The Sunnah And Its Role In Islamic Legislation

Dr. Mustafa as-Siba’ee
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 573 | Size: 16 MB

The Sunnah and its Role in Islamic Legislation is a groundbreaking effort by Dr. Mustafa as-Siba’ee, for it has a completeness to it in two regards: first, the author manages to cover all topics related to the Sunnah—its status, its legislative force, the stages that led to its recording, just to mention a few—in a comprehensive and organized manner. Second, he presents the views of those that have attacked the Sunnah throughout history, detailing their arguments and then refuting them. Among those groups from the past were the Shi’a and the Mu’tazilah; today, they are mainly the Orientalists and those that are influenced by them.

Shaykh as-Siba’ee takes us through the historical development of the Sunnah, from the early stages of revelation to the recording of the Sunnah during the era of the great Imams of Hadith. Throughout that account, he highlights the contributions of the scholars in preserving the Sunnah and cleansing it from fabrications and lies. Shaykh as-Siba’ee gives a clear account of the revolutionary methods and scholarly principles that were established in order to authenticate historical reports and narrations. The author shows us that the fruits of that endeavor were the preservation of the authentic Sunnah and the birth of the Hadith sciences.

This book has been a perennial source of knowledge for Arabic-speaking students of Islam, for its clarity, readability, and insightful research. New English-speaking students too have available to them this authoritative treatise on the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ) may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

About Author

Dr. Mustafa As-Siba’i was born in 1915 in the city of Hams, Damascus. He memorized the Qur’an at a very young age. He studied the Islamic Sciences with his father Shaykh Hasani Sibai and in circles with great scholars and jurists of Hams. His teachers included Shaykh Tahir Al-Atasi (Mufti of Hams at the time), Shaykh Zahid Al-Atasi, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yasin, Shaykh Anis Kalalib and others.

From the young age of eighteen he used to deliver the Friday khutbahs in the absence of his father. In 1933, he went to Egypt and enrolled at the Univesity of Al-Azhar to study fiqh.

Upon completing his studies of fiqh, he enrolled at the Usul al-Deen Faculty of Al-Azhar and excelled in his studies. In 1949, he completed his PhD on the theme of ‘The Position of Sunnah in Legislation’.
He is currently Dean of Faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence, and professor of Individual Rights in the Faculty of Sharia, Damascus University.

Sahih Muslim (7 Vol. Set)

Imam Muslim
Language: ِArabic-English | Format: PDF | Volumes: 7 | Size: 57 MB

Sahih Muslim is the most authentic book of Hadith after Sahih Al-Bukhari and contains 7,563 Ahadith. The Muslim Scholars have agreed that all of the Ahadith in Sahih Muslim are authentic. Thus, Darussalam realized the great benefit of publishing the full version of Sahih Muslim in the English language in the best presentation. Much care has been taken in rendering these Ahadith into a clear and simple style of modern English.

This fine-quality edition of Sahih Muslim has been verified by Dar-us-Salam Publications extensively. Its translation has been checked several times as not only to avoid mistranslating but also to avoid misinterpreting the ahadith as done by many translators of the current times in order to rush the product to market or to their lack of understanding of the Arabic language. Unlike other publishers which leave you wondering about the meaning of the ahadith, the unclear wording has been explained in the brackets. There are also footnotes on bottom of some of the pages, when the term cannot be explained in the brackets. This edition of Dar-us-Salam is nice in that it starts off by drawing a life sketch of Imam Muslim. Then, it goes on to the introduction of Sahih Muslim by Imam Muslim himself where he explains the difference between different narrators and level of trustworthiness.

This edition is also different from other publishers in that the text is side by side with Arabic so you have access to both English and Arabic at the same time. Furthermore, the book regarding reporting from the trustworthy narrators have been placed first while other books follow it. Moreover, the Arabic text contains full chain of narrators while the English only mentions the companion. Lastly, in keeping with the tradition of high quality printing, this edition of Sahih Muslim by Dar-us-Salam Publications is second to none other & made to last a long time, Insha Allah.

About Sahih Muslim:

The authentic hadith collections of Bukhari and Muslim are excellent in respect to both chain of transmissions and the texts as well as their general utility in that they gave guidance in almost all walks of life. The collections won the praise and acclaim of of Hadith scholars so much that they themselves produced works containing the same Ahadith as found in the collection of both Bukhari and Muslim but with their own independent chains consisting of a lesser # of sub-narrators and called their works Mustakhraj.

Imam Muslim is one of the foremost preservers of ahadith of the Prophet. His book comes second only to Sahih al Bukhari in terms of authenticity according to majority of scholars. It is considered to be better than Sahih Bukhari in terms of organization and repetition according to some scholars of Islam. It is the second in the collection of 6 books called “Sihah Sittah” or “6 most authentic books”. Imam Muslim took painstaking efforts in preserving the words/actions/sayings & approvals of the Prophet. He has mostly used 4-5 narrators in the chain of transmission although there are a couple of hadith containing 3 narrators. Imam Muslim was a very good student of Imam Bukhari and some of his Shuyukhs, although he did not narrate from Imam Bukhari too much, thus reducing the # of narrators.

Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhari

Imam al-Bukhari
Language: ِArabic-English | Format: PDF | Pages: 1097 | Size: 45 MB

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. This summarized edition of Sahih Al-Bukhari has Arabic text with corresponding English translation side by side.

All Muslim Scholars agree that Sahih Al-Bukhari is the most authentic book after the Qur’an. The Summarized Bukhari is condensed into about 1000 pages by selecting a few Ahadith from the original 9-Volume which has about 4000 pages. This book contains about 2220 Ahadith. Most of the duplicate hadith from different chains (with slight variations) have been removed and only one has been kept.

In Imam Bukhari’s ‘Al-Jami-al-Sahih’ (Sahih Al Bukhari) the Imam had recorded all the Sayings of the Prophet which he found to be genuine after thorough examination and scrutiny. He spent sixteen years in research and examined more than sixty thousand Sayings from which he selected some 7,275 Sayings whose genuineness and accuracy he established beyond the slightest doubt. Deducting duplicates, the Imam’s collection contain about four thousand distinct Sayings.

The text used for this Summary is based on Imam Zayn al-Din Ahmad ibn Ahmad al-Sharji al-Zubaydi (d. 893) the author of the abridged Sahih al-Bukhari [al-Tajrid al-Sarih].

Sahih Al-Bukhari (9 Vol. Set)

Imam al-Bukhari
Language: ِArabic-English | Format: PDF | Volumes: 9 | Size: 80 MB

Generally regarded as the single most authentic collection of Ahadith, Sahih Al-Bukhari covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance from the messenger of Allah. This 9-Volume Bukhari is the work of over 16 years by Imam Bukhari who before writing any Hadith in this book performed two Rakat prayer of guidance from Allah and when he was sure of the Hadith’s authenticity, he wrote it in the book. Tremendous amounts of errors exist in the translations by other translators. To eliminate the problem Dar-us-Salam spent over 3 years in the publication of this book and presented a book which is translated into English in a very easy & simple language, so that all readers can understand it without difficulty.

This is the unabridged version consisting of 7563 ahadith (about 4000 pages) which are presented neatly in smaller books format and printed on fine paper. Each book (subtopics in each volume categorized by very broad topics such as the Book of As-Salat) contains many chapters which represent one logical unit of Ahadith. Each book contains anywhere from one to 150 chapters with each chapter containing several Ahadith. This book will be a great addition to your library while giving you a true perspective on the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH).

In Imam Bukhari’s ‘Al-Jami-al-Sahih’ (Sahih Al Bukhari) the Imam had recorded all the Sayings of the Prophet which he found to be genuine after thorough examination and scrutiny. He spent sixteen years in research and examined more than sixty thousand Sayings from which he selected only sayings whose genuineness and accuracy he established beyond the slightest doubt. Deducting duplicates, the Imam’s collection contain about four thousand distinct Sayings.

Ways For Gaining Rewards

Department of Jaliyat in Zulfi
Language: Arabic – English | Format: PDF | Pages: 35 | Size: 1 MB

There are many ways to gain reward from Allah and in this book there are some examples like: The Holy Qur’an, Remembering Allah, Ablution, Prayer and Fasting.

1. Memorizing Qur’an: Aisha reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Such a person who recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Quran by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”

2. Reciting Qur’an: Abu Umama reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It.”

3. Learning and Teaching Qur’an: Uthman bin Affan reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”

4. Suratul Al-Ikhlas: Abu Edarda reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ” Suratul Ikhlas: (Chapter 112) is equal to one-third of the Qur’an!”

5. Suratul Falaq and Surat Nas: Uqba bin Amir reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: What wonderful verses have been sent down tonight. the like of which has never been seen! They are:” Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn,” and” Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of men.” (chapters: 112 – 113 – 114 )

6. Suratul Baqarah: Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Do not make your houses as graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Suratul Baqarah is recited.”d of men.”

7. Suratul Baqarah and Suratu Ali Imran: Abu Umama reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the two bright ones, al- Baqara and Al ‘Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Surah al-Baqara, for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.”.

8. Ayatul Kursi (The Throne): Ubay bin Ka’b reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said to him: “O Abal-Mundhir, do you know which verse of Allah’s Book that you have is the greatest? “I replied, “Allah, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal ” (2:254) . Thereupon he struck me on my breast and said: May knowledge be pleasant for you, O Abal Mundhir!”

9. The last two verses of Al-Baqarah: Abu Mas’ud reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever recites the last two Verses of Suratul Baqarah during the night, they will be sufficient for him.”

10. Memorizing ten verses of Suratul Kahf: Abu Edarda reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ” Whoever learns by heart the first ten verses of Suratul Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.”
This hadith has been transmitted by Qatada with the same chain of transmitters. But Shu’ba (one of the narrators) said: At the end of Suraul Kahf . (chapters: 112 – 113 – 114 )

11. Remembering Allah much: Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said : “Mufarridun have gone ahead.” They (the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) ) said: Allah’s Messenger, who are Mufarridun? He said: “They are those males and females who remember Allah much. “

12. Abu Musa reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The example of the one who celebrates the Praises of his Lord (Allah) in comparison to the one who does not celebrate the Praises of his Lord, is that of a living creature compared to a dead one.”

The Hadith

Dimension: 1017×1394 | Format: PNG | Size: 1 MB

A brief poster regarding the meaning of hadiths, who wrote the hadiths and the reality of Hadiths in the light of Quran and Sunnah.

A Gift To The Barailwis

Ali Hassan Khan
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 68 | Size: 1 MB

All thanks to Allah, Lord of the Universe, and may His salah and salam be on our Prophet (saw), his household and companions.

I have compiled this small booklet in order to show to Bralwis laymen that the great scholars of this community oppose the creed of Ahmad Raza Khan. But as Brawlis scholars have put hatred in the hearts of their followers towards the Salafis and Ahlul Hadith, if I was to translate myself quotes of scholars, Brawlis would not read it, saying Salafis are liars. That is why, in this booklet, I have only gathered sayings of scholars as translated and published by Sufis themselves, so Brawlis cannot say these Sufis translators are liars.

Aisha Bewley, Abdassammad Clarke, Muhtar Holland, Nuh Keller, Abdal Hakim Murad, Nancy Roberts and all others are all well known Sufis, so Brawlis should at least aknowledge that their translation is correct, and all these scholars quoted such as Al-Ghazali, Qadhi ‘Iyad, An-Nawawi, Al-Qurtubi, As-Suyuti, Shah Waliyullah, Ibn Rajab, Ash-Shirazi, Al-Amidi, Ibnul Hajib, Al-Baydawi, Al-Jilani, Shurunbulali and all others oppose the creed of Ahmad Raza Khan.

I have also translated some quotes from Bralwi scholars themselves, from their books written in Urdu, such as the Tafsir of Al-Muradabadi, the tafsir “Dhiya ul-Quran” of Karam Shah Al- Bhervi and the Sharh of “Sahih Muslim” of Ghulam Rasul As-Sa’idi, as Brawlis generally know Urdu and can check these books themselves.

And Ghulam Rasul As-Sa’idi quoted scholars such as An-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, Badrudin Al-‘Ayni, Mulla Ali Al-Qari, Al-Qurtubi, Al-Alusi, Ar-Razi and others saying that prophets can err in matters of Ijtihad.

So Bralwis laymen cannot deny these quotes and they have to acknowledge that all these great scholars oppose the creed of Ahmad Raza Khan.

My aim is only to show the proofs from Quran and Hadith, with the interpretatrion of these Great scholars, as for guidance, then only Allah can guide Brawlis. May Allah send Salah and Salam on His Messenger (saw), his family, companions.

Islamic Exorcism From Qur’an And Sunnah

The United Kingdom
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 21 | Size: 18.5 MB

This booklet presents a number of supplications and shows how a Muslim can treat himself with verses From the Qur’an and from the Prophetic supplications (ruqyah) against some diseases, sorcery, the evil eye, and other ailments.

A Textbook Of Hadith Studies

Mohammad Hashim Kamali
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 206 | Size: 45.5 MB

A Textbook of Hadith Studies is an authoritative book on Hadith criticism, classification, compilation and authenticity. It provides a wide-ranging coverage of Hadith methodology and literature for intermediate and advanced levels of study. Readership: For all those interested in Hadith, Islamic law, History and classical Islamic intellectual tradition Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works are: Islamic Commercial Law, Freedom of Expression in Islam, The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective, and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam. He is also the author of the well known book: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (which is one of the standard text books on Islamic Jurisprudence).

Sunan An-Nasa’i (6 Vol. Set)

Imam Hafiz An-Nasai
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 3208 | Size: 94 MB

For the first time ever in English, after years of painstaking efforts at Dar-us-Salam, Sunan An-Nasa’i is now available, complete in 6 volumes! Like the other translations of the six books of hadith, Dar-us-Salam, has taken great care in correct translation, simple and clear modern English language and high quality publishing.

Sunan An-Nasai has the fewest weak ahadith after the two Sahih collections. This Sunan is one of the six is al-Mujtaba or as-Sunan as-Sughara, which is a synopsis of a large collection of ahadith which he considered to be fairly reliable. In the smaller collection, only those ahadith which he considered to be reliable have been included.

It was compiled by the great scholar of hadith, Abu Abdur-Rahman Ahmad bin Shu’aib bin Bahr An-Nasai (Nasa’ of Khurasan) (214-303AH). Imam An-Nasai, like other great scholars of hadith traveled to Baghdad, Ash-Sham, Egypt, Mecca, and many other cities to seek knowledge. He received the praises of many scholars including Ad-Daraqutni who said about him: “He is given preference over all others who are mentioned with this knowledge from the people of his time”. Some scholars consider his compilation to have the least number of defective or weak narrations among the four Sunan. This great book of his contains 5761 ahadith, making it as an invaluable addition to anyone’s library.

This translation by Dar-us-Salam Publications has several advantages including:

- A final verdict about the authenticity of every hadith (in parentheses at end of every hadith) by the committee of scholars at Dar-us-Salam
- Comments in English after many ahadith to explain unclear points and to further explain the hadith
- Translation from old manuscripts of hadith to get the most authentic version
- Revision by three different levels of scholars to get as close to the original meaning
- Arabic and English side by side for easy access
- As always on all Dar-us-Salam books, the paper quality, binding, design and the print are unmatched. Alhamdulillah

Note:

- All the Ahadith of this collection have been documented, referenced and traced by the  research scholar, Hafiz Zubair ‘Ali Za’i.
- The original Arabic texts of the Ahadith contain complete chain of narrators while in translation, for the sake of simplicity, only the name of the first narrator is mentioned who narrated the Hadith from the Prophet.

After numerous collections of Hadith had been made during the third century of Islam six works became recognised as authoritative. Two of them are believed to be completely authentic, namely the Sahih al-Bukhari and the Shih Muslim.
The other four known as the Sunan  Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud, and Sunan Nasa’i are also highly esteemed but it is regarded lower in category to Sahih Bukhari and Muslim

‘Mawara-un-nehr, in Central Asia has given the world many religious scholars whose names are inscribed for ever on the pages of Islamic history. Among them we find such a distinguished person as Abu Abdur Rahman Ahmad bin Shu’aib an Nasai’i. His book Sunan occupies an outstanding place among six principal Hadith collections (Sihah Sittah) known in the Muslim world. Imam Nasa’i was very careful while selecting materials for his work. This is why many scholars consider that the book Sunan Nasa’i occupies third place in Hadith collections after Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. It contains 5764 tradition, said to have been carefully collected out of 500,000.’

Imam Abu Abdur Rahman Ahmad ibn Shu’aib an-Nasa’i (r.a) – [215 - 303 A.H.]
Imam an-Nasa’i was born in the town of Nasa’ in the province of Khorasan. After gaining hadith from the teachers in his own city, Imam an-Nasa’i travelled through Khorasan, Iraq, the Hijaz, Syria and Egypt collecting ahadith. Egypt was where Imam an-Nasa’i settled and established his center for teaching and studies here.
He Died in Makkah in 303 Hijri

About this Translation:

The translations of the the Six Books of Hadith by Darussalam is  based upon Darussalam’s previously published Arabic editions of the Six Books.
These Arabic texts were verified by a team of scholars, under the supervision of Shaykh Salih bin `Abdul-`Aziz Aal ash-Shaykh, the head of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The verification process was based upon the most important previously published editions and manuscripts, from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Turkey, as well as other lands.

For over five years, a grand team of highly qualified translators and editors, from various nations reaching across the globe from Saudi Arabia to America, worked on bringing these texts – among the Usul (fundamental texts) of Islam – into a clear, refined and precise English translation, so that the average English reader may have access to these important Islamic texts that were otherwise never made available to them in their entirety.

Unity Of The Ummah

Dr. Zakir Naik

A very important lecture by Dr. Zakir Naik regarding of Muslim’s identity. A Muslim should be recognized as a Muslim or as a label of following madhab (e.g., Hanafee, Shaafiee, Hambalee or Salafee)? Watch this lecture to find out your answer according to Quran and Sunnah.

Sunan Ibn Majah (5 Vol. Set)

Imam Muhammad Bib Yazeed ibn Majah Al-Qazwini
Language: Arabic-English | Format: PDF | Pages: 2678 | Size: 92 MB

Sunan Ibn Majah is one of the six most authentic collections of the Ahadith and contains 4,341 total Ahadith. Like the other translations of the six books of hadith, Dar-us-Salam Publications, has taken great care in correct translation, simple and clear modern English language, and high quality publishing.

Ahadith in the book are followed by comments to explain issues and to help readers derive lessons. To aid readers further, Dar-us-Salam, has added several features like section on how to benefit from Sunan Ibn Majah, about the Arabic and technical terms used, information about the hadith compilations and a glossary of Islamic terms in the last volume.

Each hadith is also followed by its status in regards to the authenticity. The status is explained more in detail in the Arabic text. The chain is also complete in the Arabic text while it is removed from the English to reduce the length and not being of much benefit to the English readers.

Compiled by: Imam Muhammad Bib Yazeed ibn Majah Al-Qazwini
Ahadith edited and referenced by: Hafiz Abu Tahir Zubair Ali Zai
Translated by: Nasiruddin al-Khattab (Canada)
Final Review by: Abu Khaliyl (US)

Publisher’s Forward

The Abbasid caliph Harun Rashid (170-193 AH) had a disbeliever arrested for fabricating Ahadith and ordered his execution. The disbeliever said to the king: “Oh Commander of the Faithful, how will you deal with those four thousand Ahadith I have already fabricated, making lawful things unlawful, and the unlawful lawful, although not a word in those ‘Ahadith was ever spoken by Allah’s Messenger (S). Thereupon, the king retorted: “O enemy of Allah, how can you escape from Abu Ishaq Fazari and ‘Abdullah bin Mubarak? They will seize them out and eliminate them letter by letter.”

It is a well-known fact that the painstaking efforts of scholars gave Ahadith a high degree of reliability next to Qur’an. When the Ahadith had been read over carefully, revised, corrected and expounded in the light of the principles of Hadith sciences like Jarh (invalidation), Ta’dil (validation), and Asma’ur-Rijal, the stage for the recording of Ahadith was set. Thanks to the exhausting efforts of Hadith scholars and their deep sense of responsibility, the Muslim nation got, in addition to Sihah Sittah (the Sound Six books of Hadith) a vast treasure that included Musannafat (Hadith compilations according to subject-headings), Jawdmi’ (comprehensive books of Ahadith), Sunan (collections of legal and doctrinal Ahadith), Masanid (Hadith compilations according to complete chains), Ma’ajim (compilations arranged according to names of Companions or regions or names of teachers of compilers), Mustadrakat (compilations of Ahadith meeting the conditions of other compilers but not found in their books), and Mustakhrajat (compilations containing Ahadith of other compilers with different chains of narration), the manuscripts of which numbering in thousands researched, edited and furnished with explanatory and marginal notes, exist even today in international libraries attracting the attention of research scholars. Anyhow, among those compilations, the six canonical books of Ahadith (Sihah Sittah) rank as the centerpiece.

I have a wish since long to present the Sound Six (Sihah Sittah) translated into modem English in such a way as to list the inferences and gainful conclusions drawn from each Hadith, to remove any misgiving and misunderstanding, satisfying the mind and soul, and reinforcing the faith. With this noble cause in view, Darussalam has solicited the services of several learned scholars and researchers who are working with zeal on the translation of the Sound Six and writing commentaries on them.

All the Ahadith of this collection have been documented, referenced and traced by the great research scholar, Hafiz Zubair ‘Ali Za’i.

One thing I want to mention is that in these collections, the original Arabic texts of the Ahadith contain complete chain of narrators while in translation, for the sake of simplicity, only the name of the first narrator is mentioned who narrated the Hadith from the Prophet.

‘Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Servant of Qur’an and Sunnah
Director Darussalam
Riyadh and Lahore.

Ibn Majah’s Book: As-Sunan

Ahadith began to be put down in writing even during the era of the Prophet (S), but these Ahadith were no better than compilations individuals. Their purpose was just to put them down in writing, with: regard for order or sequence. Later, during the caliphate of ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul-’Aziz (99 AH-101 AH), the state undertook this task but most of the works in this field were the products of individual labor. During the second century of the Hijra calendar, famous books like Muwatta’ of Imam Malik and Musnad of Imam Shafi were prepared but the third stage recording Ahadith, known as the Golden Age, came only in the third century AH. Many collections were made in this age. These included the Six Books (Kutub Sittah), popularly known as the Sound Six (Sahah Sitta), Sunan of Ibn Majah being one of them and considered the last of them.

Sunan Ibn Majah began to be included in the Six Books by the end of the fifth century AH. Since then, in every succeeding age, it kept on growing value and importance. With respect to soundness and strength, Sunan Ad Darimi, Sunan Ad-Daraqutni and other books of Sunan were superior Sunan Ibn Majah but they did not gain popularity like Sunan Ibn Majah.

It is to be noted that Sunan is a technical term used by scholars of Had sciences to denote a book of Ahadith relating to legal rulings, from the Chapters of Purification down to the Chapter on Wills in the same order as followed in books of Islamic jurisprudence.

How important and useful the Sunan Ibn Majah is, can also be gauged the fact that when Ibn Majah showed his work to Imam Abu Zar’ah, the latter remarked: ‘If this book reached the public, all or most of the existing  Jawami would cease to be used. The words of Imam Abu Zar’ah proved be true to the last letter. Several Jawami, Musnads and Sunan were eclipsed by Ibn Majah’s Sunan.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar termed the book Jami’ Jaiyid (a good, comprehensive Hadith collection).

The book, As-Sunan by Imam Ibn Majah was an excellent and beneficial work that stunned the scholars of his time.

He himself said about the book: “I showed this book to Abu Zur’ah Razi. He checked it and said, ‘I think if people lay their hands on this book, all or most of other great compiled works will become unnecessary.”

The Authority And Importance Of The Sunnah

Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 249 | Size: 20 MB

This book deals with the following topics: the meaning of “Sunnah,” evidence for the authority of the Sunnah, the roles of the Prophet, the status of the sunnah vis-a-vis the Quran demonsrtating that the two go hand and hand as the foundation of Islam, ruling concerning one who rejects the authority of the Sunnah, the preservation of the sunnah and what it truly means to be following the Sunnah. This book is meant to clarify a number ofcommon misconceptions and encourages the correct following of the sunnah.

The word “sunnah” is defined in detailed as it is used by scholars of different disciplines. The authority and importance of the Sunnah is determined via a discussion of about fifty verses of the Qur’an. The roles of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the indispensability of this Sunnah are clearly spelled out. The Position of the Sunnah vis-a-vis the Qur’an is dealt with in detail, demonstrating that the two go hand in hand as the foundation of Islam. Allah’s promise to preserve the Sunnah and the ways and means by which the sunnah was preserved is also discussed. The ruling concerning one who denies the place of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is given. It is shown herein that the sunnah-which is the true implementation of the Qur’an-is the only real “version and way of Islam. The final chapter discusses the real meaning of “adhering to the Sunnah” as well as a discussion of what a commitment that truly is.

A Calm Dialogue Between Sunnah And Shia

Abdur-Rahman Demashqeyyah
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 132 | Size: 1 MB

In this book, Dr. Abdur-Rahman Dimashqeyyah shows and discusses the wrong believes in Shii doctrine. He said in his introduction, “… My intention is simply to make clear to every Shia what the books of their religious leaders contain. These are things that many people still do not realize. My intention is to maintain an objective position, far from bigotry and blind allegiance to traditions. My only reason for writing it is to earn the pleasure of Allah and to clarify the truth to all who are interested to hear it. We should all free ourselves from prejudice and wild ideas, and avoid making inflammatory and insulting charges that fuel the emotions, block the path to truth, and widen the chasm between us. These things do nothing but dissipate the spirit of peace and harmony.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the most noble of the Messengers, Muhammad,1 and upon his family and Companions.

I dedicate this paper to every Shia who is willing to listen to constructive criticism with an open heart and an enlightened mind. This research is, in fact, a survey of the literature about the rise and spread of Shiism and its fundamental principles. Much of what follows is taken directly from Shia sources. Details of all the sources I have used are recorded in footnotes where interested readers will find page and volume numbers of the works cited. Anyone who wishes may then refer to the original Shia works and check what I have said.

I would like to stress that I do not intend to imply that every Shia must necessarily believe everything that I have reported about their beliefs and doctrines. My intention is simply to make clear to every Shia what the books of their religious leaders contain. These are things that many people still do not realize. My intention is to maintain an objective position, far from bigotry and blind allegiance to traditions. My only reason for writing it is to earn the pleasure of Allah and to clarify the truth to all who are interested to hear it. We should all free ourselves from prejudice and wild ideas, and avoid making inflammatory and insulting charges that fuel the emotions, block the path to truth, and widen the chasm between us. These things do nothing but dissipate the spirit of peace and harmony.

I am firmly convinced that we must begin with a sincere commitment to truth and believe that the struggle between truth and falsehood will continue until the Day of Resurrection. I am also convinced that truth must be presented without recourse to insults, curses or profanity. Allah has commanded us to observe the highest standards of dignity and self-respect when we argue with the “People of the Book.”2 Therefore, it is fitting for us to show even more respect to the people of our Book when we come to disagree with them and discuss these disagreements.

I look forward to the day when Allah joins our two communities with His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger. May Allah hasten the day when He binds our hearts together again, after this long and bitter separation that has only benefited the enemies of the Muslims, and given them an ugly advantage from the beginning of our estrangement right up to today.

Private Devotions For Morning And Evening From The Qur’an And Sunnah

Saeed Bin Ali Bin Wahf Al-Qahtani
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 34 | Size: 1 MB

The author said in his introduction, “There are hundreds of benefits associated with Dhikr, the act of rehearsing and celebrating the praises of Allah. The well-known medieval scholar Ibn Al-Qaiyim mentioned more than seventy of these in his book Kitabul-Adhkar. Among the benefits he mentioned were that Dhikr drives away Satan, pleases Allah, the Merciful, and replaces pain and sorrow of the heart with peace happiness and contentment.”

Adhering To The Qur’an And Sunnah

Sheikh Abu Adnan

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [33:36]. O you who believe! Do not forward (& speech or objection) in the presence of ‘Allah and His Messenger (the Quran & Sunnah), and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. [49:1].

Sheikh Abu Adnan is currently the Amir of the Global Islamic Youth Centre in Sydney, Australia. He is heavily involved in presenting informative lectures on a regular basis to a variety of audiences, delivering Juma’ah Khutbah, assisting and training potential Islamic speakers as well as playing a lead role within the Sydney Muslim community. Sheikh Abu Adnan also helped set up the Islamic College of Australia and currently holds the position of Deputy Principal at the college. He teaches many authentic Islamic courses concerning Fiqh, Tafseer, Seerah, Aqeedah, Hadeeth and Quranic Sciences, all of which require students to graduate with certified documentation.

Authentic Interpretation Of Dreams: According To Qur’aan And Sunnah

Ahmed Fareed
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 116 | Size: 2 MB

All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His Aid and ask for His Forgiveness. We seek Allah’s Refuge from the evils of ourselves and from the evil of our actions. Whomsoever Allah guides none can lead astray, and whomsoever Allah leads astray none can guide. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah ft Alone, without partners, and I testify that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger. Allah says, (0 ye who believe! fear Allah as He should be feared and die not, except in a state of Islam)’ (0 mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate and from them twain had spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah, in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bore you). Lo! Allah had been a Watcher over you)’ ‘ Al-Imran: Verse 102. 2 An-Nisa’: Verse 1.

The interpretation of dreams is one of the greatest , comprehensive and most useful types of knowledge. The prophet (SAW) said “A good dream (that comes true) of a righteoua man is one forty six part of prophethood,” except Al-Mubashirat.” They asked, “What are Al-Mubashirat?” He (SASW) replied,”The good true dreams (that conveyglad tidings).”

By Author:

” I have started my book with the meaning of dreams and their types. Then I have mentioned the benefit of a good dream, including the benefit of seeing the Prophet (SAW) in a dream. I have also mentioned the etiquettes that a Muslim should comply with, so that his dreams could come tru; etiquettes that a dreamer should adopt, and etiquettes of the ineterpreter. Finally I have mentioned the purpose of this book, that is, the interppretation of dreams according to the Quran, Sunnah Sahih and the meaning of words, names, proverbs e.t.c”

A book for those who would like to try and interpret what their dream means.

Authentic Interpretation of the Dreams, According to Quraan and Sunnah

Discusses the following topics:

- Meaning and types of dreams.
- Benefit of a good dream.
- Etiquette of seeing a dream.
- Categories of interpreting dreams.
- Interpreting dreams from a Qur’anic perspective.
- Discussion of dreams which include such abstracts as ships; wood; stones; disease; eggs; water; meat; entry of a king; ascension to the sky; adhan; ruku; sujud; praying with the wrong Qiblah; day of judgment; entering paradise, parents; salaah (prayer); hellfire; old age; perfume; shirt; sleep; blindness; and much more.
- Relevant hadith concerning dreams.
- And much more. 

The Madhhab Of Ahl Ul-Hadeeth In Fiqh

Shaykh Mashhur bin Hasan Al Salman
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 43 | Size: 1 MB

Unto Ahl ul-Hadeeth is a Madhhab which is mentioned within the compendiums, it is a Madhhab which has distinguishing characteristics and particularities. Between it and the madhhab of the fuqaha, and the Dhahiri Madhhab, are signs which are hidden from some students. There are indications, and actually clear texts, within the hadeeth and narrations, which contain a clear mention of the madhhab of Ahl ul-Hadeeth. The madhhab of Ahl ul-Hadeeth and the Madhhab of Ahl us-Sunnah, the Madhhab ul-Athar, is the Salafi Madhhab. ‘Salafiyyah’ and ‘Ahl ul-Hadeeth’ are two synonymous terms, however the terms ‘Ahl ul-Hadeeth’ and ‘Ahl us-Sunan’ are relayed in some Prophetic texts and in some narrations from the Companions and the Successors. The good starts off altogether then its components split up like material objects. During the first illustrious era all of the people were like police and security officers and the ’Ulama were Khutaba’, Qudat (judges) and Imams of Masajid. Knowledge and action, the rulers and the people were all united and undivided, then the reasons for strength within the Ummah became scattered and divided, and as is said this was in regards to concrete matters of life as it was also for matters of fiqh.

The Sahabah (radi Allahu ’anhum) have the most knowledge among the people headed by the four rightly guided Caliphs especially Abu Bakr and ’Umar, may Allah be pleased with all of them. Fiqh is not merely babbling statements and then expounding and verifying them, rather fiqh is to achieve the truth which Allah loves. If we are to look within the compendiums of lengthy fiqh works and we tried to find the fiqh of Abu Bakr and ’Umar with a fine tooth comb we would only find but a little. This is as opposed to the fiqh that we find for example from the younger Sahabah like Ibn ’Abbas, Ibn ’Umar, Jabir and others. This is because momentous events constantly crop up and matters arise which were not found among those people before, so the Sahabah needed to express their views and clarify what was obligatory upon them. Abu Bakr and ’Umar were the way of living during their era as they were during the era of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam), and the slogan of Abu Bakr, despite the emergence of Ridda during his time, “I will send forth Usamah’s army”2 which raised the banner of following (the Prophet, sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam) and not to estimate the benefits and harms based on what opposes the instructions which are sensed or based on the text. So from the beginning the banner of following (Ittiba’) was raised because in following the guidance of the Prophet (sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam), his heart and mind became open to the blessing of the Revelation. Abu Bakr believed in al-Isra wa’l-Miraj while the minds of the disbelievers became narrow in regards to it, to the extent that Abu Jahl said to Abu Bakr, after being informed of the Miraj: “If I were to gather all of the kuffar of Quraysh in front of you would you tell them what you told me?” Abu Jahl found Abu Bakr’s (radi Allahu ’anhu) affirmation strange, yet this was the Companions manner.

The Companions dispersed into different countries and the Sunnah which was in their chests also disseminated within the different countries and some countries are distinguished with some aspects of the Sunan. To the extent that Muhammad ibn ’Abdullah al-Hakim an-Naysaburi,3 the author of al-Mustadrak, authored a work on the regions which were distinguished by the Sunan of the Prophet (sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam). When the Companions dispersed throughout the lands the Sunnah also became dispersed on account of their diffusion. Imam ash-Shafi’i acknowledges in his book Jami’ ul-’Ilm that it is difficult for one man to compile all the hadeeth of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam), due to the dispersal of the Sunnah at that time. Hadeeth was fiqh and fiqh was hadeeth and there are tens of events about issues in which the Sahabah and Tabi’in were asked and they did not say a word except that they traced a hadeeth back to the Prophet (sallallahu ’alayhi wassallam) and this is a very important.

An Introduction To The Science Of Hadith By Ibn Al-Salah

Ibn al-Salah al-Shahrazuri
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 315 | Size: 20 MB

An Introduction to the Science of Hadith By Ibn Al-Salah al-Shahrazuri. After the Qur’an itself, the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad form the most important foundation of Islamic thought. The hadith were accounts — usually brief — of the words and actions of the Prophet. As such, they were subjected to intense scrutiny by generations of Muslim scholars. Better know as the Muqaddima, Ibn al-Salah (1181-1245) composed this work while serving as the head of the Dar al-Hadith al-Ashrafiya in Damascus, one of the most prestigious institutions for the study of hadith in the Islamic world. Here he provides a complete overview of the science devoted to the study of the words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, and also a guide to the terminology and techniques of the scholars of hadith as it summarizes most of the previous work on the subject and forms the basis of almost all later activity in the field. The book enjoyed immense popularity and influenced most subsequent writing on the subject.

The General Prescripts Of Belief In The Qur’an And Sunnah

Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Khaliq
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 45 | Size: 2 MB

Allah Almighty ordered all his servants to enter Islam and adhering to it and warned them of disobeying him. Also he sent His messenger to call to this. Allah told us that the one who follows him is the rightly guided and the one who turns away from his call goes astray. He warned us in many ayahs of apostasy, polytheism and disbelief.

Fasting In Ramadan According To The Qur’an And The Authentic Sunnah

Abdul Karim Awad
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 133 | Size: 6 MB

With the advent of another Ramadan, a mixture of feelings overwhelm the hearts of Muslims all over the world. The hearts are full of hope, based on trithful promises and glad tidings given by Allah and his Messenger, of great bounties and endless bliss.

The past sins would be forgiven for those who fast, based on belief (Emaan) and truly expecting the reward of Allah (Ihtisaab).

The previous sins will be forgiven for those who offer night prayers (Qiyaam) during this month, and who do this with the 2 conditions of Emaan (belief) and Ihtisaab.

There is a night on this month which is better (in rewards) than a thousand months of worship, and all sins will be forgiven for those who spend this night in offering prayer with both Emaan (belief) and Ihtisaab.

The devils will be chained down, the gates of Hell will all be shut and the gates of paradise will alll be open throughout this month. Allahj will free (from punishment) some of his Ibaad (worshippers) on every night of this month of Ramadan.

Allah answers the du’aa (suplications) of the fasting person at the Iftaar (fast- breaking). Allah multiplies the reward of fasting beyond the limits of imagination. The fasting person will be joyous and happy when he meets his Lord.

110 Ahadith Qudsi (Sacred Ahadith): Sayings Of The Prophet (PBUH) Having Allah’s Statements

S. Masood-ul-Hasan
Language: Arabic – English | Format: PDF | Pages: 129 | Size: 4.5 MB

Ahadith are the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet (PBUH) under Divine guidance and are generally traced back to the Prophet (PBUH) as regards to their authority. But some Ahadith hold a distinct place and are termed as Ahadith Qudsi (Sacred Ahadith) and the authority in these Ahadith is attributed to Allah through the Prophet (PBUH). It is a collection of 110 such Ahadith relating to the important aspects of daily life so that the readers may get benefited from it for the success in this life as well as in the Hereafter.

Ulum Al-Hadith: (An Introduction To The Science Of The Hadith)

Navaid Aziz

Navaid Aziz was born in Canada. After completing his studies there, he was accepted into the Islamic University of Madinah. After having obtained a diploma in the arabic language, he is currently pursuing a bachelors in Sharee’ah. He has studied under many great scholars including, and more specifically with: Saaleh As-Sindee, Ahmad Rashid Ar-Ruhaily, Saalih al-’Aqeel, and Ahmad Al-Ghunaymaan.

More Than 1000 Sunan – Sayings & Acts Of The Prophet (PBUH) – Every Day And Night

Shaykh Khaalid al-Husaynaan
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 176 | Size: 13 MB

More than 1000 Sunan for Every Day & Night – Based on the Arabic Book ‘Akthar min alf Sunnah fee-al-yawm wa al-laylah’.

Is it not amazing that in the course of a normal day, many of us are capable of practicing more than 1,000 Sunan? Surely, in clinging to the Sunnah is safety and security, as Imaam Maalik said:

“The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah-whoever embarks on it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned.”

This short booklet contains statements and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (S) that are performed in a typical day – how many of these are part of our daily lives?

This work is the English-language translation of the Arabic booklet, More Than 1,000 Sunan Every Day & Night, complied by Shaykh Khaalid Husaynaan. He is a contemporary student of knowledge of our time who is preoccupied with reviving and following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Sahih Muslim (Complete Version)

Imam Muslim
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 1850 | Size: 2 MB

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Sahih Muslim is a collection of sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (also known as the sunnah). The reports of the Prophet’s sayings and deeds are called ahadith. Muslim lived a couple of centuries after the Prophet’s death and worked extremely hard to collect his ahadith. Each report in his collection was checked for compatibility with the Qur’an, and the veracity of the chain of reporters had to be painstakingly established. Muslim’s collection is recognized by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world to be one of the most authentic collections of the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). Muslim (full name Abul Husain Muslim bin al−Hajjaj al−Nisapuri) was born in 202 A. H. and died in 261 A. H. He travelled widely to gather his collection of ahadith, including to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. Out of 300,000 ahadith which he evaluated, only 4,000 approximately (including multiple hadith in a single one i. e. multiple quotations) were extracted for inclusion into his collection based on stringent acceptance criteria. Muslim was a student of Bukhari. It is important to realize, however, that Muslim’s collection is not complete: there are other scholars who worked as Muslim did and collected other authentic reports. The translation of Sahih Muslim found here is complete!

Muslims believe that Sahih Muslim is the most authentic book of Hadith after Sahih Al-Bukhari. The Muslim Scholars have agreed that all of the Ahadith in Sahih Muslim are authentic. Thus, Darussalam realized the great benefit of publishing Al-Hafiz Al-Mundhiri’s summarized version of Sahih Muslim in the English language. Much care has been taken in rendering these Ahadith into a clear and simple style of modern English. May Allah accept our work. Summarized Sahih Muslim contains 2179 Hadith with 70 categories (referred as books). Both volumes combined contain 1208 pages with index and appendix.

The full name of Imam Muslim is Abul-Hussain `Asakiruddin Muslim bin Hajjaj AlQushairi An-Naisaburi. He belonged to the Qushair tribe of the Arab clan Rabi’ah. He was born in 202 or 206 H (819 or 821 CE) in Nishapur, a town of Iran. His parents were religious people and so he was brought up in a pious environment. He spent all of his life as a pious and righteous person. A distinguishing attribute of his excellent character is that he never indulged in backbiting, which is a common human shortcoming. Imam Muslim travelled far and wide to collect the Ahadith (traditions) in the countries of Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Syria, and benefited from the prominent Hadith scholars of that time by attending the lectures and classes of those learned persons. His teachers included Ishaq bin Rawaih, Ahmad bin Hanbal, Ubaidullah Al-Qawariri, Qutaibah bin Said, Abdullah bin Maslamah, Harmalah bin Yahya and others. Afterwards he settled down at Nishapur, where he came into contact with Imam Bukhari. Seeing the vast knowledge and deep insight of him in the Ahadith of the Prophet (PBUH), Imam Muslim remained attached with him until the end of his life. He also attended the lectures of another scholar of Hadith, Muhammad bin Yahya AdhDhuhli, but when the difference of opinion arose between Imam Bukhari and Muhammad bin Yahya on the issue of the creation of the Noble Qur’an, Imam Muslim favored Imam Bukhari and left the company of Muhammad bin Yahya. Imam Muslim compiled many books and treatises on Hadith, the most important of his works is the compilation of the Hadith collection Al-Jami `As-Sahih, which is famous by the name of Sahih Muslim. Some scholars of Hadith opine that in some respects it is the best and most authentic collection of Ahadith. Imam Muslim laboriously collected 3,00,000 Ahadith, but after a critical study, he selected only 4,000 Ahadith for this collection. Other contributions of Imam Muslim on the subject of Hadith are: Al-Kitab Al-Musnad Al-Kabir Alar-Rijkl, Al-Jami’Al-Kabir, Kitab-ul-Asma’ wal-Kuna, Kitab-ul’Ilal, Kitab-ul-Wahdan, etc. Many students learned the Science of Hadith from Imam Muslim. Those who became famous and occupied a prominent position are: Abu Hatim Razi, Musa bin Harun, Ahmad bin Salamah, Abu `Isa Tirmidhi, Abu Bakr bin Khuzaimah, Abu `Awanah and Hafiz Dhahbi. Imam Muslim died at the age of fifty-seven years in 261 H (875 CE) and was buried in the suburbs of Nishapur.

Status Of Sunnah In Islam

Shaikh Salim al-Amry

Salem Al-Amry talks on a very important subject that every muslim needs to know and that is – the Status of Sunnah in Islam. He explains why we should follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam as we are to follow the Qur’an, the book of Allah subhana wa ta’ala.

Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens Of The Righteous) – Vol. I & II

Imam Abu Zakaria Mohiuddin Yahya An-Nawawi
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 291 | Size: 2.5 MB

The book was compiled by Imam An-Nawawi who was the great scholar of Hadith and Fiqhof his time. Commentaries on the Ahadith have been added by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf of Pakistan who had originally executed them for the Urdu edition of this book. The English translation of the book and the – commentaries was performed by Dr. Muhammad Amin and Abu Usamah Al-Arabi bin Razduq who have performed their task with utmost care and profound interest.

Contents:

1. Chapter on Sincerity and having an intention for all actions, words and states, outward and inward
2. Chapter on Repentance
3. Chapter on Steadfastness
4. Chapter: On Truthfulness
5. Chapter: On Watchfulness
6. Chapter: On Fearful Awareness of Allah (Taqwa)
7. Chapter: Certainty and Trust in Allah
8. Chapter: On Going Straight (Istiqama)
9. Chapter: Reflecting on the immense creation of Allah Almighty, the passing of this world, the terrors of the Next World, and other matters. On the  negligence of the self, disciplining it and forcing it to go straight
10. Chapter: On hastening to perform good actions, and on encouraging the one who intends to do something to go ahead and do it with diligence and not to  hesitate
11. Chapter: On Striving (Mujahada)
12. Chapter: On the encouragement to increase good actions in the later part of one’s life
13. Chapter: On the clarification of the many paths of good
14. Chapter: On Moderation in Worship
15. Chapter: On perserverance in actions
16. Chapter: On the command to follow the Sunna and its adab
17. Chapter: On the Obligation to obey the judgement of Allah, what is said by those who are summoned to that, and commanding the right and forbidding the  wrong
18. Chapter: On the prohibition against innovations and new matters
19. Chapter: On the one who makes a good or bad sunna
20. Chapter: On showing the way to good and calling to guidance or misguidance
21. Chapter: Helping one another to goodness and fear of Allah
22. Chapter: On Good Counsel
23. Chapter: On commanding the right and forbidding the wrong
24. Chapter: On the harsh punishment of someone who commands right or forbids wrong while his own actions contradict what he says
25. Chapter: On the command to deliver trusts
26. Chapter: On injustice and the command to make restitution in cases of injustice
27. Chapter: On respecting the sacred things of the Muslims, clarification of their rights and having compassion and mercy forthem
28. Chapter: Veiling the faults of Muslims and the prohibition against divulging them without necessity
29. Chapter: Taking care of the needs of the Muslims
30. Chapter: Intercession
31. Chapter: On Putting things right between people
32. Chapter: On the excellence of the weak, poor and obscure Muslims
33. Chapter: Kindness to orphans, girls, the weak, the very poor, and the downtrodden. Treating them well, compassion towards them, humility with them, and  gentleness towards them
34. Chapter: Treating women well
35. Chapter: On the rights of a husband from his wife
36. Chapter: Spending on one’s family
37. Chapter: Spending out of what one loves and spending what is excellent
38. Chapter: On the obligation to command one’s family and children and whoever is in one’s care to obey Allah, and to forbid them to oppose Him, teaching  them proper behaviour and preventing them from committing what is prohibited
39. Chapter: The right of the neighbour and treating him well
40. Chapter: On dutifulness to parents and maintaining ties of kinship
41. Chapter: On the prohibition of disobeying parents and severing ties of kinship
42. Chapter: The excellence of dutifulness shown to the friends of one’s father and mother, relatives, wife, and others whom one
should honour
43. Chapter: Honouring the people of the family of the Messenger of Allah and their clear excellence
44. Chapter: Respect for people of knowledge, the great and people of importance, and putting them ahead of others, raising
where they sit and showing their rank
45. Chapter: On visiting the people of virtue, sitting with them, keeping their company, loving them, seeking visits and supplication
from them, and visiting places of virtue
46. Chapter: The excellence of love for the sake of Allah and encouraging it, and a man who loves another informing him of that
and what he says to him when he informs him
47. Chapter: On the signs of Allah’s love for His slave and urging that it be taken on and that one should strive to obtain it
48. Chapter: On cautioning against causing injury to the righteous, the weak and the poor
49. Chapter: Judging people according to the outward while leaving their secrets to Allah Almighty
50. Chapter: On Fear

Niqaab According To Qur’an And Sunnah

Anonymous
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 25 | Size: 1 MB

The general understanding in Islam regarding Sunnah, is that if the Prophet or any of his wives (RA) or companions (RA) are recorded in authentic hadith to have engaged in an act that is not haram (prohibited) as defined by Qur’an or Sunnah, then the act is declared halal (permissible). If the companions engaged in an act that the Prophet was aware of and did not speak out against, it is halal.

It is well-known that the wives of the Prophet covered their faces any time non-mahram men were near. A woman named Asma, who was not a wife of the Prophet , was also recorded as covering her face. Easily, one can conclude that wearing veil is halal (permissible).

However, Muslims and Muslimahs across the world have been in “hot debate” for centuries, over the issue of whether or not covering the face is obligatory upon a Muslimah. Those who argue that it is not required, point to the use of the word khimar in the Qur’an, and explain that today’s modern khimar does not cover the face, and argue that khimar has never referred to the covering of the face, but only to that of the hair, neck, and bosoms. While one cannot deny the support of Hadith that indicate that the Prophet’s wives wore khimar, one must realize that they also covered their faces at all times in the presence of non-mahram men.

The group of scholars agree that it is a highly recommended act to cover the face. The scholars also agree that a woman must cover her adornment, yet some scholars argue that this does not include the face.

A Selection Of Supplications From Al-Qur’an And Authentic Hadith

Islamic Knowlege Team
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 36 | Size: 1 MB

List of Contents: 001 – Dua (supplication) 002 – The Merit Of Making Dua 003 – Best Times To Make Dua 004 – Glorfication Of Allah 005 – Thanking Allah 006 – Trust In Allah 007 – Dependance On Allah 008 – Blessing On Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 009 – Protection From Shaytan 010 – In Distress 011 – General Wellbeing 012 – Ayat-ul-Kursi 013 – Seeking Knowledge And Wisdom 014 – Seeking Guidance 015 – Seeking Protection 016 – Seeking Patience And Perseverance 017 – Seeking Health 018 – Seeking Wealth 019 – When Travelling 020 – Wearing New Garment 021 – Dua For Speech 022 – Dua For Parents 023 – Dua For Offspring 024 – Dua For Finding A Suitable Spouse 025 – Dua For Spouses 026 – At Beginning of Intercourse 027 – Sorting Out Differnces 028 – Seeking Victory Over Enemies 029 – Seeking Forgiveness 030 – Protection From Trials Of The Hereafter 031 – Tahajjud Prayer 032 – Istikharah Prayer.

Shamaa-il – Tirmidhi With Commentary (Kasaail-E-Nabawi Sallalahu A’layhi Wasallam)

Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 458 | Size: 13.5 MB

Shamaa-il – Tirmidhi With Commentary Kasaail-e-Nabawi Sallalahu A’layhi Wasallam. This is a Commentary on the abridged form of Imam Tirmidhi’s (209 – 279 AH) famous Shamaa-il, in which he has recorded everything about the Holy Propet (S.A.W) on the authority of the Companions, and collected 397 ahadith which are devided into 55 Chapters.  Drawing A pen picture of the Holy Prophet’s (S.A.W) physical features manners and characteristics.

This English translation and commentary is of the Khasaa-il Nabawi Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam by the late Shaykhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya
It is intented to enable a Muslim to achieve a link and connection with the one whom Allah Ta’aala has made as a mercy unto mankind, and most certainly Allah has spoken the truth when He mentions in His Book:

“Verily, you (0 Muhammad) are of a very high (noble) character”.

Shaikh uk Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhelwi writes the following in the Preface to this Book:

“b. Most of the references in this transalation are derived from the following books: ‘Jam’ul Wasaa-il’ of Mulla ‘Ali Qaari Hanafi; ‘Munaawi’ of Shaykh ‘Abdur-Ra-oof Misri; ‘Mawaahib-Ladunniyyah’ of Shaykh Ebrahim  Bayjuri and ‘Tah-dhibut Tah-dhib’ of Haafiz Ibn Hajar ‘Asqalaani.
c. Since the trasalation is meant for the layman, literal meanings have been given . Word for word transalation has been avoided.
d. In addition to the transalation many things have been added to serve as a commentary. This has been written separately after the actual transalation.
e. At many places in the transalation of the ahaadith additional information has been provided.
f. Where there seems to be contradiction between two hadith, the differences have been briefly explained.
g. The view of the different madhaa-hib have been mentioned briefly at places. The Hanafi mahd-dab has been specially mentioned as the majority of the local population (i.e the inhabitants of India ) adhere to this madh-hab.
h. The proof that substantiate the Hanfis madh-hab have been mentioned briefly where deemed necessary.
i. Where a battle or incident is mentioned in a hadith, the battle or incident is described in the commentary.
j. Where the relation of a hadith to a chapter is not obvious, an explanation has been provided.
k. To keep the subject matter brief, with regard to those incidents that have not been narrated herein, the readers have been referred to their original sources. The name of the kittab is given where they can be found in detail so that those who are interested may easily refer to them.
l. Utmost care has been taken to keep the subject under discussion short and precise, as readers may become bored with lengthy discourses.

And divine guidance to me is but from Allah, on Him do I rely and to Him do I return.

An Introduction To The Science Of Hadith

Dr. Suhaib Hasan
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 42 | Size: 1 MB

The Muslims are agreed that the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S) is the second of the two revealed fundamental sources of Islam, after the Glorious Qur’an. The authentic Sunnah is contained within the vast body of Hadith literature.

A hadith (pl. ahadith) is composed of two parts: the matn (text) and the isnad (chain of reporters). A text may seem to be logical and reasonable but it needs an authentic isnad with reliable reporters to be acceptable; ‘Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak (d. 181 AH), one of the illustrious teachers of Imam al-Bukhari, said:

“The isnad is part of the religion: had it not been for the isnad, whoever wished to would have said whatever he liked.”

During the lifetime of the Prophet (S) and after his death, his Companions (Sahabah) used to refer to him directly, when quoting his saying. The Successors (Tabi’un) followed suit; some of them used to quote the Prophet (S) through the Companions while others would omit the intermediate authority – such a hadith was .later known as mursal. It was found that the missing link between the Successor and the Prophet (S) might be one person, i.e. a Companion, or two people, the extra person being an older Successor who heard the hadith from the Companion. This is an example of how the need for the verification of each isnad arose. Imam Malik (d. 179) said, “The first one to utilize the isnad was Ibn Shihab al Zuhri” (d. 124). The other more important reason was the deliberate fabrication of ahadith by various sects which appeared amongst the Muslims, in order to support their views (see later, under discussion of maudu’ ahadith). Ibn Sirin (d. 110), a Successor, said, “They would not ask about the isnad: But when the fitnah (trouble, turmoil, esp. civil war) happened, they said: Name to us your men. So the narrations of the Ahl al¬Sunnah (Adherents to the Sunnah) would be accepted, while those of the Ahl al-Bid ‘ah (Adherents to Innovation) would not be accepted. ”

An Explanation Of Riyadh Al-Saliheen From The Words Of The Master Of The Messengers

Imam Nawawi; Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 307 | Size: 12.5 MB

A comprehensive explanation and commentary of the first 24 hadith of Imam al-Nawawi’s classic compilation, Riyadh al-Saliheen.

Verily all Praise is for Allah, we praise Him, we seek His assistance, and we appeal for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls, and from the evil of our actions. Whosoever Allah guides, there is none to lead him astray, and whosoever Allah leads astray, there is none to guide him.

I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allah alone, without [any form] of associate. I testify that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, Seal of the Prophets, and Master of the Messengers. He is His proof upon His entire creation.

Allah the Most High sent him with the True Religion and the Straight Path. He fashioned his Vocation, universal and absolute until the Day of Judgement. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family.

Verily Allah the Exalted, the Most High, sent His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) with the Guidance, and revealed upon him al-Qur’an. A complete constitution for this eternal Ummah, until Allah inherits the earth and that which is upon it.

He bestowed upon him the interpretation of al-Qur’an and something comparable to it, with it.

For the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is composed of statement and action, it is derived from the Book of Allah, and is indicative of its meaning.

The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) promptly seized the Noble Book and the Purified Sunnah, safeguarding, studying and recording [the two sources of revelation].

Allah obligated Himself the task of protecting and preserving His Honoured Book. He appointed for the Prophetic tradition, those who would protect and devote their attention to it, from the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to our time now, and until Allah inherits the earth and that which is upon it.

By the providence/ of Allah, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has occupied the platform of patronage and concern by the Scholars in every age and land. Hence, they have completed the preservation, recording and codification [of the Sunnah] [by means of] the works of Musnad, the authentic compilations, the works of Sunan, and the Hadeeth based lexicons. From amongst those who have participated in this noble service of the Sunnah and it’s codification is Imam Abu Zakariyyah Yahya ibn SharafAl-Nawawee Al-Dimashqee [631-676 H]. He is reckoned to be amongst the exemplary and distinguished personalities of the seventh century. He authored numerous books of great benefit in miscellaneous subjects, ubiquitously accredited with praise and eulogy for their immense value.

Accordingly, the Scholars devoted themselves to their study, deriving benefit, and transmitting from them by virtue of their utility. Amongst the most ubiquitous in presence and apparent in circulation, between the Scholars’ and the general populace, is the book [entitled] Riyadh al- Saliheen.

The Book Of Knowledge

Abu Khaisamah Zuhair Bin Harb Al-Nisai
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 40 | Size: 1 MB

This treatise is comprised of a collection of ahaadeeth (sayings of the Prophet) and athaar (sayings of the Salaf) on the subject of Islaamic Knowledge. By reading the various narrations, it is hoped that the reader will benefit and reflect on the merits and virtues of seeking, acquiring and teaching knowledge. The treatise also provides a first-hand look on how the Salaf’s attitude was with respect to knowledge – how they sought it, how they learned it and how they taught it to others. There are several narrations, also, that give us a description of the characteristics of some of the Salaf, their knowledge and their virtues.

Therefore, this treatise is of the utmost importance, as it provides the reader with an account of the Salaf – those whom we are obligated to follow and take their example. And it deals with one of the most important topics in Islaam, which is Knowledge, since knowledge is the foundation that is required before doing all sayings and actions. Al-Haafidh Ibn ‘Abd-il-Barr said: “The scholars have unanimously agreed that there is from knowledge that which is a specified obligation upon every individual with respect to himself (fard ‘ayn) and that which is a collective obligation (fard kifaayah) – if someone rises to fulfill it, its obligation becomes withdrawn from the remaining people of that area.”

The treatise has been verified by the great scholar of our time, Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee. He has provided gradings for many of the narrations as well as notes and commentaries that give an explanation for some of these narrations.

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
He was Abu Khaithama Zuhair Ibn Harb Ibn Shadaad An-Nasaa’ee. He was a great Haafidh, reliable in narration and firm in memory. He narrated hadeeth from many scholars, the likes of Sufyaan Ibn ‘Uyainah, Hushaim Ibn Basheer, Yahyaa Ibn Sa’eed Al-Qattaan, ‘Abd-ur-Rahmaan Ibn Mahdee and Wakee’.

Similarly, many scholars narrated from him, such as Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, the latter of whom reported so many hadeeth on his authority, that they number past a thousand. The scholars agree unanimously upon his reliability and trustworthiness (in the field of hadeeth).

Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah)) said of him:
“He was precise and accurate in memory. And he was one of the close companions of Ahmad and Yahyaa Ibn Ma’een.”

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee (rahimahullaah) said:
“He was reliable, trustworthy, possessed good memory and he was precise (in narration). He was born in the year 160H and died in the year 234H. May Allaah have mercy on him.

Praying Eid In The Musallaa Is The Sunnah

Imaam Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 32 | Size: 1 MB

This book is a complete translation of the booklet Salaat-ul-’Eidayn fil-Musallaa hiya as-Sunnah (Praying ‘Eid in the Musallaa is the Sunnah) of Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee, published by Al-Maktab-ul-Islamee (3rd Edition, 1986).

We present this treatise to our noble readers, in the hopes to convey knowledge of this lost Sunnah, which is: Praying ‘Eid in the Musallaa. Imaam Al-Albaanee, in his own unique style, discusses this topic in depth providing the evidences and sayings of the scholars to support his view, all while being brief and concise in his presentation. This is one of the celebrated works of Imaam Al-Albaanee that reflects his vast knowledge and high understanding.

We ask Allah to benefit the Muslims with this book, and to revive this important aspect of the Sunnah in the lands of the west.

If we assume that the Prophet’s Masjid wasn’t big enough for them, then surely they would have been able to pray in these other masaajid that existed (at the Prophet’s time), as the people do today. So their abandoning praying in these masaajid in favor of praying in the musallaa is a clear proof that the Sunnah is praying in the musallaa and not in the masjid. So the actual intent has been established and what they desired from negating (of this Sunnah) has been annulled.

So let’s say if we were to agree with them that the Prophet’s masjid was not big enough for the men and women, then this is the same case with our present-day masaajid in that not one of them is capable of holding all of those intending prayer. So what remains valid is the legality of going out to perform the prayer in the musallaa. This is the required outcome (from that argument). Furthermore, if according to them it is not correct for the menstruating

women to attend the masjid, then this is an acknowledgement on their part that it is correct for them to attend the musallaa. So when they require that the ‘Eid Prayer be performed in the masaajid, then this means that they are preventing these (menstruating) women from witnessing the good and the supplication of the Muslims! This is contrary to the command of Allah’s Messenger found in the hadeeth, which they attributed to Al-Bukhaaree, for the hadeeth is one of our proofs that indicate that the ‘Eid Prayer should be held in the musallaa and not in the masjid. This is because the masjid, no matter how big it is, is incapable of accommodating the attendance of all of the men and women in it, according to their own acknowledgement.

What further supports what we have stated above is that: If praying the two ‘Eids in the masjid were better than praying them in the musallaa, but the masjid was too small, the Prophet would have taken the necessary steps to expand it, just as some of the Khaleefahs after him did, for he has more right to expand it than them. So if the masjid wasn’t ample enough for it, but yet the Prophet left off expanding it, it is not possible to imagine this (i.e. that the masjid wasn’t ample enough), along with the view that praying in the masjid is superior to the musallaa. This is unless someone claims that there was something that prevented him from expanding it. But I don’t think a person of knowledge would have the nerve to make such a claim.

The Sunnah, The Better

Abu Usamah

The second part of the Shahadah (after testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah) is to testify that Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is the Messenger of Allah and as such we are commanded to follow his Sunnah. Abu Usamah explains the Sunnah and clears misconceptions about our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him).

Nukhbat Al-Fikr (The Top Of Thinking In The Classification Of hadith)

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani
Language: Arabic – English | Format: PDF | Pages: 19 | Size: 1 MB

The science of hadith is one of the most honourable and important sciences as we know through it the truthfulness of what was narrated to messenger of Allah peace be upon him whether it is authentic or weak.It’s importance and honorability are due the honorability and importance of it’s target which is the sunnah of the messenger peace be upon him , the second source of the islamic legislation, the words of who doesn’t pronounce any word out of prejudice, it is nothing except a revelation revealed.

And from the most collective and summarized written texts of this field is The Text Of Nukabat Al Fakar In Mostalah Ahal Al Athar (the top of thinking in the classification of hadith) by the Hafiz Ahmed Ibn Ali Ibn Hajar Al Askalany Al Shafi may the mercy of Allah be upon him. And this is the reading of the text.

The Compilation Of Hadith

Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar Hassan Rehmaanee
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 23 | Size: 1 MB

Indeed all praise is for Allaah, we praise Him and we seek His aid and we seek His forgiveness. And we seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our souls and from our wicked deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides, none can misguide, and whomsoever Allaah misguides, none can guide.

We further bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, without partner or associate, and we bear witness that Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger.

This book is a translation of the introduction to the Urdu booklet “Intikhaab-e- Hadeeth” (The Compilation of Hadeeth) of Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar Hassan Rehmaanee.

In this treatise Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar Hassan deals with the topic of the compilation of hadeeth. The Shaykh explains various issues related to the preservation and compilation of hadeeth, including the method of preservation, the periods of compilation of hadeeth and the first books of hadeeth.

The Shaykh goes onto explain the different sciences of hadeeth that were developed to preserve and explain the ahaadeeth and other books written on various subjects over the centuries.

May Allaah reward the Shaykh for this booklet explaining the compilation of hadeeth. We ask Allaah to accept this work as a sincere act and that He place it in our scale of good deeds on the Day of Judgement. And we ask that He benefit all the Muslims generally with it. Ameen.

Islamic Creed Based On Qur’aan And Sunnah

Muhammad bin Jamil Zino
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 64 | Size: 5 MB

In this book, all important and fundamental aspects of Islam are described in an easy form of question/answer, so that the basic concepts may be inscribed in the minds of the readers.

About the Author

Shaikh Muhammad bin Jamil Zeno is originally from Syria, but for a long time he has been a teacher in Dar-ul-Hadith AlKhairiyah, Makkah AlMukarramah. Besides being a great scholar, he is also the author and compiler of many books. He holds the honor to have a place in the rank of those authors of present time whose work has been widely accepted.

Because of his simple style, his books gained popularity in the Islamic world. He uses authentic sources while writing the books, that is why his books are appreciated by the scholars. Generally in the Islamic world, and specially in the Arab world, the authenticity of a book is j udged by its author’s name, and his name has acquired such position.

Contents:

1. The Pillars of Islam
2. The Pillars of Faith
3. Human beings duty to Allaah
4. Forms and Benefits of Tauhid
5. Conditions for Allah’s acceptance of our deeds
6. Major Shirk and its manifestations
7. Types of Major Shirk
8. Minor Shirk
9. Intercession
10. Jihaad, Walaa and Hukm
11. Living according to the Qur’aan and Hadith
12. Sunnah and Bid’ah
13. The Prayer which is answered

Before You Pray

Anas Al-Gawz
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 15 | Size: 1 MB

Dear Readers. We are presenting you a book, which is, though, very small in size but is very big in its concept.

Salat is the first obligation upon a Muslim after his testification of Allah’s Oneness and Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Messenger ship. Salat is the contentment of the heart of a Muslim and the eminence of a Believer. Salat is much more emphasized in Qur’an than any other act.

You may have seen many books on Salat but this small book, which has a specific mention in relation with the matters before the Salat, is very useful and effective. The original book is in Arabic and is written by our friend captain Pilot Anas bin Abdul-Hameed Al-Gawz. More than 30,000 copies of this book have reached in the hands of the people, who appreciated it very much. The English translation of this book has been made by Mr. Abdul Karim Shah, former translator of Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh , for which I am thankful to him.

Dar-us-Salam feels great pleasure and honour in publishing the book according to its high traditions and standards. I am specially thankful to Mr. Shakil Ahmed As-Salafi, Hafiz Abdul Matin Rashid, Mr. Azmat Ullah, and Mr. Saeed-ud-Din for the special tasks of composing, proof reading and checking it with the original Arabic book.

Now this beautiful and valuable present is in your hands, please read it and pray for us all.

Some Ahadith (Prophetic Traditions) About The Salat (Prayer)

Once Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) passing by his Companions asked:“ Do you know what the Almighty Allah says? He says, I swear by My Honour and Glory, there is no one who performs the Salat at its stated time, but I admit him to the Paradise . But for who performs it without observing its prescribed time, I may have mercy upon him if I like or punish him if I like” (Al-Tabarani).

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:“ Allah, the Blessed and Exalted is certainly pleased by Salat in congregation”.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:“ The first thing that a person would be called to account for on the Day of Judgment is the Salat. If it is performed properly, all his deeds become in order, and if it is improper then all his deeds are in vain”.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:“ All the sins between five daily Salat (prayers); one Friday prayer to the next Friday prayer; and also between (the fasting of) one Ramadan to the next Ramadan are wiped off if one avoids the major sins” (Muslim). 

Rules Governing The Criticism Of Hadeeth

Dr. Mahmoud At-Tahhaan
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 24 | Size: 1 MB

A hadith (pl. ahadith) is composed of two parts: the matn (text) and the isnad (chain of reporters). A text may seem to be logical and reasonable but it needs an authentic isnad with reliable reporters to be acceptable; ‘Abdullah b. al-Mubarak (d. 181 AH) is reported to have said,

“The isnad is part of the religion: had it not been for the isnad, whoever wished to would have said whatever he liked.”

During the lifetime of the Prophet (SAS) and after his death, his Companions (Sahabah) used to refer to him when quoting his sayings. The Successors (Tabi’un) followed suit; some of them used to quote the Prophet (SAS) through the Companions while others would omit the intermediate authority – such a hadith was known as mursal (loose). It was found that the missing link between the Successor and the Prophet (SAS) might be one person, i.e. a Companion, or two persons, the extra person being an older Successor who heard the hadith from the Companion. This is an example of how the need for the verification of each isnad arose. Malik (d. 179) said,

“The first one to utilise the isnad was Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri” (d. 124 AH).

Mustalah al-Hadith and Rijal

As time passed, more reporters were involved in each isnad, and so the situation demanded strict discipline in the acceptance of ahadith; the rules regulating this discipline are known as Mustalah al-Hadith (the Science of Hadith).

Mustalah books speak of a number of classes of hadith in accordance with their status. The following classifications can be made, each of which is explained later:

1. According to the reference to a particular authority, e.g. the Prophet (SAS), a Companion, or a Successor; such ahadith are called marfu’ (elevated), mauquf (delayed) and maqtu’ (severed) respectively .

2. According to the nature of the chain of reporters, i.e. whether interrupted or uninterrupted, e.g. musnad (supported), muttasil (continuous), munqati” (broken), mu’allaq (suspended), mu’dal (perplexing) and mursal (loose).

3. According to the number of reporters involved in each isnad, e.g. mutawatir (consecutive) and ahad (isolated), the latter being divided into gharib (rare), ‘aziz (scarce), and mash-hur (widespread) .

4. According to the way in which a saying has been reported such as using the words ‘an ( – “on the authority of”), haddathana ( – “he narrated to us”), akhbarana ( – “he informed us”) or sami’tu ( – “I heard”). In this category falls the discussion about mudallas (concealed) and musalsal (connected) ahadith.

5. According to the nature of the matn and isnad, e.g. an addition by a reliable reporter, known as ziyadah thiqa, or opposition by a lesser authority to a more reliable one, known as shadh (aloof). In some cases a text containing a vulgar expression, unreasonable remark or an apparently erroneous statement is rejected by the traditionists outright without consideration of the isnad. Such a hadith is known as munkar (denounced). If an expression or statement is proved to be an addition by a reporter to the text, it is declared as mudraj (added).