The Wisdom of the Prophets The Sufi Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn 'Arabi of the Arabic tribe of Hatim atTa'i was born in the year 560 of the Hegira (the year 1165 of the Christian era) at Murcia in Andalusia; he died in 638 (AD. 1240) in Damascus. In esoteric circles of Islam lie is called muhyi ad-din, `the animator of religion' and `ash-shaykh al-akbar', `the greatest master'. His doctrinal work imposes itself by its depths and by its synthesis as well as by the incisive form of certain formulations, which refer to the' most elevated aspects of Sufism. The books and treatises of the master were very numerous; most of them seem to be definitely lost; amongst those that survive the Futuhat al-Makkiyah (`The revelations of Mecca') and the Fusus al Hikam ('The Wisdom of the Prophets') are the most celebrated. The former of these two works constitutes a sort of sum of esoteric sciences; the latter, of which we present here a translation, is often considered as the spiritual testament of the master, who drafted it in the year 627 of the Hegira (AD. 1229) in Damascus. Quote inside the book: "Prayer is a secret call exchanged between God and the adorer; it is, then, also an invocation (dhikr), (this term meaning either: invocation, mention, call, remembrance). But, whoever invokes God, finds himself in the presence of God, according to the Divine Word (,hadith qudsi ) faithfully transmitted since the Prophet: "I witness the invocation of the who invokes Me' (ana jalisu man dhakara...read more

Revised Edition 1997

  (6 reviews)

This book presents a detailed explanation of the classical Islamic concept of God's unity as it relates to faith and acts of religious duties. It also discusses the major areas within which the Islamic unitarian belief (Tawheed) is either nullified or compromised by idolatrous concepts collectively called shirk. The uniqueness of this work lies not only in its thorough treatment of the subject in a fluid and uncomplicated English style but also in its modern presentation of classical theological issues. "I found the book The Fundamentals of Tawheed extremely enlightening, and, in my view, it would undoubtably lead the Muslim and non-Muslim reader to a very clear concept of the foundation of the Islamic faith. Furthermore, the extensive explanatory references to various aspects of shirk goes a long way in clarifying many of the obnoxious idolatrous beliefs and practices which have become prevalent in most world religions, aswell as many parts of the Muslim world." Ghalib Yonkers, Religious Editor, Saudi Gazette, 1991. "This important work is a well researched presentation of the Islamic concept of Monotheism in a very simple English style. Consequently, I humbly suggests that it be on top of the reading list of English speaking Muslims and non-Muslims seeking a deeper understanding of these vital topics" Dr. Maneh AI-Johani, Secretary General, World Assembly of Muslim Youth. ABU AMEENAH BILAL PHILIPS, was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 197...read more

This book presents a detailed explanation of the classical Islamic concept of God's unity as it relates to faith and acts of religious duties. It also discusses the major areas within which the Islamic unitarian belief (Tawheed) is either nullified or compromised by idolatrous concepts collectively called shirk. The uniqueness of this work lies not only in its thorough treatment of the subject in a fluid and uncomplicated English style but also in its modern presentation of classical theological issues. "I found the book The Fundamentals of Tawheed extremely enlightening, and, in my view, it would undoubtably lead the Muslim and non-Muslim reader to a very clear concept of the foundation of the Islamic faith. Furthermore, the extensive explanatory references to various aspects of shirk goes a long way in clarifying many of the obnoxious idolatrous beliefs and practices which have become prevalent in most world religions, aswell as many parts of the Muslim world." Ghalib Yonkers, Religious Editor, Saudi Gazette, 1991. "This important work is a well researched presentation of the Islamic concept of Monotheism in a very simple English style. Consequently, I humbly suggests that it be on top of the reading list of English speaking Muslims and non-Muslims seeking a deeper understanding of these vital topics" Dr. Maneh AI-Johani, Secretary General, World Assembly of Muslim Youth. ABU AMEENAH BILAL PHILIPS, was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 197...read more

There is one important aspect of the lives of our great salaf ancestors, which has never been carefully considered, the nobility of their character and their behaviour. Therefore, when we talk about the way of life of our Salaf, may Allah have Mercy on them, we do not refer to an abstract knowledge of their creed, but we refer to a complete knowledge of their creed, thoughts, behaviour and noble character.

The Book Of Misers 1-Jahiz (AH 160/AD 776 to AH 225/AD 869) was one of the greatest exponents of Arabic prose of all time. His scholarship, the breadth of his interests, and his ability to express his ideas and arguments with vigour and humour were outstanding; The Book of Misers is his comical masterpiece, and one of the earliest works of fiction from the Islamic world. Generosity is regarded by Arab society as one of the principle virtues, and this satire on miserliness has a clear social purpose.With his acute powers of observation, light-hearted scepticism, his comic sense and satirical turn of mind, he ridicules both individuals and groups such as school in asters, singers or scribes. In addition, there is much incidental detail about traditional culture and conduct. It will appeal to the modern reader for its comical power, sometimes covert and sometimes straight-faced, which remains undiminished 1,100 years after it was written. The present translation by the late Professor R. B. Serjeant makes this work available to the English-speaking world for the first time. Professor Serjeant was one of the most eminent Arabic scholars in Britain, and since the 1950s he had used extracts from this work when teaching Arabic to his students, as he felt it gave great insight into traditional Arabic society.

Translated by Professor Basil Collins Reviewed By Dr Mummad Hamid Alta'I. Mugaddasi was born in the year 945 of the Common Era (CE), which corresponds to the year 334 of the Islamic calendar (AH), and died towards the close of the millennium. Defining the area of his study as that where the presence of the religious and political institutions of Islam dominated, he travelled throughout the regions observing, enquiring, researching, taking notes and writing drafts. His work was eventually published in 985cE/375AH, and a revised edition was produced three years later. Early in the second half of the nineteenth century the German orientalist Aloys Sprenger brought to the attention of the West a manuscript of al-Mugaddasi's work. Sprenger's enthusiasm over the content of the manuscript was reflected in his judgment that its author was the greatest geographer of all time. The translation by Basil Collins published here is the first rendition into a Western language of al-Mugaddasi s treatise. Al-Muqaddasi s work bespeaks an interested and interesting man, seeing his world through a frame of reference derived from his deeply held religious beliefs, yet capable of making assessments with probity and common sense, striving to get at the truth of the natter. Basil Collins is Professor of Geography and Planning at the University of Toledo, in the United States. Mohanmmad Alta'i obtained his BA at the University of Baghdad in 1943 and his Ph.D. in Geography from the University o...read more

How was matter and time created from nothingness? What does the Big Bang theory signify about the creation of the universe? How can a time slice of centuries in our view be a single moment in another dimension? What is the parallelism between Einstein's Theory of Relativity and the Qur'anic verses. All of these questions are answered in this book where it is described that time and matter are not absolute truths but mere perceptions.

Perspectives on Morality and Human Well-Being: A Contribution to Islamic Economics explores in detail the proposition that (private) morality, especially religious morality, is vital for achieving economic well-being and human happiness; and that this linkage would be even stronger in an Islamic economy. The book highlights the need for an active interaction between religion, morality and economics in general and in an (idealized) Islamic economy in particular. It is the contention of the book that moral principles mould individual's economic and social behaviour, that the microscopic power of religious morality makes it more effective than secular morality in achieving social goals. It is, further argued that an egalitarian public policy must supplement private morality to strengthen each other's ability to maximize collective good. A major theme of the book is to highlight the areas where religious and secular ethical philosophies can fruitfully interact to enhance human-well being. The book demonstrates that, within the parameters of their inner logic and societal compulsion, the principal religious ethical systems (especially, Islam, Christianity and Judaism) stand to gain from each other's moral visions and their endeavours to maximize human well-being. Professor Syed Nawab Haider Naqvi has held academic posts at various universities in Europe, USA and the Middle East. He was the Director of Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, the founder-President of the Pa...read more

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About the Book "Why do some people try to prove the existence of Allah while others deny it altogether. What is the reason for this extraordinary contradiction which exists despite the fact that the human self contains something which innately recognises Allah's existence." In this book the famous Egyptian scholar and television broadcaster, Shaykh Muhammad Mitwalli Al-Sha'rawi answers this question in his own inimitable way. Using straightforward but compelling arguments, Shaykh Al-Sha'rawi brings home to the unprejudiced reader the overwhelming evidence in the universe which points inevitably towards its unitary Divine Source. Divine Existence Versus Doubt is the latest in a series of English translations of Shayth AlSha'rawi's work published by Dar al-Taqwa on key aspects of the teachings of Islam and their relationship with the world today.

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An Explanation of Muhammad ibn `Abd al Wahhab's Kashf al-Shubuhat A CRITICAL STUDY OF SHIRK Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi About the Book This work, which is a detailed explanation of one of Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab's most important works, deals with explaining and refuting the evidences that were used by certain Muslim groups of his time to justify acts of shirk (the act of associating partners with Allah). It is entitled Kashf al-Shubuhat, which literally translates as: 'The Clearing of Doubts'. lion Abd al-Wahhab intended in this work to expose the falsity and speciousness of these arguments by proving that the pagans whom the Prophet (;) fought utilised the exact same arguments and fell prey to the same reasoning as these modern practitioners of shirk did. It is one of the most advanced works on the subject, and over a dozen different arguments and evidences used to justify shirk are presented and then refuted. In order to maximise the benefit of this work, introductory sections concerning other aspects of shirk not mentioned by Ibn `Abd al-Wahhab have been added by the author. To this end, the work discusses the definitions of shirk, the importance of knowing shirk, the difference between shirk and kufr, the types and categories of shirk, the history of shirk, the evils and futility of shirk, the causes of shirk, and other related topics. In addition, a brief biography of Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab is included as a preface to the text of his book. This work is undoubte...read more

Muslim civilisation has experienced an overall decline during the last five centuries after having undergone a long period of prosperity and comprehensive development. Dr Chapra in this penetrating study has tried to examine the root causes and then discussed a reform programme that could help reverse the cycle of decline.

Contemporary Islamic resurgence can be understood in its historical perspective and ideological connotations only by having a deeper understanding of the thoughts and contributions of its chief architects, among whom Iqbal, one of the most illustrious poet-philosophers of Islam occupies a very distinct position. Abdur Rashid Siddiqui's well-researched book Man and Destiny: Some Reflections on Iqbal's Concepts of Khudi and the Perfect Man is a timely contribution that brings into sharp focus the real intellectual and ideological ethos of Islamic resurgence. He has delved deep into the mind and soul of Iqbal and presented in a simple and lucid style two cardinal concepts of Iqbalian thought. The concepts of Khudi (self) and Insan-i-Kamil (the perfect man) are keys to the understanding of Iqbal's vision of man and his role in history.

** Note - this edition is a photocopy of the original printed version ** This book is a detailed explanation of the human nature, our natural instincts. Unfortunately most of mankind have failed miserably to understand and utilise these vital instincts appropriately. Hence they have turned the world into a habitation of devils, due to their enslavement by most of these instincts. This book elucidates the Islamic methodology of controlling and utilising these vital instincts to guarantee success in this life and in the hereafter.

This is the English translation of the booklet “Al-Khilaaf Baynal ‘Ulamma Asbaabuha wa Mawqifunaa Minhoo” by the great scholar Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah preserve him and increase him in good.It is hoped that this book, although small in size, will have an impact in explaining this vital subject. Inshallah one who studies this book will increase in his respect for the scholars and in his tolerance Towards his brothers who hold valid opinions which may differ from his.

Early twentieth century has witnessed a number of well-organised movements for the revival of Islam in different parts of the Muslim world. In the Indo-Pak Subcontinent, Mawlana Mawdudi, the founder of the Jmna'at-i-Islami, has made an indelible mark on history by organising the Jarna`ah and successfully leading it through different turbulent periods and delineating cogent guidelines for the revival of Islam and application of its teachings to the problems of the modern world. Few men have captured the imagination and inspired the educated Muslims during the last few decades to the extent Mawlana Mawdudi has done. His admirers, friends and associates have made an effort, through this volume, to pay their heartful tribute to Mawlana's long record of service to the cause of Islam, especially to Islamic scholarship. Islamic Perspectives: Studies in Honour of Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi is a result of collaboration and research by a number of reputed scholars of Islam, both from orient and occident, who come from diverse background, but share their faith in Islam. The variety of interest, approach and viewpoint reflected in the different contributions of the volume mirror the richness of diversity which has always been the characteristic of healthy Islamic intellectual life. This Festschrift contains articles on aspects of Islamic intellectual perspective and heritage and outlines the nature of Islamic society, state and economy. It also contains contributions on some celebrated sc...read more

About the Book: The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi is the first book published by Zaytuna Institute for its Curriculum Series. Translated, annotated, and introduced by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, it is a simple yet profound expression of the essential points of Muslim belief. Imam al-Tahawi’s creed has achieved an unusual degree of acceptance in the Muslim world, as it avoids involuted theological issues and systematically presents the most fundamental aspects of dogmatic theology. Studied throughout the Muslim world and increasingly in the West, The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi serves as a sound basis for Islamic faith and is the most reliable of the early articulations of Muslim belief. About Imam al-Tahawi: Born in Taha in Upper Egypt in 239 AH/853 CE, Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi lived until 321/933. A first-rate jurist, a brilliant grammarian and philologist, and an erudite man of letters, Imam al-Tahawi is best known for his eponymous creed. Known as “al-Azdi,” in reference to the Yemeni clan known as “Azd al-Hajar,” Imam al-Tahawi was a descendent of a people about whom the Prophet Muhammad said, “Faith is Yemeni.” It is altogether fitting that the man who penned such a unifying creed descended from the land of which faith itself is a descendant. Providing seekers of knowledge with a luminous set of simple and sound statements, his creed is a beacon of certainty in the darkness of doubt and ambiguity. About the Translator: Hamza Yusuf is an American convert to Islam who studied for ...read more

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About the Book Indeed the enmity between man and Shaytaan is old, commencing from the time that Adam (AS) was created - from the time that he was ordered to prostrate to him. Shaytaan refused, became arrogant and hence disobeyed his Lord. His arrogance and pride led him to commit a whole host of sins, it made him expend every effort in misleading the children of Adam and made him beautify and embellish sins such that they accepted them and eagerly committed them. Due to this, Allaah, the Exalted, revealed the Books, sent the Messengers and enjoined His servants to various injunctions and admonitions in order to secure them from the evil of Shaytaan. In the light of His advice, profound injunctions and severe warnings, mankind became separated into two groups: a group who were guided and a group who deserved to be misguided. The group who were guided are the inhabitants of Paradise and the group who were misguided are the denizens of the Fire. The inhabitants of Paradise are the Awliyaa of the Most Merciful and the denizens of the Fire are the awliyaa of Shaytaan. "Whoever takes Shaytaan as an ally instead of Allaah has certainly sustained a clear loss." [An-Nisaa' (4): 119] Presented to the reader is the book al-Furgaan bayna Awliyaa ar-Rahmaan wa awliyaa ash-Shaytaan at a time in which Shaytaan has overcome the majority of mankind and knowledge of the differences between the Awliyaa of the Most Merciful and the awliyaa of Shaytaan is seldom found. In it, the author explai...read more

The Sunnah still provides the stable moral framework - the grammar - that enables Muslims, by formal rules and inward sense, to know right from wrong. However, separation from the mainstream of life puts the Sunnah in danger of becoming rigid - an archaism. Addressing that danger, this book explains how the Sunnah can function as the grammar of a living, adaptive language, capable of guiding (and not shying from) the mainstream. The first chapter sets out the qualities that characterize authentic application of the Sunnah: universality, coherence (so that different spheres of human responsibility are not split), compassionate realism, moderation, and humility. The second explains standards and procedures for determining the Sunnah in the fields of jurisprudence and moral instruction. The third chapter illustrates through detailed examples common errors in understanding the Sunnah - reading hadiths singly without sufficient context, confusing legal and moral inunctions, means and ends, figurative and literal meanings... - and it proposes remedies for these errors. YUSUF AL-QARADAWI is one of the Islamic world's most widely respected and prolific scholars. His works have remained popular over many decades. Among the best known of his books to appear in English is The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam (first edition 1994).