The Minor Resurrection – Islamic Creed Series 5

In this era of confusion, innovation, and division, it is essential for Muslims to monitor their beliefs and their approach to Islam, so that they may be certain that they are following the path of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the early generation of pious Muslims (the salaf). Without careful attention, a Muslim may live his or her whole life following a deviant path filled with innovation, thinking that he or she is doing the right thing, only to find out – when it is too late – that this path only leads to hell. Islamic Beliefs: A Brief Introduction to the ‘Aqeedah of Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamâ‘ah is written in a straightforward style, distilling the knowledge of the scholars and making it accessible to the ordinary Muslim. It touches on the main points of ‘aqeedah (fundamental Islamic beliefs or creed) and explains the main features of the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the early generation, with brief references to deviant groups in order to show the contrast between the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the paths of the deviant groups, between light and darkness, guidance and misguidance. The straightforward approach of this book will allow the reader to follow its arguments and develop a clear picture of the proper approach to and interpretation of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This is a book which should be on every Muslim’s bookshelf, so that they will have at their fingertips a concise and readily-accessible reference for the basic issues of their religion.

Aqidah and Creed

The order to live one’s life in accordance to the dictates of Tawhid, monotheism, is the single most important injunction laid down by the revealed law, it formed the core of the call of all Prophets and was the essential message of all revealed scripture. To worship Allah based on Tawhid is the purpose of human existence, and it is through this worship that man achieves a sense of fulfilment and contentment; in the words of one of the scholars, ‘he enters a paradise in this world before entering the Paradise of the next.’

This book, apportioned in sixty-seven chapters, deals with many aspects of Tawhid, all of them essential learning for any Muslim. Its focal topic revolves around issues of ulùhiyyah, divinity and `ibadah, worship, with some chapters dealing with al-Asmm wa’l-Sifat, the Names and Attributes of Allah. Its simple language, well-ordered structure, and heavy reliance on Qur’anic verses and Hadith of the Prophet (saw) lends it to easy reading and its importance cannot be underestimated.

Kitab al-Tawhid is a landmark work analysing orthodox Islamic monotheism. Since it was authored it has received a great deal of attention, a large number of commentaries and has been translated into over twenty languages. Relevant as it was then, it remains relevant today and Muslims are in dire need of reading it, studying it and teaching it.

Unfortunately, despite previous laudable efforts, a translation does not yet exist in English that truly reflects the importance of this work. It gives Dar us-Sunnah great pleasure to present this work to the reader in the hope that it fills this gap

• An accurate translation in easy to read modern English

• Annotations taken from 15 major commentaries

• All major criticisms against the book by its antagonists addressed

• All Hadiths and narrations critically analysed and referenced

• This work also includes the authors ‘Letters on Tawhid and Eassay on the meaning of the Kalimah’

• Overview of the style and structure of the book

• Biography of the author analysing his life, creed and works

• The Arabic text of the whole book included

• 420 Revision Questions

• Indexes of verses, Hadiths and narrations

• This is an ideal text book for every Muslim on this very important topic

The will and decree of Allah: Is this a matter which is directly relevant to the day-to-day life of the Muslim, or is it an obscure topic best left to the debates of philosophers and theologians? Does it imply that Muslims are ‘fatalists’ who see themselves as helpless in the hands of an indifferent fate? Attitudes towards divine will and predestination have always influenced Muslims’ daily activities. In this final volume of his eight-volume Islamic Creed Series, Dr. ‘Umar al-Ashqar explores this topic in depth, explaining it in clear terms for the ordinary Muslim. Drawing always on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and on the words of the greatest scholars of Islam such as Ibn Taymiyah, he covers some of the historical debates that took place within the Ummah on this matter. The true Islamic concept of divine will and predestination is an empowering notion. While all that happens takes place within the framework of the divine will, people have freedom of choice within those parameters. This is a matter which is of interest and concern for all Muslims, one which will bring many benefits, both in this world and in the hereafter. This Islamic Creed Series of books has been translated into English by Nasiruddin al-Khattab.