Al-Hidayah - THE GUIDANCE : Volume I

A Classical Manual of Hanafi Law - by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani

Hardback - xxxii + 660 pages Translation and Notes by Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee

Description : The Hidayah represents the refined, distilled and authentic version of a legal tradition developed over many centuries. It presents the corpus of Hanafi law in its approved and preferred form and forges an organic link with the other schools of law. There is no book that can match the power of al-Hidayah as a teaching manual. Education in Islamic law is not complete without this book. Accordingly, each and every madrassah, whatever its affiliation, imparts instruction in Islamic law through al-Hidayah. The book was designed by the author in such a way that it makes a vigorous interaction between teacher and student unavoidable. Each sentence presents a challenge both to the teacher and the taught. In this process, the student acquires a deep knowledge of the issues of fiqh and the methods of reasoning employed by Islamic law. The teacher, on his part, has a unique opportunity, while using the book in the class session, to give full expression to his skills and abilities.

This publication of the Hidayah is the complete translation from Arabic written by al-Marginani, arguably being the most popular and important work in the entire fiqh literature.

The primary reason for its popularity is the reliability of its statements and the soundness of its legal reasoning. Most researchers and scholars first consult al-Hidayah before they move to another source. In the area of Muslim personal law, it has been the major source relied upon by courts in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The need for this book, since the day it was written, led to the writing of well over forty commentaries and glosses on it, and this does not include the books written to document its traditions. This is rare not only for Islamic law, but for any field of knowledge.

In comparing the Mukhtasar of al-Quduri, the book in which al-Hidayah is based upon, we note the following differences:

Al-Quduri has errors that have been corrected in Bidayat al-Mubtadi (the main, bold text of al-Hidayah)
Bidayat al-Mubtadi is based on Quduri but has 25% more text as it includes those rulings that were missed in Quduri
Bidayat al-Mubtadi states the rulings in a more comprehensive way so that the rule is clearly understood
Bidayat al-Mubtadi is organised in a better way
Bidayat al-Mubtadi has a commentary written by the author himself. This commentary is called the Hidayah. This is not the case with al-Quduri.

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Al-Hidayah - THE GUIDANCE : Volume II

A Classical Manual of Hanafi Law - by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani

Hardback - 405 pages Translation and Notes by Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee

This abridged edition of the Hidayah has been translated from Arabic.

Biography : Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani : Shaykh al-Islam, Muhaddith and Hafiz, Abu al-Hasan Burhan al-Din 'Ali b. Abi Bakr b. 'Abd al Jalal al-Farghani, al-Marghinani, the great Hanafi jurist, was born at Marghian in the vicinity of Farghana in 530/1135. He died in 593/1197. He studied with Mufti Najm al Din Abu Hafs 'Umar al-Nasafi, his son Abu'l Layth Ahmad b. 'Umar al Nasafi and other eminent teachers, and excelled in Hadith, Tafsir, Fiqh and other studies. His scholarship was recognised and praised by eminent scholars such as Imam Fakhr al-Din Qadi Khan, Zahir al-Din Muhammad b. Ahmad al-Bukhari (the author of al-Fatawa al-Zahiriyyah) and others.

Biography : Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Shariah and Law, Islamabad. He obtained his law degree (L.L.B) from Punjab University in 1969. In 1983, he was awarded a gold medal for his performance in the L.L.M (Shariah) at the International Islamic University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, USA. His published works include: Theories of Islamic Law, The concept of Riba and Islamic Banking, and General Principles of Criminal Law. He has also published several research articles on Islamic Law and has also translated into English Ibn Rushd's well known book, Bidayat al-Mujtihid (The Distinguished Jurist's Primer) in two volumes.

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NUR AL-IDAH : The Light of Clarification by Imam Shurunbulali

Softback - 417 pages

A translation of Nur al-Idah, A Classical Manual of Hanafi Law.

Translated from the Arabic with Commentary and Notes by Wesam Charkawi

Nur al-Idah is a Hanafi text which includes vast areas of jurisprudence, namely, the rulings pertaining to worship. It leaves the student or general reader well prepared to deal with the majority of matters ranging from purification, prayer, funerals, zakah to hajj. It reveals in a small way as to why the Hanafi Madhhab is held in such high esteem from scholars all over the world. It is practical, sensible and can be used as a reference book. This book is based on the teachings of al-Imam al-A'zam Abu Hanifa May Allah be pleased with him and his students, namely Imam Muhammad, Abu Yusuf and Zufar May Allah be pleased with them; and will provide the reader with a brief look as to why the Hanafi Madhhab is the most widely embraced in the world today.

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal May Allah be pleased with him said, “If in any matter there is agreement between three people, then one pays no attention to the verdict of anyone who disagrees with them.” Someone asked him, “Who are they?” He answered, “Abu Hanifa, Abu Yusuf and Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan.”

About the book: The translation of Nur al-Idah is displayed in bold while the commentary and explanation, the majority of which is from Maraky al-Falah is written in plain text. It has been the translators attempt to prepare the text of Nur al-Idah in a manner that can be read independently without reading the commentary. However, commentary is essential for further explanations of the actual text and for this reason it entails views from other Hanafi sources such as al-Ikhtiyar and al-Hidayah, as well as the position of other schools, such as the Shafi’i Madhhab. This is intended to give the reader a broader perspective on matters and demonstrate the similarity between the various schools of thought.

Referencing the text with evidence, namely, with Quran or hadith has been given on most issues and that areas where it is not, is either due to qiyas (analogical reasoning) or because of its unanimous agreement on that particular issue. A translation may simplify many things, though this will still require the complete and concentrated attention of the reader. Also, many examples and explanatory notes have been included. These are, for the most part intended to clarify what might otherwise have been an obscure or ambiguous passage in the original or as a result of the translation.

The main Hanafi books, such as The Hashia of Ibn ‘Abidin, al-Hidayah and al-Mabsut were referred to, as well as consultation from some of the most eminent scholars. The text also includes sample examination questions in an effort to help the reader view the laws in a different light and to enable him to deal with legal rules in a practical way.

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Al-Fiqh al-Akbar - [The Greater Knowledge]
Imam Abu Hanifa's Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained

Hardback - 240 pages by Abu ’l-Muntaha al-Maghnisawi

Imam Abu Hanifa's Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained by Abu ’l-Muntaha al-Maghnisawi with Selections from 'Ali al-Qari’s Commentary, including Abu Hanifa’s Kitab al-Wasiyya

Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is one of the earliest texts written on Islamic creed and one of the surviving works of Abu Hanifa, the Great Imam of jurisprudence and theology. Studied for centuries in the Muslim world, Al-Fiqh al-Akbar offers a more nuanced, textured approach to understanding divine oneness (tawhid), the focal point of Islamic belief. It refines one’s understanding of the Creator, the messengers and divine communication, and enables one to gain much-needed insight into the realities of this life and the events of the hereafter.

Al-Fiqh al-Akbar not only improves one’s understanding of 'aqida and deepens one’s appreciation of his or her beliefs, but it endeavors to address questions, which, if left unanswered, could leave insidious doubt and cause communal division. Such questions include: Where is Allah? Does Allah evolve? What constitutes true Islamic belief? Are Prophets capable of sinning? Is there creation beyond what we see? What comes after death?

This translation of Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is an unprecedented contribution to the subject of 'aqida in English. A lucid rendering, unhampered by sterile literalism, it draws on a number of commentaries to unlock a subject that has been largely inaccessible to an English readership. This is due both to the subject’s complexity and the lack of reliable works in English. Combining Maghnisawi’s basic commentary with copious notes carefully selected from 'Ali al-Qari’s super-commentary and the entire Kitab al-Wasiyya of Abu Hanifa, this edition promises to be an essential guide on the intellectual and rewarding journey through Islamic creed.

Reviews:
“A substantial addition to the dismayingly small number of English translations of works of Islamic theology… It is well suited to provide a solid introduction to later Islamic theology, both Maturidi and Ash'ari, as it has been studied in traditional Sunni circles for centuries.”— Aron Zysow, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, USA

“This represents one of the most comprehensive works written in the English language representing the traditional, true, and authentic teachings of the early predecessors (salaf) in matters of doctrine and tawhid (Islamic monotheism).”— Shaykh Abdullah Ali, Lamppost Productions, USA

“[Abdur-Rahman] Ibn Yusuf’s work stands out as an outstanding example of scholarly reference and citation. A work suitable for both the general reader interested in Islamic doctrine and theology and as a critical and important addition to university libraries and classrooms.”— Ralph H. Salmi, Ph.D. Center for Islamic and Middle East Studies, California State University, San Bernardino

Our Price £14.50 INCLUSIVE OF UK DELIVERY

The KITAB al-ATHAR of Imam Abu Hanifah

Hardback - 713 pages by Imam Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani

The Kitab al-Athar of Imam Abu Hanifah In the narration of Imam Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani

The Kitab al-Athar was the first book composed in Islam after the generation of the Companions. Al-Imam al-A’zam Abu Hanifah Nu’man ibn Thabit May Allah be pleased with him wrote it. It comprises Ahadith that connect directly back to the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam (marfu’), those which stop short at a Companion or one of the Followers (mawquf) and those which are attributed to the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam directly by one of the Followers or Followers of the Followers without attribution to a Companion (mursal).

His companions Imam Abu Yusuf, Imam Zufar, Imam Muhammad, Imam al-Hasan ibn Ziyad, Imam Hammad ibn Abi Hanifah (May Allah be pleased with them all) the Imam’s son, Hafs ibn Ghiyath and others narrated it from him.

In the version before us, Imam Muhammad, himself a mujtahid, narrated each tradition from Imam Abu Hanifah and then followed each with some explanatory material, sometimes confirming and occasionally differing with his Imam.

Imam Abu Hanifah: Imam Abu Hanifah May Allah be pleased with him was from Kufa and was one of the Followers (taabi’oon). He was born in 80 AH in a family of Persian ancestry. Imam Abu Hanifah was a trader in fabrics. He studied with the great scholars of Kufa who transmitted the schools of Ibn Mas’ud May Allah be pleased with him and Amir al-Momineen ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib May Allah be pleased with him in particular, but he also travelled further afield in search of hadith and fiqh. He was noted for his exceptional grasp of fiqh, and is said to have laid its foundations. He died in 150 AH in Baghdad.

His list of teachers is very extensive, and his list of pupils a roll-call of honour.

Sahl ibn Muzahim said, “Abu Hanifah’s knowledge was universal knowledge.” Ash-Shafi’i May Allah be pleased with him said, “In fiqh people are the needy dependents of Abu Hanifah.”

Imam Muhammad : He is Abu ‘Abdillah Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Farqad ash-Shaybani. Muhammad was born in Wasit in 132 AH, and grew up in Kufa. He was a pupil of Abu Hanifah. Ash-Shafi’ee said, “I have not seen anyone more eloquent than him. I used to think when I saw him reciting the Qur’an that it was as if the Qur’an had been revealed in his language.” He also said, “I have not seen anyone more intelligent than Muhammad ibn al-Hasan.” He died in Ray in 189 AH.

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The Muwatta of Imam Muhammad by Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani

Hardback - 652 pages Translated by Mohammed Abdurrahman & Abdassamad Clarke

"The unqualified truth is that all of the Muwatta is sahih without any exception!" —Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani

This quote from one of the greatest authorities on hadith of all time is sufficient recommendation. The version of the Muwatta narrated by Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani May Allah be pleased with him, one of the two leading pupils of Imam Abu Hanifah May Allah be pleased with him, directly from his three years of study with Imam Malik May Allah be pleased with him will be of particular interest not only to students of Hanafi fiqh, but also to students of hadith in general.

Imam Malik May Allah be pleased with him composed the Muwatta’ over a period of forty years to represent the “well-trodden path” of the people of Madina. Its name also means that it is the book that is “many times agreed upon”— about whose contents the people of Madina were unanimously agreed—and that is “made easy and facilitated”. Its high standing is such that people of every school of fiqh and all of the imams of hadith scholarship agree upon its authenticity. Imam Shafi’i said, “There is not on the face of the earth—after the Book of Allah—a book which is more sahih than the book of Malik.” Shah Wali Allah Dihlawi May Allah be pleased with him (1114-1176 AH) said, “My breast expanded and I became certain that the Muwatta’ is the most sahih book to be found on the earth after the Book of Allah.”

Imam Malik May Allah be pleased with him is the Imam of the Imams, the leader of the people of knowledge of Madinah, Malik ibn Anas ibn Malik ibn Abi ‘Amir al-Asbahi al-Madani, born in 94 AH, 95 AH or even 99 AH. He was called the Man of Knowledge of Madina. People of knowledge understood that it was him the Prophet May Allah bless him and grant him peace saw indicated in the hadith from Abu Hurayra, “People will soon beat the livers of their camels [in travelling in search of knowledge] but they will not find a man of knowledge more knowledgeable than the man of knowledge of Madina.” Among his pupils were the Imams Sufyan ath-Thawri, Sa’id ibn Mansur, ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak, ‘Abd ar-Rahman al-Awza’i who was older than him, Layth ibn Sa’d who was one of his peers, Imam ash-Shafi’i, Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, the Malikis ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn al-Qasim, Yahya ibn Yahya al-Laythi, Ibn Wahb, and Dhu’n-Nun al-Misri. He died in 179 AH on the morning of the 14th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani, May Allah be pleased with him: He is Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Farqad al-Shaybani. Muhammad was born in Wasit in 132 AH, and grew up in Kufa. He was a pupil of Imam Abu Hanifah May Allah be pleased with him. Imam Shafi’i May Allah be pleased with him said, “I have not seen anyone more eloquent than him. I used to think when I saw him reciting the Qur’an that it was as if the Qur’an had been revealed in his language.” He also said, “I have not seen anyone more itelligent than Muhammad ibn al-Hasan.” Imam al-Dhahabi May Allah be pleased with him said, “He narrated from Malik ibn Anas and others, and he was one of the great oceans of knowledge and fiqh, and he was strong [when he narrated] from Malik.” Imam Muhammad May Allah be pleased with him said, “I stood at Malik’s door for three years and I heard [the Muwatta’] from him [with] more than seven hundred hadith.” He died in Rayy in 189 AH.

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ISLAMIC LAWS & ETIQUETTES by Sadr al Ulama Ghulam Jilani al-Merthi
Hardback - 456 pages

This book gives a detailed explanation of the creed held by the Ahl-us-Sunnah wal Jama'ah in light of the Qur'anic verses and many Ahadith whilst describing the essential features of taharah and Salah.

It deals with issues that should be known by everyone regarding the correct performance of these devotions, which unfortunately, Muslims have little knowledge of.

This book is the English translation of the classical urdu book Nizam-e-Shariat. Also available to purchase in Urdu.

About the Author: Sadr al Ulama, [or Imam an Nahv as he was also called], Allama Ghulam Jilani al Mertathi 'alayhir ar rahman was amongst the eminent and most learned scholars of his time. He was a prolific author, astute lecturer, a master of arabic as well as being proficient in many sciences.

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The History of an Islamic School of Law - The Early Spread of Hanafism

Hardback - 226 pages by Nurit Tsafrir

The Hanafi school of law is one of the oldest legal schools of Islam, coming into existence in the eighth century in Iraq, and surviving up to the present.

So closely is the early development of the Hanafi school interwoven with non-legal spheres, such as the political, social, and theological, that the study of it is essential to a proper understanding of medieval Islamic history.

Using rich material drawn mainly from medieval Islamic biographical dictionaries, Nurit Tsafrir offers a thorough examination of the first century and a half of the school's existence, the period during which it took shape. She provides a detailed account of the process by which the school attracted ever more followers and spread over vast geographical areas in the Islamic world empire.

The book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the history of this influential school of law in the broader context of Islamic history. The History of an Islamic School of Law: The Early Spread of Hanafism will be of interest to all those concerned with early and medieval Islamic history, the history of Islamic schools of law, legal history, and the social history of classical Islam.

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The Mukhtasar al-Quduri by Imam Abu'l Hasan Ahmad al-Quduri

Hardback - 900+ pages Translated with Notes by Tahir Mahmood al-Kiani

A Manual of Islamic Law according to the Hanafi School.

Al-Mukhtasar - the jurisprudential treatise of Imam al-Quduri has enjoyed far more popularity than any other text, in the Hanafi school. It is the nucleus around which laws evolve, and the foundation upon which other text, commentaries and summaries are based.

For hundreds of years Mukhtasar al-Quduri has been presented to the masses in many forms, such as lectures in Islamic institutions and study circles as well as in publications. It covers thousands of issues, enveloping all aspects of life; from worship to politics, and from private life to to the international scene. I am pleased with the manner in which Tahir Mahmood al-Kiani has undertaken the task of providing an English translation of this masterpiece. As a former student and current lecturer at the Institution of Jamia al-Karam, this work of his has brought about a sense of appreciation and honour to all those associated with the Institution. I recommend this English translation of Mukhtasar al-Quduri to everyone, especially to the students and teachers of Hanafi jurisprudence ---Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada, Principal & Founder, Jamia al-Karam, Retford, Notts.

Further reviews, excerpt and introduction: http://www.bogvaerker.dk/images/MukhtasarQuduriIntro.pdf

Delivery from Mon 10th May 2010
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