Islamic life and practice Books

Book SynopsisNo word in English evokes more fear and misunderstanding than ''jihad''. To date the books that have appeared on the subject in English by Western scholars have been either openly partisan and polemical, or subtly traumatised by so many acts and images of terrorism in the name of jihad, and by the historical memory of nearly one thousand four hundred years of confrontation between Islam and Christianity. War and Peace in Islam: The Uses and Abuses of Jihad aims to change this. Written by a number of Islamic religious authorities and Muslim scholars, this work presents the views and teachings of mainstream Sunni and Shi''i Islam on the subject of jihad. It authoritatively presents jihad as it is understood by the majority of the world''s 1.7 billion Muslims today, and supports this understanding with extensive detail and scholarship. Though jihad is the central concern of War and Peace in Islam: The Uses and Abuses of Jihad, the range of the essays is not confined exclusively to the study of jihad. The work is divided into three parts: War and Its Practice, Peace and Its Practice, and Beyond Peace: The Practice of Forbearance, Mercy, Compassion and Love. War and Peace in Islam: The Uses and Abuses of Jihad aims to reveal the real meaning of jihad and to rectify many of the misunderstandings that surround both it and Islam''s relation with the ''Other''.

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Book SynopsisFilled with quotes, sayings and teachings from the Qur'an and a curated selection of prominent figures, this little book will uplift and inspire you for a peaceful, purposeful RamadanImmerse yourself in this beautiful selection of powerful words to help you feel inspired and encouraged throughout the holy month of Ramadan - a time of hope and renewal. Drawing on the wisdom of the Qur'an, the pages in this book share insightful words and guidance from a wide range of Muslim figures, offering a place for spiritual growth as you deepen your connection to Allah and enhance your worship and devotion.With thoughts and advice on staying positive throughout this sacred time, this little book will be a source of strength, offering spiritual support and guidance as you venture on a journey of reflection and purification. Let Ramadan Mubarak serve as your companion, bringing comfort to your soul and peace to your heart.Ramadan Mubarak!

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Book SynopsisAt its core, Home Sweet Home is about relationships: the power it has over one’s sense of peace and self and how knowing one’s rights and duties can empower one to confidently set boundaries. Most importantly, it discusses issues and conflicts that may exist within the home and how to ensure they are not mismanaged and handled disproportionately. It emphasizes the need to reflect and ponder over the origins of conflict and aims to make its readers more cognizant of the Islamic principles related to every relationship and interaction. In particular, there is a focus on the positive impact faith can have on smoothing out many common problems. This is underpinned by psychological concepts, the Qur’an and Hadith literature. By taking into account the various issues faced by many and the different types of relationships, a holistic understanding can be crucially obtained. Through the insights provided by this book, there is hope that it leads to better and more confident decisions being taken in the home so that family members can thrive together and support each other.

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Book SynopsisHomosexuality is anathema to Islam – or so the majority of both believers and non-believers suppose. Throughout the Muslim world, it is met with hostility, where state punishments range from hefty fines to the death penalty. Likewise, numerous scholars and commentators maintain that the Qur’an and Hadith rule unambiguously against same-sex relations. This pioneering study argues that there is far more nuance to the matter than most believe. In its narrative of Lot, the Qur’an could be interpreted as condemning lust rather homosexuality. While some Hadith are fiercely critical of homosexuality, some are far more equivocal. This is the first book length treatment to offer a detailed analysis of how Islamic scripture, jurisprudence, and Hadith, can not only accommodate a sexually sensitive Islam, but actively endorse it.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first English translation of the last chapter of the Revival of the Religious Sciences. After expounding his Sufi philosophy of death and showing the importance of the contemplation of human mortality to the mystical way of self-purification, Ghazali takes his readers through the stages of the future life: the vision of the Angels of the Grave, the Resurrection, the Intercession of the Prophet, and finally, the torments of Hell, the delights of Paradise andfor the electthe beatific vision of God''s Countenance.In this new edition, the Islamic Texts Society has included a translation of Imam Ghazali''s own Introduction to the Revival of the Religious Sciences which gives the reasons that caused him to write the work, the structure of the whole of the Revival, and places each of the chapters in the context of the others.

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Book SynopsisChaperones, suitors, and arranged marriages aren't only reserved for the heroines of a Jane Austen novel. They're just another walk in the park for this leading lady, who is on a mission to find her leading lad. From the brilliant comics Yes, I'm Hot in This, Huda Fahmy tells the hilarious story of how she met and married her husband. Navigating mismatched suitors, gossiping aunties, and societal expectations for Muslim women, That Can Be Arranged deftly and hilariously reveals to readers what it can be like to find a husband as an observant Muslim woman in the twenty-first century.So relevant in today's evolving cultural climate, Fahmy's story offers a perceptive and personal glimpse into the sometimes sticky but ultimately rewarding balance of independent choice and tradition.

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Book SynopsisAs the founder of Islam Muhammad is one of the most influential figures in history. The furor surrounding the Satanic Verses and the Danish cartoon crisis reminded the world of the tremendous importance of the prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Learning about his life and understanding its importance, however, has always proven difficult. Our knowledge of Muhammad comes from the biography of him written by his followers, but Western historians have questioned the reliability of this story in their quest to uncover the ''historical Muhammad''. As modern controversies have shown, whatever the truth about Muhammad''s life, his persona has taken on numerous shapes and played a crucial role in Muslim life and civilization. This Very Short Introduction provides an introduction to the major aspects of Muhammad''s life and its importance, providing both the Muslim and Western historical perspectives. It also explains the prominent roles that Muhammad''s persona has played in the Islamic world, from the medieval to the modern period.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Review'This is an excellent introduction to the life of Muhammad. Dr Brown is providing the reader with a rigorous study based on the classical Islamic tradition, yet well balanced between elements of faith and rational discussions, useful for Muslims and non Muslims alike. Very easy to read, profound and interesting to study.' * Tariq Ramadan *'This is a masterful treatment...informed by first rate scholarship yet engaging, accessible, and distinctively different from previous books on Muhammad' * John L. Esposito, Georgetown University, and author of 'The Future of Islam'. *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. The Life of the Messenger of God ; 2. Shaping Muhammad in History ; 3. Muhammad in Islamic Civilization ; Further Reading

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Book SynopsisFrom the prize winning and bestselling author of Lullaby and Adele: a fascinating and witty collection ofessays on the lives of women grappling with sexual politics in a deeply conservative culture.Trade Review'Slimani trusts in her outrage, in the force of her own voice, and the voices of the women she listens to.' - Guardian'This book of impassioned pleas, and of human impulses that resonate, is one step to more women breaking free.' - Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisImam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti composed the Work of Day and Night (''Amal al-yawm wa''l-layla) as a guide to correct conduct and worship in accordance with the example of the Prophet and the Pious Predecessors. This book contains some of the most beautiful prayers in Islamic devotional literature, and Suyuty has provided guidance about nearly every situation that one is likely to encounter day-to-day. In it the reader will find: the prayers said upon awakening, before eating and when dressing; the acts carried out at various times of the day and between prayers; and much else. A special section is dedicated to prayers that are recommended for reading at times of need due to their widely recognised protective qualities. Work of Day and Night is invaluable for learning the Sunna of the Prophet and integrating it into one''s life, as Suyuti took great care to explain precisely how to perform each of the daily practices in accordance with the example of the Prophet Muhammad.It is hoped that this bilingual volume will enable a wider English-speaking audience to access one of the treasures of traditional Islamic knowledge and practice, and that it will provide Muslim readers with a source of inspiration in everyday life. A selection of the most beautiful and useful prayers has been transliterated and included in an appendix so that all worshippers may benefit by reciting themregardless of Arabic ability. There is also a glossary of the most important religious terms.

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Book Synopsis“A ‘self-help’ book for Muslims, which seeks both to inspire Muslim women, but also to educate those outside the faith” – Dr Myriam FrancoisSince her conversion to Islam in 2002 Mathilde Loujayne has crossed paths with women from all walks of life on a common spiritual journey to discover Islam from a feminine perspective. Fuelled by a desire to find the right words to explain to her mother her choice to embrace Islam, this guide was born. Through Mathilde Loujayne's personal experiences - grief, high school, moving abroad, work, marriage, and motherhood - she addressses women's common concerns as they take the big, little steps towards finding a balanced lifestyle and a glowing heart in Islam.Trade ReviewBig Little Steps breaks down a woman's journey to Islam in big little pieces. — Grazia Middle EastThis is a book full of heart. New Muslims and those who are newly committed to their religion will find much useful information conveyed with common sense and compassion. — Dr. Ingrid Mattson, London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College (Canada)Big Little Steps is a holistic and feminine take on the ins and outs of Islam, written by a young French lady. It is an easy to understand and useful guide to anyone wanting to become Muslim, especially brave women! I wish I'd had a book like this when I embraced Islam in 1995. — Kristiane Backer, author of From MTV to IslamBig Little Steps is a heart-warming journey of an intelligent woman seeking the peace of Allah. Full of practical advice and insightful thoughts, this is one book that every Muslimah should be talking about. — Quake Books“Mathilde weaves her own personal story of conversion to Islam, into this accessible manuscript in which personal anecdotes mix with more formalistic descriptions of religious practise.” — Dr Myriam Francois, taken from the prefaceTable of ContentsIntroduction — Epiphany Chapter 1 — Faith Who is God? Understanding Islam The five pillars of Islam Chapter 2 — A Way of Life Fasting benefits for the body Natural medicine Praying: a physio-spiritual practice Beauty secrets Animal welfare ‘Bon appetit! Bismillah’ Mental health Chapter 3 — Womankind The creation of (wo)mankind The role of women in a muslim society Women’s rights Modesty Chapter 4 — Prayer The sweetness of faith Ablutions? Enlighten me The Mosque Get connected: special occasions Chapter 5 — Togetherness Soul sisters Citizens of the world Let the festivities begin! Death Love Leap of faith Terminology Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisIn this work, here presented in a complete English edition for the first time, the problem of knowing God is confronted in an original and stimulating way. Taking up the Prophet''s teaching that ''Ninety-nine Beautiful Names'' are truly predicated of God, Ghazali explores the meaning and resonance of each of these divine names, and reveals the functions they perform both in the cosmos and in the soul of the spiritual adept. Although some of the book is rigorously analytical, the author never fails to attract the reader with his profound mystical and ethical insights, which, conveyed in his sincere and straightforward idiom, have made of this book one of the perennial classics of Muslim thought, popular among Muslims to this day.This volume won a British Book Design and Production Award in 1993.

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Book SynopsisThe spiritual life in Islam begins with riyadat al-nafs, the inner warfare against the ego. Distracted and polluted by worldliness, the lower self has a tendency to drag the human creature down into arrogance and vice. Only by a powerful effort of will can the sincere worshipper achieve the purity of soul which enables him to attain God''s proximity.This translation of two chapters from The Revival of the Religious Sciences details the sophisticated spiritual techniques adopted by classical Islam. In the first step, On Disciplining the Soul, which cites copious anecdotes from the Islamic scriptures and biographies of the saints, Ghazali explains how to acquire good character traits, and goes on to describe how the sickness of the heart may be cured.In the second part, Breaking the Two Desires, he focusses on the question of gluttony and sexual desire, concluding, in the words of the Prophet, that ''the best of all matters is the middle way''.The translator has added an introduction and notes which explore Ghazali''s ability to make use of Greek as well as Islamic ethics. The work will prove of special interest to those interested in Sufi mysticism, comparative ethics, and the question of sexuality in Islam.

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Book SynopsisFollowing the 1979 revolution, the Iranian government set out to Islamize society. Muslim piety had to be visible, in personal appearance and in action. Iranians were told to pray, fast, and attend mosques to be true Muslims. The revolution turned questions of what it means to be a true Muslim into a matter of public debate, taken up widely outside the exclusive realm of male clerics and intellectuals. Say What Your Longing Heart Desires offers an elegant ethnography of these debates among a group of educated, middle-class women whose voices are often muted in studies of Islam. Niloofar Haeri follows them in their daily lives as they engage with the classical poetry of Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi, illuminating a long-standing mutual inspiration between prayer and poetry. She recounts how different forms of prayer may transform into dialogues with God, and, in turn, Haeri illuminates the ways in which believers draw on prayer and ritual acts as the emotional and intellectual material through which they think, deliberate, and debate.Trade Review"This is one of the best books on prayer in all of anthropology. Niloofar Haeri shows that prayer is not an empty ritual, but that it becomes a relationship that changes people—and allows the secular reader to understand how poetry enables women to feel spiritual presence. A beautifully written work."—Tanya Luhrmann, Stanford University, author of When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God"Say What Your Longing Heart Desires is a work that deserves to be widely read by all who are interested in understanding the different approaches to 'authentic' religion that exist in the Muslim world. A rich and detailed account, and a valuable contribution to our knowledge of religious practice."—Talal Asad, author of Genealogies of Religion: Discipline and Reasons of Power in Christianity and Islam"Say What Your Longing Heart Desires establishes itself immediately as an essential work in the anthropology of prayer and a major contribution to the study of religious practice and experience. A subtle and compelling work."—Robert A. Orsi, Northwestern University, author of Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them"Say What Your Longing Heart Desires will change common perceptions about women's experiences in Iran. Niloofar Haeri examines competing claims of Muslimhood and offers novel readings of theological conversations on spirituality and religious conviction in the Islamic Republic. An empirically rich and theoretically nuanced book."—Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi, Princeton University, author of Foucault in Iran: Islamic Revolution after the Enlightenment"Niloofar Haeri's deeply researched and elegantly written book brings readers into the most intimate and exigent spaces of a religious world. Haeri examines the everyday prayer practices of Iranian women as the basis for reflecting on the relationship between prayer and poetry and on how ideas about religiosity debated in classical Persian poetry inform the world of prayer. Haeri's ethnographic study of Muslim women at prayer, a practice that is at once deeply personal and utterly social, underscores the diversity of Muslim religious practices and challenges conceptions of what constitutes 'authentic' religion, complicating the distinction between ritual and non-ritual forms of worship. This beautiful book is a signal contribution to the study of women and Islam, with implications for the study of religion itself."—Jury for the American Academy of Religion Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion: Constructive-Reflective Studies"Using beautiful, limpid prose, Haeri weaves together poetry, religion, and ethnography to show how a group of middle-class, educated Iranian women counter the state's version of Islam. They regularly revisit and reconsider Islamic theology by drawing on the vast body of mystic poetry that is so central to Iranian culture. In the process, Haeri blurs lines thrown up between the secular and the religious in recent scholarship and invites us to consider the deeper, political, and public meaning of ritualistic religious practices."—Committee for the Fatema Mernissi Book Award, sponsored by the Middle East Studies Association"As one of the best examples of works on 'lived Islam,' [Say What Your Longing Heart Desires] showcases how much analysis, critical thinking, and self-reflection is involved in the construction and performance of 'religious' acts and will be helpful to both students and experts in the fields of religion, ritual, and literature."—Ahoo Najafian, International Journal of Middle East Studies"Students and teachers of comparative religion will appreciate this fresh and unusual way to learn about how Iranians practice Islam... Readers get the rare gift of hearing the women's words and reading about events in their lives. As Haeri points out, we in the West don't often get that intimacy with Muslims in general or Iranians in particular."—Karie Firoozmand, Friends JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Where Do Ideas Come from? An Education in Classical Poetry Chapter 2: Fixed Forms and the Play of Imagination: Everyday Ritual Prayers Chapter 3: What Are We up to When We Pray? Spontaneous Conversations with God Chapter 4: Movable Mosques: Prayer Books, Women, and Youth Conclusion

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Book SynopsisLisa Nielson is an Anisfield-Wolf Fellow and Lecturer in the Department of Music at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA. . She received her PhD from the University of Maine at Orono, USA and holds a bachelor's and master's degree in music performance and pedagogy.Trade Review"A rich exploration of the social and religious contexts of music-making in the medieval Islamic world. Nielson weaves together issues of gender, ethnicity, social class, and religion to provide a readable and accessible survey of the complex interaction of these forces and how they affected musical culture. A recommended read for scholars and students of the medieval Middle East." -- Dwight F. Reynolds, University of California, Santa Barbara, USAThis fascinating book offers a remarkable new insight in the role of music and musicians at the courts of the caliphs in the medieval Islamic world. It sketches a social history of the qiyan, the singing slave girls, and their male counterparts, the mukhannathun, or ‘effeminate’ musicians, focusing on their socio-cultural position: their ethnical background, sexual relationships, patronage, skills, and career development. -- Anne, van Oostrum, University of Amsterdam, NetherlandsTable of ContentsSection I: Musical Culture in the Early Islamic Courts Chapter 1: Music and Musicians Chapter 2: Musicianship and Performance Chapter 3: Patronage Section II: Representations of Musicianship and Identity Chapter 4: Literary Performance of Music and Reading Musical Identity Chapter 5: Slavery and Gender Chapter 6: Ethnos and gens Section III: Diversions of Pleasure Chapter 7: Discomfort and Censure Chapter 8: Sama? and Practice Chapter 9: The Politics of Listening

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Book SynopsisA trillion dollar financial industry is revolutionising the global economy. Governments and corporations across the Islamic world are increasingly turning to finance that complies with Sharia law in order to fund economic growth. Even in the West, Islamic finance is rapidly becoming an important alternative source of funding at a time when the conventional finance industry is reeling from the effects of the financial crisis.From its origins in the seventh century, Islamic finance has sought to develop core ethical principles that are based in the foundations of Islam and Shari'a. By engaging critically with the complexities of international finance, it has evolved and adapted into a world emerging from the economic and moral aftermath of a global financial crisis. But with an increasing Western interest, is it able to remain true to the principles of its faith? Can it maintain its ideals of social justice? Or is Islamic finance guilty of the very dangers it seeks to avoid?Trade ReviewIrfan uses his own professional and personal experiences to weave together an accessible and interesting story -- Monica Siddiqui, The Daily TelegraphIn the aptly-titled Heaven's Bankers, Harris Irfan weaves together personal anecdotes with explanations of some of the crucial aspects of the subject - and its controversies * Financial Times *Heaven's Bankers [is] more than just a good read and will become a major primary source for historians and financiers in researching and understanding this fascinating area * The Huffington Post *[Irfan opens] a window into this fascinating world * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisRevelatory, lyrical and immersive, this is an extraordinary book that takes you deep into these ordinary women's worlds... Their stories are urgent and forcefully articulated - and this book gives us the chance to hear them.On an island at the eastern edge of India, rural, remote and dense with jungle, is a Muslim village. In an ever-shifting landscape of mangroves and rivers, the women here dwell among contradictions, constrictions and change in a place where one's neighbours are often too close for comfort.Nine Paths follows the lives of nine of these women, and their families, over the course of a year - from one monsoon season to another. There are weddings to celebrate and deaths to mourn, difficult marriages to navigate and tragedies to overcome, as we observe the everyday drudgery and unexpected turmoil, and the dreams of something better. Revelatory, lyrical and immersive, this is an extraordinary book that takes you deep into these ordinary women's worlds. Anthropologist Lexi Stadlen spent sixteen months in this village, talking, listening, and getting to know these women, who were willing to share their complicated, fascinating lives. Their stories are urgent and forcefully articulated - and this book gives us the chance to hear them.Trade ReviewCompelling, immersive, and beautifully composed, Nine Paths is a story woven from the true accounts of nine Muslim women from rural India. This book is that perfect thing: exquisite storytelling meeting serious research. It makes for a vivid and memorable encounter - a world away brought near by Lexi Stadlen's ingenuity, compassion, and skill. -- Suzannah LipscombIntimate, insightful and powerful, Nine Paths pulls the reader deep into what it means to be a Muslim woman in India, and allows us to appreciate the strength, resilience and bravery in the face of the many forms of violence negotiated daily. Lexi Stadlen vividly brings to life the best of immersive ethnography -- Alpa Shah, author of Nightmarch: Among India's Revolutionary GuerrillasBeautifully written, and so clever - telling us in great detail about the challenges that these women face, but with remarkable skill and such a delicate touch. -- Sonia Faleiro, author of The Good GirlsNine Paths captivatingly portrays life in rural Bengal through carefully interwoven episodes that evoke the village environs, the social atmosphere, and especially the nine Muslim women on whom the book focuses. The reader is taken through a year in their lives, sees the mundane ordinariness as well as the dramas and crises of their everyday lives, meets them as they handle marriage negotiations, contend with awkward dynamics within their household, worry about debts and reflect on their position as Muslims. It is a beautifully written and haunting book. -- Patricia Jeffery, Professor Emerita, University of Edinburgh

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful presentation of a selection from the Holy Qur'an engages the reader in a moment of daily reflection. Edited for ease of comprehension, English-speaking readers will find this compilation both spiritually enriching and easy to understand. With 365 verses covering the whole year, this is a must for every home. An introduction to the Qur'an and its eternal message for humanity is included, giving the reader an insight into its origin, purpose, and style. Abdur Raheem Kidwai is professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University in India and the well-known author of many works on the Qur'an and Islam.Trade Review"Just 1 page each day makes a difference in each of the 365 days of the year." Goodreads

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Book SynopsisIbn Taymiyya remains one of the most controversial Islamic thinkers today because of his supposed influence on many fundamentalist movements. The common understanding of his ideas have been filtered through the bits and pieces of his statements, which have been misappropriated by alleged supporters and avowed critics alike. However, most people still have limited access to his beliefs and opinions as expressed in his own writings. Epistle on Worship: Risalat Al-''Ubudiyya, aims to fill this gap by presenting an annotated translation of one of Ibn Taymiyya''s most important epistles on the theology behind the concept of worship. The introduction gives the reader an overview of his biography and situates Ibn Taymiyya in the broader world of Islamic intellectual history by explaining his methodological arguments and theological opinions. The annotated translation captures the immediacy of his ideas as they impacted his world as well as the relevancy they have for our times.

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Book SynopsisOffering insight into the Islamic perspective, this volume covers two subjects that have never before been discussed as separate topics in Islamic jurisprudence?citizenship and the accountability of government. Tracing the origins of the two concepts in the Qur?an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the practice of the first four caliphs, it follows their integration under different branches and explores the rights and obligations of Muslims in Islamic law, applying these to the modern world. Topics include: the definitions of citizenship; the rights of citizens; the duties of citizens; citizenship laws; the concepts of dar al-Islam (abode of Islam), dar al-harb (abode of war) and the dar al-''ahd (abode of treaty); the ummah and the nation-state; government as a trust; the selection of officials; the relationship between authority and citizens; corruption and the misuse of public funds; despotism and dynastic misrule; the right of complaint; the limits of obedience; impeachment of officials and heads of state; and the foundation of institutions of accountability.

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Book SynopsisAl-Ghazali on Poverty and Abstinence is the thirty-fourth chapter of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya'' ''Ulum al-Din), which is widely regarded as the greatest work of Muslim spirituality. In Al-Ghazali on Poverty and Abstinence, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali considers two themes dear to Islamic devotional literature: poverty and abstinence. Taking as his example the Prophet''s love for the poor, Ghazali explains that poverty is not simply an accidental state of destitution that might befall anyone but rather an inner acceptance of the Will of God and a form of abstinence for His sake. Thus the life of poverty described by Ghazali in Al-Ghazali on Poverty and Abstinence refers to what every devoted follower of the Prophet is meant to adopt whatever his or her outer state may be.In this new edition, the Islamic Texts Society has included the translation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali''s own Introduction to the Revival of the Religious Sciences which gives the reasons that caused him to write the work, the structure of the whole of the Revival and places each of the chapters in the context of the others.

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Book SynopsisAnyone with the enthusiasm to pick up a pen will be able to unearth the inner workings of the Qur''an and its deeper treasures. Through tracing the verses, they will gain the tools to appreciate the Qur''an and its teachings in a lasting personal way. This is a stimulating journey, and its starting point tests on using the pen, the very instrument that Allah almighty SWT places centrally in His first Revelation to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH *Read: Your Lord is most Generous, He who taught by the pen (Taught man that which he knew not " [Surah Al-Alaq 96.3-51]). In using ''The Tracing Qur''an'' methodology, we can give the pen its rightful position as a medium of peace and guidance. The Tracing Qur''an includes a reminder of the importance of engaging with the Qur''an, the virtues of engaging with the Qur''an by way of tracing and writing, an approach to tracing or writing the Qur''an, as well as a tracing, writing, and memorisation checklist.

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Book SynopsisAre your duas not being accepted? Unhealthy addictions and depression are widespread: some of us find the uncertainty and emotional darkness eating away at us. 700 years ago, a diligent Muslim scholar told of a cost-free universal psychotherapeutic cure, writing: "Happiness comes with sincere du''a." He was Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (RA); his teacher was Ibn Taymiyyah (RA). Riding on the coattails of our pious predecessors, we too seek routes to accepted prayers and eternal reward within the tradition of the Holy Qur''an and authentic ahadith (Prophetic sayings). This book builds on the debut A Handbook of Spiritual Medicine and isn''t simply a compilation of recommended du''as. Instead, it is a carefully considered framework that aligns our emotions with the most beautiful du''as, all of which have a profound constructive purpose: the aim is to transport us smilingly and with the noblest etiquette towards the ma''arifat (higher knowledge of Allah SWT) and istiq

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Book SynopsisMany of us may be unaware that some things that we do, are actually sins - acts of disobedience to Allah (swt). Even when we are aware of them, we don't think that our sins can have negative consequences for us, in our relationship with Allah (swt), other people, and even the world.Learning about sins is an eye-opening, transforming experience that changes your heart and mind. Furthermore, it makes you look at the world from a new perspective which can change your life forever. Discover, dissect and digest how to prevent and even overcome that which poisons the heart of the believer. Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Part 1 - The poison that kills the heartChapter 2 - Part 2 - The poison that kills the heartChapter 3 - Sins and deprivation of knowledgeChapter 4 - Sins weaken and ultimately sever my relationship with Allah

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Book SynopsisThoughtful and challenging, this book argues for a reassessment of the role historically played by Islam in Africa, and offers new hope for in creased mutual understanding between African people of different faiths. Drawing on a wealth of sources, from the colonial period to the most up-to-date scholarship, the author challenges the widely held perception th at, while Christianity oppressed and subjugated the African people, Islam fitted comfortably into the indigenous landscape. Instead, this penetrating account reveals Muslim settlers to be as guilty of enforcing slavery and conversion as those of their more maligned sister tradition. Only with an acknowledgement of the true roles of both faiths in African history, suggests Azumah, can the people of both traditions move themselves and their continent towards a new future of tolerance and self-awareness.Table of Contents1. A glance at Post-Colonial Assessment of the Western-Christian and Arab-Islamic Legacies in Tropical Africa; Definition of the Problem; A Critique of Prevailing Approaches and Perceptions; Methodology, Outline and Sources. 2. Indigenous Africa as a Cultivating Ground for Arab-Islam; Introduction; The Introduction of Islam to Tropical Africa; The Indigenous African Environment and Conversion to Islam; Conclusion. 3. Muslim Jihad and Black Africa; Introduction; Sunni Muslim Doctrine of JihadJihad - Theories and Campaigns in Africa; Interpreting the Jihad Tradition in Africa; Evaluating the Jihadists' Shari`a Rule; Conclusion. 4. Muslim Slavery and Black Africa; Introduction Slavery in Muslim Africa - Indigenous or Islamic Stimuli?; Classical Muslim Ideology of Enslavement; Muslim Slavery and the Slave Trade - The Arab-Oriental; Dimension; Muslim Slavery and the Slave Trade - The African Dimension; The Various Roles of Slaves in Muslim Lands; The Condition of Slaves in Muslim Lands - Theory versus Practice; Encountering the Encounters - Arab-Islamand Black African Experience; Introduction; Truth, Dialogue and Confessional Loyalty; The Need to Rethink Arab-Islam in Light of the African; Experience; The Arab Factor in Sunni Islamic Orthodoxy.

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Book SynopsisWhile in the service of India's Nizam of Hyderbad, Marmaduke Pickthall converted to Islam, and, with the help of Muslim theologians and linguists, produced this English interpretation of the Holy Koran.

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Book SynopsisWritten by the renowned jurists of the fourteenth century, Taqi al-Din Ahmad Ibn Taymiyya, The Goodly Word is one of the most referred to works on prayer and the merits of prayer. Exclusively based on what the Prophet Muhammad himself said and did, this work includes prayers for every moment of the Muslims life. The Goodly Word is here presented in a bi-lingual edition so that the exact prayers of the Prophet can be read in the original Arabic. The translation is by two distinguished scholars who have also translated An-Nawawi''s Forty Hadith and Forty Hadith Qudsi, both published by the Islamic Texts Society.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first work in the English language to deal specifically with the subjects of equity and fairness in Islamic law. Prof M H Kamali takes these concepts back to their origin in the Qur''an, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the era of the Companions of the Prophet in the first two centuries of Islam. This is followed by discussions of equity as a basis for the formulation of Islamic law and a comparison between it and other concepts essential for law making such as general consensus, analogical reasoning and considerations of public interest. Part Two of Equity and Fairness in Islam is an attempt to apply the concepts of equity and fairness to certain issues of contemporary concern and especially to commercial transactions. The issues raised here are related to Islamic banking, sale transactions, charitable endowments, pensions funds and other long-term saving accounts. Equity and Fairness in Islam can be read in conjunction with M H Kamali''s titles especially Islamic Commercial Law.

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Book SynopsisAl-Ghazali on Conduct in Travel is a translation of the seventeenth book of the Revival of the Religious Sciences. In it, Ghazali explains the different outer and inner reasons for travel. Outer reasons include the pilgrimage, the search for knowledge, and the flight from danger; while inner reasons include the acquisition of virtue and the disciplining of the soul. Ghazali divides travel into four classes, and portrays the right inward and outward conduct for each. He then follows this with a practical chapter on the use of religious concessions while travelling, and concludes with a final chapter on how the traveller is to establish the proper direction and times for prayer.

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Book SynopsisHana is helping her mum prepare for Eid. Hana loves the colourfuldecorations they've arranged around the house! But there is stillmuch to do, so when Hana's mum asks her to get the Eid presentsready to take to Nani's house the next day, Hana is at the readyto help!There's just one problem: where are the Eid presents?

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Book Synopsis***** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *****'A beautiful unique day-by-day companion throughout the Holy Month' - DR. OMAR SULEIMAN------------------------------------------A must-have intimate journal to guide you through Ramadan and deepen your individual connection to Allah for the year ahead.With inspiring reflections, practical exercises, powerful quotes and drawing from the spiritual wisdom of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah, it offers an invitation to...- Let your heart ponder through stillness and reflection on insightful words that stir the soul.- Immerse yourself in du'a and use this opportunity to speak to your Lord in supplication.- Journal about spiritual themes and subjects, encouraging you to turn inwards and pen personal revelations for you.A journey within a journey. A space for transformation. This journal is a path with and for The Most Merciful.Trade ReviewThis book is a beautiful unique day-by-day companion throughout the Holy Month, engaging the Believer's reflections as they are immersed in the worship of Allah, and encouraging the journaling of those thoughts as the book moves them to take steps towards Him. -- Dr. Omar SuleimanI enjoyed reading Ramadan Reflections. It took me on a journey through daily emotions and struggles. It beautifully combines the relationship between who you are and what you do in this life with the Qur'an and Sunnah. It is easy to read and yet very deep and thoughtful. -- Dr. Haifaa Younis

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Book SynopsisJust one more sleep before EID! Safa is so excited for Eid-al-Fitr. As her mum takes her on an adventure to gift delicious Eid treatsto all their neighbours, Safa learns an important lesson: whatmakes Eid exciting is sharing special moments with the people welove.

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Book SynopsisA first-ever collection of contemporary Muslim women’s khutbahs (sermons) drawing on their social, religious, and spiritual experiences and framed by original reflections on an emerging Muslim feminist ethicsTrade Review“These bold, tender, and fierce women are not asking for permission to preach: they are marching ahead with a luminous presence. The diversity of these preachers is astonishing, as is their integrity, brilliance, and shared commitment to the life of the spirit, love, and justice. This book will uplift, transform, and inspire readers.”—Omid Safi, Duke University“An excellent addition to the field of Islamic studies, this book illustrates beautifully and persuasively the diverse types of new female religious actors and the ways in which they are transforming religious authority.”—Mulki Al-Sharmani, University of Helsinki“By turns inspiring and poignant, insightful and incendiary, the sermons collected here are a treasure-trove of wisdom from an impressive and impressively diverse array of scholars and community leaders. The Women’s Khutbah Book is an essential resource.”—Kecia Ali, editor of Half of Faith: American Muslim Marriage and Divorce in the Twenty-First Century“Shaikh and Seedat interweave inspiring sermons by present-day Muslim women with the eloquent voices of historical women, bringing intersecting experiences of injustice to the center of Muslim ethics. The result—an original and transformative feminist theology—is a pleasure to read.”—Ziba Mir-Hosseini, author of Journeys Toward Gender Equality in Islam“This delightful, inspiring book enables ‘ordinary’ women (and men) to transcend the limits of the private and reshape Muslim publics. The khutbahs collected here have created a world not seen before, embodying, in the beautiful words of their editors, ‘a tafsir of possibility.’" – Gabeba Baderoon, Pennsylvania State University

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Book SynopsisOver 90 South Asian recipes with a desi twistDesified is a celebration of South Asian flavors and spices. Inspired by the core principles of Ramadan, these recipes are convenient and quick to make - perfect for Muslims who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, but also handy throughout the year if you want an easy meal. Split into two main sections of Suhoor and Iftar, Desified has more than 90 recipes, including show-stopping breakfasts, simple and satisfying dinners and feasting dishes to share. Before dawn, the nourishing recipes in Suhoor can prepare you for a day of fasting, including Masala chai brioche & butter breakfast pudding.  Iftar is packed with mouth-watering meals to enjoy in the evening after sunset. Break your fast with Karahi chicken and 20-minute One-pot salmon & rice, with a side of Zaynah's homemade Masala chai. Whether you're looking for the best ways to break your fa

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Book SynopsisWINNER of Gourmand Awards 2023 Best Influencer Cookbook of the Year Discover 80 delicious, easy-to-make recipes perfect for the holy month of Ramadan.In this cookbook, you'll find all the recipes you need to make your Ramadan meals family-friendly, fuss-free and filling.From perfect predawn meals for Suhoor, to hearty and satisfying meals for Iftar, as well as dishes made for celebrating with friends and family during Eid al-Fitr, and all the accompanying salads, chutneys, breads, drinks and desserts you'll need, this book has all the most popular Ramadan dishes covered.Accompanied by gorgeous photographs throughout, these recipes from much-loved food blogger Anisa Karolia are for anyone looking to eat well before and after fasting.Trade ReviewThis Ramadan book is a lifeline for anyone who is fasting over this spiritual time and needs inspiration and trusted recipes. I know I will be reaching for this book each year. -- Shelina Permalloo, Masterchef winner & cookbook author

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Book SynopsisThis attractive presentation of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings engages the reader in a moment of daily reflection. With 365 traditions covering the whole year, Daily Wisdom explores Islamic morals and manners in all aspects of everyday life. Beautifully presented, this ideal gift item is a must for every home. Abdur Raheem Kidwai is professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University in India and a well-known author of many works on the Qur'an and Islam.Trade Review"It's a lovely book of compiled hadith and is formatted to be one saying per day. It shows the great man that Prophet Muhammad (saw) was. They're great daily reminders that touch all aspects of our lives, and can serve as great motivation to be a little better than yesterday." Goodreads "the book comes as a handy size with beautiful presentation making it an ideal gift for a friend/family member!"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Daily Wisdom Index

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Book SynopsisSurah Yusuf, a chapter of the Qur'an (Koran), was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad at a critical juncture of his life. This was the time when he had gone through ten to eleven years of ridicule and rejection in Makkah, a time when he lost his wife and partner, Khadija, a time when he lost his dear uncle Abu Talib. Allah revealed this precious surah to strengthen the Prophet Muhammad’s heart. To remind him that he lives in the footsteps of the great prophets of the past and that Allah’s help and support is there. This surah is full of meaningful messages of patience, reliance on Allah and how to overcome hardship and betrayal. It was also educational, teaching the Prophet Muhammad the answers to queries that were posed to him by the local Jews and Muslims. Finally this surah was a timely morale booster for the Prophet and his companions in a time of need. Yasir Qadhi has clearly divided the surah into related themes, as per the revelations, so that the reader can easily understand and grasp the great wealth of knowledge relayed through this surah to all.

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Book SynopsisThroughout your existence, there are angels in your presence. But it’s your actions that cause those angels to either praise you or disgrace you. Through this book, we will explore the actions that invite these blessed unseen beings to pray upon you, and carry your name and mention to the One who created us all.Table of Contents1. They’ve Got Your Back 2. Hold Your Pens 3. Fasting While Others Eat 4. Sleep Well 5. Switching Shifts 6. As You Step Out 7. The Banner Above You 8. Responding to Your Haters 9. Your Brother’s Honor 10. The Honor of Your Prophet 11. Ameen and For You A Well 12. The Best Supplication 13. Be Fair When You Judge 14. The Seeker of Knowledge 15. No Strings Attached 16. The Ultimate Healer 17. An Entourage of 70,000 18. When Your Loved Ones Are Dying 19. Have You Ever Seen An Angel in Human Form 20. A Caller from Heaven’s Gates 21. The First Rows 22. The Friday Roll Book 23. From Prayer to Prayer 24. Struggling to Recite 25. From Your Mouth to an Angel’s Heart 26. When Jibreel Descends Upon You 27. The Heavens are Creaking 28. In Your Room Praying Behind You 29. Gatherings of Remembrance 30. When Allah Loves You

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Book Synopsis‘LaYinka, if you died today, what would your children have to say about you?’ This was the question LaYinka Sanni asked herself when she hit rock bottom many years ago. It was this question — and the uncomfortable answer that followed it — that inspired her to embark on a deeply personal journey of self discovery, learning and, ultimately, homecoming. Honest, tender and wise, A Beautiful Homecoming is a self-help book for every Muslim woman who has become buried beneath her labels — mother, wife, daughter, sister, employee — and who wants to reconnect with who she is and finally embrace all parts of herself. Drawing on her work as a transformation coach, her own personal experiences and her faith, LaYinka Sanni has penned a powerful love letter from one striving woman to another, an invitation to step into a new internal reality, and a practical guide that will change the way you view the world — and yourself — forever.

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Book SynopsisAl-Ghazali''s Book of the Lawful and the Unlawful is the fourteenth chapter of The Revival of the Religious Sciences, which is widely considered as the greatest work of Islamic spirituality. Written by one of the most famous of theologian-mystics of all time, The Book of the Lawful and the Unlawful is unlike other Islamic works concerned with legal issues.Here, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali aims to teach his readers firstly the theory of what is lawful and what is unlawful and how to deal with dubious or ambiguous issues, and secondly how to apply the knowledge they have gained to their everyday lives. The main support for this application, especially in matters that are unclear, is caution or prudence (wara) and Ghazali explains the degrees of prudence necessary beginning with the prudence of the upright and ending with the prudence of the saintly. Thus the sincere practice of what is lawful and desisting from what is unlawful become integrated into one''s spiritual life. As in his other works, Ghazali bases himself on the Qur''an and narrations from the Prophet Muhammad, followed by examples from the Companions, the Successor generations and the pious Predecessors.

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Book SynopsisA Collection of Sufi Rules of Conduct (Jawami'' Adab al-Sufiyya) was written by one of the foremost early masters of Sufism and is considered as the first work devoted to the description of the way of life and the customs of the Sufis. It represents an early attempt to illustrate the conformity of Sufi beliefs and manners with the Qur''an and the example of the Prophet (Sunnah). A Collection of Sufi Rules of Conduct is therefore not only a pioneering work of ethics and mysticism, it is also a summary of the views of Sufis up till the eleventh century. It was a major influence on the development of Sufism from the eleventh century onwards.The translation by Dr Elena Biagi includes an introduction that places the author in his historical, literary and religious context, and a general glossary of Sufi technical terms.

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