth meaning and makes more sense.

These are just some titles I wanted to share and I encourage all who are studying Arabic to read as much as you can. Do not just focus on the book you are learning from. Branch out into newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, books, etc. this will improve your reading skills tremendously.

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.