PERCEPTIONS OF ISLAM IN EUROPEAN WRITINGS is part of the wider study of Islam and the West: a history of European, mainly French and English, intellectual responses to Islam from the seventeenth century onwards. It focuses on the nineteenth century. Studies on Islam and the West have so far tended to be dominated by nonMuslim writers. This study, therefore, attempts to put forward a scholarly, Muslim, point of view, on a subject which has acquired increasing importance in our time. Relying on primary European and Islamic source materials, it remains firmly committed to the notion of fidelity to European thought. It paves the way to a constructive dialogue between equals, Islam and the West. AHMAD GUNNY first joined the Civil Service in Mauritius. Posted to London, he served at the Mauritius High Commission as Second Secretary and later became First Secretary. Educated at Leeds, Oxford and London Universities, he was awarded a Ph.D in French, London. For many years he taught French at Liverpool University, becoming Reader there before being elected Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. In Oxford he gives Seminars on Islam and the West at Colleges of the University, OCIS and Maison Francaise. Among his works are: Voltaire and English Literature (Oxford, 1979), Images of Islam in Eighteenth-Century Writings (London, 1996) and critical editions of Voltaire texts, including De l'Alcoran et de Mahomet, in Complete Works (Oxford, 2002). THE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION is an educ...read more

Muslims believe that everything they own is given to them as an amanah (trust) from Allah. The author sheds light on how modern medical issues should be handled in light of our Islamic responsibilities.Organ Transplantation, Euthanasia, Cloning and Animal Experimentation: An Islamic View have given rise to a host of ethico-legal issues. Muslims believe that everything they own has been given to them as an amanah (trust) from Allah. Would it constitute a breach of that trust to consent to enrol oneself as an organ donor? Cloning could rectify the problem of infertile couples, but such technology could also be abused with dire consequences. While euthanasia may apparently alleviate the suffering of the terminally ill, would that not compound their agony in the life hereafter? The author sheds light on these issues and acquaints the reader with the latest rulings on these biotechnological manipulations. Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim, hailing from the Seychelles, resides in South Africa. He holds the following degrees: BA (Aleemiyah Institute of Islamic Studies - Karachi); B.Th. (AI-Azhar - Cairo); and MA and PhD (Temple University - Philadelphia). He has particular interest in Islamic Law and Bioethics. He is Professor of Islamic Studies and is attached to the School of Religion and Culture, University of Durban - Westville, South Africa. His earlier work, Abortion, Birth Control and Surrogate Motherhood -An Islamic Perspective, was published in 1989 by American Trust Publications,...read more

This book, which originated in a conference held to honour Dr. Fathi Osman, starts with a redefinition of what modernity signifies. Rejecting ideological and ethnocentric definitions of modernity, the contributors depart from the understanding that Islam is already an important component of life in the modern world. The discussion focuses specifically on the moral challenge posed by modernity to Islamic beliefs and thinking, in particular the questions raised by modern thinking and practice in the areas of democracy, human rights and the status of minorities. The contributors approach these questions from different angles, but agree on the need to offer creative but Islamically authentic responses to these challenges. In the process, they challenge some dominant conceptions both within modern and Islamic thinking. DR. ABDELWAHAB EL-AFFENDI is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-ordinator of the Project on Democracy in the Muslim World at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Westminster, London. His publications include, Turabi's Revolution: Islam and Power in Sudan and Who Needs an Islamic State? THE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION is an educational and research organization devoted to making Islam a living reality in our age. For this purpose, it aims to improve human communication and develop a better understanding of Islam among all people of the world, Muslim and non-Muslim, so as to galvanize man to the message and ideal of One God and the unity of mankind, as brought ...read more

TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE QUR'AN is a fresh and highly readable English rendering of Tafhim al-Qur'an, Sayyid Mawdudi's monumental and masterly Urdu translation and commentary. Here is a Tafsir with a difference, by a scholar of an entirely different sort. An immense wealth of profound understanding of the Qur'an is here, so is a vast treasure of knowledge and deep insights, illuminating historical accounts and philological discussions, and a highly systematic exposition of social, political, economic and legal teachings. But what makes this Tafsir unique is that it translates the Qur'an into a book to be lived by, a mission to be lived for, and a duty that a reader can no longer evade or postpone. This rare quality is imparted not only by the depth of his scholarship and style of exposition, but also because Sayyid Mawdudi lived by what he expounded, as his life abundantly proves. This Tafsir answers contemporary questions, and makes the Qur'an fully relevant to the concerns of our day, yet it loses nothing of its timelessness nor sacrifices any of the traditional understanding. It demonstrates the unity and coherence of the Qur'an by centreing everything in it on its message, like gems hung on a single string. Each Sarah is prefaced by an account of its background and teachings: Maps and indexes add greatly to the understanding. To sum up: in this Tafsir, Sayyid Mawdudi is offering us what we need most to understand and live by the Qur'an. ZAFAR ISHAQ ANSARI, Director Gen...read more

The work presents 41 Quranic themes with definitions and benefits. Provides references from around one third of the Quran, beautifully illustrated in full colour.

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

Ever since its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for LA hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Quran is more than `just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950's and 1960's. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Qur'an has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic rev...read more

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Towards Understanding the Quran: Abridged version of Tafhim al-Qur'an Towards Understanding the Qur'an Abridged version is a fresh English rendering of Tafhim al-Qur'an, Sayyid Mawdudi's monumental and masterly Urdu translation of the Qur'an and a selection of his commentary. Here is a work with a difference, by a scholar of an entirely different sort. An immense wealth of profound understanding of the Qur'an is here, a vast treasure of knowledge and deep insight, and a valuable exposition of some social, political, economic and legal teachings of the Qur'an. But what makes this work unique is that it presents the Qur'an as a book to be lived by, a mission to be lived for, and a duty that a reader can no longer evade or postpone. This rare quality is imparted not only by the depth of his scholorship and style of exposition, but also because Sayyid Mawdudi lived by what he expounded as his life abundantly proves.

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Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan Sahih Al-Bukhari covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance from the messenger of Allah. Translated into English in a very easy & simple language, so that all readers can understand it without difficulty. Includes almost all ahadith that are in the 9 volumes except the ahadith that were repeated over and over.

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In this work, Al-Ghazali goes beyond the most obvious aspects of ibadah (like prayer, almsgiving, fasting, pilgrimage, etc). These selections from his `Ihya `Ulum al-Din explain, in his characteristically powerful and inspiring way, how to reap the rich harvests of spiritual, moral and social upliftment that must be their reward. It is an especially important book for young men and women of today who are seeking God's pleasure - a lifestyle impossible to maintain without an understanding of the inner resources which Islam offers.AL-GHAZALI, Abu Hamid Muhammad (450/1058-505/1111), a towering figure in Islam, was born at Tus, near Mashhad in Iran, in the early Seljuq era and studied theology and law at Nayshapur. His formidable intellectual abilities soon won him honour and respect at the Court of the famous Seljuqi Prime Minister, Naizam al-Mulk, and, while still in his early thirties, he became Professor at Madrasa Nizamiyya in Baghdad and attained great prominence there. But soon he abandoned his professorship for a decade of contemplation and studies. He returned for a while to lecture at the Nizamiyya in Nayshapur before his death. He wrote a large number of works which include Al-Munqidh min al-Dalal (a biographical account), Tahafut al-Falasifa; but his magnum opus remains the Ihya"Ulum al-Din in four volumes, compiled during his period of retirement and contemplation. INNER DIMENSIONS OF ISLAMIC WORSHIP consists of selections from Al-Ghazali's Ihya', translated into En...read more

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Translated by: Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan Sahih Al-Bukhari covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance from the messenger of Allah. Translated into English in a very easy & simple language, so that all readers can understand it without di

  (1 review)

EVER SINCE its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Quran is more than `just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950s and 1960s. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Quran has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic reviva...read more

  (1 review)

Ever since its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Quran is more than `just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950s and I960s. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Quran has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic reviv...read more

  (2 reviews)

Compiled in the fourteenth century AD by a prominent Syrian scholar, Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya by Ibn Kathy is a full examination, in chronological order, of the background, life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Drawn from the earliest and most reliable Arabic sources, it offers, in this English translation, the fullest available account of the historical circumstances and personalities most important in the founding of Islam. Ibn Bather's work offers a fine example of Islamic scholarship; the quotations and anecdotes that constitute its core are evaluated in terms of the trustworthiness of their sources.Variant wordings that are related through differing lines of transmission are noted, and Ibn Kathir gives both his own assessments and those of the earliest Islamic authorities concerning the likely authenticity of these records. The comments and conversations, derived from ancient texts, that are quoted in this work constitute the basis of our knowledge of Islam during the lifetime of its founder. Volume III gives details of the numerous battles and campaigns waged between 3 Ax and 8 Ax to defend and spread the religion of Islam. Ibn Kathir was born in approximately 1313 in the Boesra district of eastern Damascus, and studied with the many great scholars working in the city during his time. He died in 1374. Trevor Le Gassick is Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Michigan. He has devoted himself to the translation and commentary of impo...read more

  (1 review)

EVER SINCE its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Quran is more than `just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950s and 1960s. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Quran has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic reviva...read more

  (1 review)

Dr. Mohammed Muhsin Khan The Translation of the Meaning of Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic English(Medium Size)The meaning of Ahadith of our beloved Prophet(saw) in this book are rendered into the English Language in a simple & comprehensive style, free from complications so as to enable the readers to understand them easily. Every care has been taken into consideration to translate the work in the most accurate form.

Of the multitude of histories and and biographies of Medieval Islam there is no book more instinct with life than that of Ibn Battuta. This book provides a descriptive account of Muslim society in the second quarter of the 14th century.

Ever since its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for LA hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Quran is more than `just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950's and 1960's. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Qur'an has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic rev...read more

EVER SINCE its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be the immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective. In the Shade of the Qur'an is more than 'just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly `sophisticated', yet highly perplexed modern society. The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 195os and 196os. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigour, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess. In the Shade of the Qur'an has been universally recognised as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islam...read more