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

In recent years, Islam has become a more visible force, not only in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but also in Western Europe and the United States. Greater attention to religious observance has accompanied the creation of new institutions. Religiously inspired social and political movements have proliferated. Only a few decades ago, Muslims were virtually invisible in Europe and America. Today, increased immigration has changed the religious landscape of the West. Mosques and Islamic centers are found in European and American cities and towns. Muslims are visible in nearly every area of social and political life. A list of major Islamic cities and populations today must include not only Cairo, Tunis, Damascus, and Islamabad, but also Paris, London, New York, and Detroit. This demographic and cultural shift requires that we speak not only of the relationship between the traditional Islamic world and the West, but also about Islam in the West. It has also meant that Islam has been obliged to modernize, to grapple with its status as a minority religion in some parts of the world and a majority one in others. Modernizing Islam speaks to the significance, origins, influences, and implications of Islam's changes, and thus to the various ways in which this religion is becoming a truly global force, shaping such realms as law, politics, education, and ethics, among many others.

The Hidayah has dominated the field of Islamic jurisprudence since the day it was written over 800 years ago. It has been the primary text used by Muslim jurists to issue authentic and reliable rulings on Islamic law according to the school of Imam Atha Hanifa (d. 1 50 AH/767 CE). The Hidayah commands such an authoritative position amongst the doctors of law that the knowledge of a scholar who has not read it is not considered reliable. Around 7o huge commentaries, some spread over more than a dozen volumes, have been written on it. The number of explanatory glosses is in thousands. Comprehensive in content and conveniently organised, with the publication of this book all previous works that discussed Islamic jurisprudence according to The Hanafi law become outmoded and soon fell into disuse. If revealed books are not taken into account, never has a book received so much attention as the Hidayah. This landmark publication of the Hidayah not only has been translated in its entirety for the first time but has been done so from Arabic, the language in which it was written. The Author, Shaykh al-Islam Burhan al-Din al-Marghindni (d. 593 AH/ 1197 CE) was considered to be the leading jurist of the Muslim world in his times. "The Hidayah is justly celebrated as the most practical and useful summary compilation of Hanafi jurisprudence. It has been a standard text in the curricula of Islamic law schools since the 12th century. Itwas first translated into English by Charles Hamilton ...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

The Islamic Art and Architecture

"The creed of ash-Shaafi’ee - may Allaah be pleased with him - and the creed of the Salaf of the Ummah, like Maalik, ath-Thawree, al-Awzaa’ee, Ibnul-Mubaarak (d.181H), Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, and Is-haaq Ibn Raahawayh (d.238H) is the creed of the scholars whom they followed like Fudhayl Ibn ’Iyaadh (d.187H), Aboo Sulaymaan ad-Daaraanee, Sahl Ibn Sa’d at-Tustaree (d.283H), and others. There was no disagreement between these imaams and their likes over the principles of the Religion…" - Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah REVISED 2nd EDITION Enlightening clarification from the four imaams themselves - from their own words - about the correct position on vital issues of creed, such as tawheed, eemaan, and qadar, as well as the position of Ahlus-Sunnah on theological rhetoric and the honor and respect due to the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)… It is sincerely hoped that all Muslims who claim adherence to the teachings of these great imaams - may Allaah have Mercy on them - will truly embrace the most important aspect of their teachings: the correct beliefs they understood from the texts of the Book and the Sunnah based on the understanding of the Companions and their followers.

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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.

Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi, the son of a rose-water merchant, lived in Basra from 974 to 1058 AD, a 'time of political turmoil. Despite ongoing disputes between the Abbasid caliphs and the military powers of the Shiite Buyids, al-Mawardi held the respect of both parties and was often called on to mediate between them. He served as a judge in several districts and was commended as a judge par excellence. He wrote on many subjects, including Qur'anic interpretations, religion, government, public and constitutional law, language, ethics and belles-lettres. The Ordinances of Government is believed to have been written under commission from one of the caliphs of Baghdad, as indicated in the author's preface. It has long been recognized as a classic in its field, much discussed by Arab authors and orientalists, quoted in courses on Islamic law and government. It contains insights into key issues of Islamic law, including the appointment of sovereigns, judges and military commanders, and their rights, responsibilities and duties; fighting apostates, insurgents and brigands; dividing the spoils of war; boundaries between countries, land reclamation and water supplies; land enclosure, tithes, taxes and alms; crimes and punishments; fornication, theft, drinking and adultery. Educated in Cairo, Dublin and the U.K., Professor Wafaa H. Wahba has followed an illustrious career teaching at different universities around the world. Professor Wahba is currently undertaking research in the U.S.A...read more

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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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

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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

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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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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

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

The Future of Economics (An Islamic Perspective) raises and tries to answer a number of crucial questions about economics. One of these pertains to the primary task of economics - is it just to analyse and predict or is it also to help a society actualize its vision? if realization of the vision is important, then there arises the question of what is the difference between the visions of Islam and conventional economics? Is it possible for economics to help realize the Islamic vision by taking into account only economic variables and analyzing just 'what is', as conventional economics does, or is it also neccessary to discuss the moral, psychological, social, political and historical factors that have led to the hiatus between the vision and the prevailing reality, and to suggest a strategy for bridging the gap? Has Islamic Economics been able to rise to the task and, if not, what needs to be done in the future.

This book contains Significant excerpts on different topics from Shah Waliullah Dehlawi's masterpiece, Hujjat Allah al-Balighah. Hujjat Allah al-Balighah is one of the master works of Shah Wali Allah of Delhi, an important Muslim thinker of pre-modern South Asia. This work originally written in Arabic represents a synthesis of the Islamic intellectual disciplines authoritative in the 18th century. In order to argue for the rational, ethical and spiritual basis for the implementation of the hadith injunctions of the prophet Muhammad, Shah Wali Allah developed a cohesive schema of the metaphysical, psychological and social knowledge of his time. This work provides an extensive and detailed picture of Muslim theology and interpretive strategies on the eve of the modern period and is still evoked by numerous contemporary Islamic movements. In this Book Shah Wali Allah discusses matters of belief to social structure, from politics and statecraft to economy, from legal and juristic concepts to philosophical and metaphysical ideas. He addressed himself to the needs of this world but at the same time did not forget to respond to the requirements of ultimate success in the Hereafter. SHAH WALIYULLAH (1702-1763) Qutb al-Din Ahmad ibn 'Abd al-Rahim, popularly known as Shah Wali Allah, lived at a critical juncture of Muslim history. India had enjoyed the peaceful and prosperous rule of the Mughals for more than 200 years, but by the time of Shah Wali Allah, mutually hosti...read more

Kitab al-Amwal (The Book of Revenue) is the work of a brilliant legal mind. Abu 'Ubayd al-Qasim ibn Sallam provides us with an accurate record of legal precedents laid down in the first two centuries of Islam, in particular those pertaining to the sources of revenue and the avenues of public expenditure. The power of the book, however, lies in the method of the author and the analysis undertaken by him. He gathers together the traditions of the Prophet (pbuh), the opinions of his Companions and the views of eminent jurists, and then subjects them to legal analysis that is unparalleled in Islamic legal literature. The book is essential for every student of Islamic law, especially those who wish to master the art of interpreting and analysing legal traditions and early precedents. In the discipline known as fiqh al-sunnah there is no book or manual that can compete with this outstanding work. The present translation includes a translation of the notes by Muhammad Khalil Harris. The translator Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee teaches Islamic law and law at the Faculty of Shari'a and Law, at the International Islamic University, Islamabad. He is also editor of the Islamabad Law Review. Nyazee is the author of a number of books on Islamic law including Theories of Islamic Law and Islamic jurisprudence as well as the two-volume work Islamic Law, of Business Organization dealing with partnerships and corporations. He has translated Ibn Rushd's well-known work Bidayat al-Mujtahid ...read more

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.