Darul Ishaat UK – Blog

The late Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir ‘Isa (ra) (d. 1312 H/1991 CE) was one of the revivers of the Sufi tradition in the Levant. In a time of gross materialism and imported profane ideologies into the Arab world, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir ‘Isa provided the keys for a reclamation of Islam’s spiritual riches and revived the spiritual path, imparting guidance and instruction to scores of people from all strata of society.

Realities of Sufism, the Shaykh’s only book, takes readers on a journey to the heart of Islam. Expositing on the foundations of Islam’s spiritual path, Sufism, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir simultaneously describes the workings of the path of excellence—ihsan—and answers the doubts of the orientalists, modernists, and would be Islamic revivalists. Some of the topics in this book include: the history and etymology of Sufism, the conditions of a true spiritual guide, the proper manners of a spiritual seeker, the outer manners of the path, the inner manners of the path, the deeds of the heart, spiritual unveiling, miracles, oneness of being, and historic testimonies to Sufism’s key role and efficacy in purifying the souls and elevating the Sacred over the profane in the lives of man.

Sufism is good character
He who is ahead of you in good character
Is ahead of you in Sufism

Translated by Suraqah Abdul Aziz

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Our Master Muhammad The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) – His Sublime Character & Exalted Attributes

In this day and age, it is essential for the Muslim community and humanity at large to acquire a detailed description of the Best of Creation, the Messenger of Allah (asws). ‘Our Master Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah’, is a book of devotion written from the heart and addressing every heart that yearns to draw closer to best of Allah’s creation. In this second volume of the book, the author details the exemplary character traits of our Prophet (asws), his devout worship, his noble lineage and progeny, and the blessings of his physical-self and personal effects, and his infallibility in both religious matters.

This expression of Prophetic love and longing was written by the ‘Pole of Prophetic love in our times’, the venerable saint, Hadith scholar and exegete: Imam ‘Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni (ra). His book is an exceptional demonstration of sound scholarship and spiritual realization.

‘O you who love the Messenger of Allah (asws)! Time has isolated us, tribulations have spread amongst us, the charlatans have spoken, and many people have preoccupied themselves with that which relieves neither hunger nor thirst. We have lost the warmth of the love of the Messenger of Allah (asws), the warmth that those who love him feel, and which those who yearn for him desperately seek, and in the beauty of which the most knowledgeable ones in Allah lose themselves. The reality of this love is absent, whilst claims to it are many, and the way of the Companions and the model of their love have been reduced to mere stories and legends. So let us renew our covenant with the Messenger of Allah ? , and bear the banner of love to the most sincere and lasting love, and the most enduring and faithful reverence, and the brightest and most resplendent light, and the Beloved and Chosen One of Allah.’

Translated by Khalid Williams

# Cover: Paperback
# Author: Imam ‘Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni
# Publisher: Sunni Publocations
# Pages: 307
# Size: 21 x 14 cm

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What proof do we have that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was a true Prophet, a bearer of a divine message? This is one of the most important things for every Muslim to know, both for their own benefit and in order to help them to explain Islam to non-Muslims.

Every sound book that has been written about the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, provides solid evidence of his prophethood, since they illustrate the life and character of a perfect personality – a life which no liar, imposter or ignoble man could possibly have led. The author has consulted the authentic classical sources on Sira (biography) and hadith, and quotes extensively from them and from secondary literature including the writings of orientalist scholars. He discusses at length the life of the final messenger, his miracles, and methods of establishing the truth of his Prophetic stature.

The author of this book, the Egyptian scholar Shaykh Abdel Haleem Mahmoud, was rector of al-Azhar University, Cairo, the oldest seat of learning in the Muslim world. He produced a number of major works on Islamic doctrine and spirituality. Presented in a fluent translation by Habib Bewley, Proofs of Prophethood is an important contribution to modern literature in English on fundamental aspects of Islamic thought and doctrine.

# Cover: Paperback
# Author: Shaykh Abdel Haleem Mahmoud
# Publisher: Dar Al Taqwa Ltd
# Pages: 452
# Size: 21 x 13 cm

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The Muwatta of Imam Muhammad – New 2010 card cover edition.

“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, one of the two leading pupils of Imam Abu Hanifah, directly from his three years of study with Imam Malik will be of particular interest not only to students of Hanafi fiqh, but also to students of hadith in general.

The Muwatta’
Imam Malik 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 Madinah 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 (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
Imam Malik 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 madinah. People of knowledge understood that it was him the Prophet 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 Madinah.” 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
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 Abu Hanifah. Imam Shafi’i 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.” Adh-Dhahabi 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.” Muhammad 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 Ray in 189 AH.

Translated by Mohammed Abdurahman, Abdassamad Clark and Dr Asadullah Yate  (The science of (Jarah) Invalidation and Authentication (Tadil).

Editors Mufti Zubair Ismail Bayat, Uthman Ibrahim Morrisson and Sister Safira Batha.

Please click on links below for a sample of extracts from the Book.

Introduction of Shaykh Abd al-Hayy al-Lukanwi
The Prayers
Invalidation & Authentication of Hadith
Introduction of  Rijal
Biographies of Narrators (Rijal)

# Cover: Hardback
# Author: Muhammad Ibn Al Hasan Ash Shay
# Publisher: Turath Publishing
# Pages: 656
# Size: 16.4 x 24 cm

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Written by the eminent 11th century Hanafi scholar, Abu ’l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali, Ascent to Felicity is a concise yet comprehensive primer in creed and jurisprudence. It spans all five pillars of Islam, as well as the topics of slaughtering, ritual sacrifice, and hunting. To supplement the text, the translator has added key explanatory notes taken from several reliable works on theology and jurisprudence. He has also added appendices that comprise numerous supplications related to the five pillars, presented in Arabic script along with English transliteration, as well as the etiquette of visiting the Messenger of Allâh (Allah bless him and grant him peace) in Madina.

By Abu ’l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali (Author of Nur al-Idah). Translation, notes and appendices by Faraz A. Khan.

…….

“An admirable rendering into lucid, fluid English of Imam Hasan al-Shurunbulali’s primer of Hanafi law, Ascent to Felicity. This concise but thorough work focuses on the five acts of worship.
The book has the added feature of a fairly detailed presentation of the basics of the Muslim Creed. In translating this introductory section of Imam Shurunbulali’s treatise, Khan’s skill as a translator is on full display, as he has made sometimes involved theological concepts easily accessible to the average English reader. Khan has provided an additional service to both Shurunbulali’s work and to contemporary Muslims by augmenting the translation with insightful and extremely useful explanatory notes. The value of this work, skillfully produced by White Thread Press, goes far beyond its benefit to adherents of the Hanafi legal school. Rather, it will prove of benefit to Muslims in general as well as researchers interested in latter-day presentations of the creed and practice of Sunnî Muslims.”
— Imam Zaid Shakir Co-Founder and Resident Scholar, Zaytuna College

“Aside from the flowing translation, the most impressive thing about this work for me is the comprehensive collection of nuanced notes. These serve to capture the wide range of issues one grapples with, but might never find the right answer to, in the process of his or her purification, prayer, fasting and other acts of worship. An extremely engaging and educational read.” — Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Scholar, ZamZamAcademy.com

Table of contents

Read an excerpt

# Cover: Paperback
# Author: Abu ’l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali / Tr. Faraz Khan
# Publisher: White Thread Press
# Pages: 224

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Nabi’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Love For Children – His Teaching and Nurturing them.

The author, through the sunnah and hadiths, relates how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) interacted with children with utter love and affection. Includes many inspirational and authentic stories.

English translation edited by Mufti Afzal Hossen Elias.

# Cover: Paperback
# Author: Mawlana Abu Talha Mahmood & Izharul Hasan Mahmood
# Publisher: Zam Zam Publishers
# Pages: 103
# Size: 21 x 14

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Your Questions answered - Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam - Darul Ishaat UK

Your Questions Answered: by  Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam

As time is passing by and we are drawing closer to the last day ( day of judgement), we are witnessing our ummah in a state of crisis . Ignorance has prevailed, misguided “so called scholars” have emerged in great numbers issuing incorrect verdicts (fatwas) and misleading people, and therefore fitnah (corruption) is spreading at am alarming rate.

Taking the above matters in to consideration, Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam has compiled this valuable book, “your questions answered” with the spiritual regeneration of the Ummah in mind, particularly in order to remove ignorance and to impart the true and correct teachings of Islam to a wider audience.

This is an outstanding book by Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam. A very comprehensive yet simple Fatawa book, with the hope that it becomes a source of guidance and reaches out to a wider audience i.e. the English speaking Muslims, so that they may benefit from the answers to questions based on the laws of Islam with regards to beliefs knowledge, Sunnah, Pillars of Islam, Marriage, Divorce and contemporary issues.

About the Author
Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam born in 1974 is a tradiationally trained scholar. He memorised the holy Quran at the age of 13. He studied the Arabic language and various other traditional Islamic sciences at Darul Uloom Bury, UK under many auspicious scholars notably Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Motala. There he received authorisations in various books including the six major books of Ahadeeth. He studied Ifta under one of the senior Muftis in the UK Shaykh Mufti Shabbir Ahmad.

In 1996 Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam established Jamiah Khatamun Nabiyeen (JKN). Today, JNK has accelerated to become recognised worldwide as an institute of learning, as well as the founder, principal and director of JKN Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam took up responsibilities in many other departments locally, nationally and internationally.

He is the editor of the famous family magazine Al-Mumin. He currently holds the posts as the president of Tawak’kulia Jami Masjid in Bradford and chairperson of Al-Kawthar welfare foundation. He is also the patron of Al-mumin Primary school and Olive secondary school in Bradford.

* Cover: Paperback
* Author: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
* Publisher: JKN Publications
* Pages: 295
* ISBN: 9780956550408

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Coming Soon at Darul Ishaat UK

Available: 20/08/2010. Price TBA

A Sufi Study of Hadith (Originally titled Haqiqa al-Tariqa min as-Sunna al-Aniqa) is a unique work of commentary on a selection of over three hundred authentic hadith. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanawi, one of the subcontinent’s greatest spiritual leaders and an author of unequalled prolificacy, translates, interprets, and then comments on each hadith from the perspective of tasawwuf, whether to explain a fine point of theology, or to discourse on morality, etiquette, behaviour, or the customary practices of Sufis. In the pages of this volume, one encounters a side of Islam that is little known and less understood. For all seekers of the truth, and especially those keen to further their understanding of the teachings of the Prophet, upon him be peace on tasawwuf-related subjects, Maulana Thanawi’s work is truly invaluable.

Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo

Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahmatullahi alayh excelled in every branch of Islamic learning and was one of the Islamic world’s most outstanding religious figures of recent times. Perhaps his most significant and enduring legacy is a renewed awareness, understanding and acceptance of authentic tasawwuf among the masses. Indeed, he is still remembered as Hakim-al-Ummah (Physician of the Ummah) due to his expertise in diagnosing spiritual ailments and dispensing the most efficacious cures.

In this book Mawlana Thanwi discusses numerous subtle and complex themes of tasawwuf derived from the ahadith of our beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam. His erudite commentary demonstrates time and again how the principles of tasawwuf have their origins in the primary sources of Islam. Mawlana Thanwi’s approach, like that of his illustrious mashai’ikh, stresses the complete harmony between Shariah and tariqah and their interrelatedness.

Alhamdulillah, Mawlana Yusuf DeLorenzo’s translation now gives English speaking Muslims access to this valuable work. Studying this book under the guidance of a qualified shaykh will increase the interested reader’s understanding and appreciation of the treasury of hadith as well as the science of tasawwuf, and prove beneficial for the traveller on the path leading to Allah. – Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

This volume revives the tradition of the earliest Sufis, who  related hadiths from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in such core works as Qushayri’s Risala, Makki’s Qut al-Qulub, and Abu Nu‘aym’s Hilya al-Awliya. Imam Junayd has said, “The spiritual path is blocked shut, except to those who seek out the traces of the Chosen Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace); ‘Say, ‘This is my path: I summon to Allah upon entire insight, I and whoever wholeheartedly follows me’ [Qur’an 12:108].” Thanawi’s work is a treasury of valuable hadiths for anyone on the true path, and a guide to many of the traditions (adab) of Sufism in the South Asia of his day. The powerful and vigorous translation of Yusuf DeLorenzo brings to life in English a great many realities of the way of spiritual realities. – Nuh Ha Mim Keller

# Cover: Hardback
# Author: Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanawi
# Publisher: Turath Publishing
# Pages: 297

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Imam Ghazali’s Bidayat al-Hidaya is a highly motivational manual detailing the fundamentals of acquiring guidance through God-consciousness (taqwa). Imam Ghazali argues that just as there is an end to this noble objective there is also a beginning to it, which must be made firm for one to achieve success. He then goes on to expound the fundamentals of this “beginning.” While being concise and to-the-point the manual is laid out in the form of a detailed daily timetable providing the reader strong inspiration and much heart-rending counsel. The three sections of this book are on obedience, refraining from disobedience, and the etiquette of companionship with the Creator and with creation. One of Imâm Ghazâlî’s final works, it embodies a lifetime of learning, experience, and spirituality and can be taken as an introduction to his larger works.

This translation published for the first time with facing Arabic text also includes many notes and transliteration for the supplications contained within.

Translated by Mashhad Al-Allaf, Revised and Edited by Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf.

“An excellent translation of an important book on the fundamentals of Muslim piety and etiquette. With an accessible English translation alongside the original Arabic text, this introductory work will be useful for readers interested in exploring the realities of Islamic piety, students of Arabic and educators alike.” – Jonathan AC Brown,  University of Washington.

# Cover: Paperback
# Author: Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
# Publisher: White Thread Press
# Pages: 170