Amal Press

Al-Hidayah (The Guidance) - A Classical Manual of Hanafi Law - Volume 2

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 abridged edition of the Hidayah has been translated from Arabic.



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.


# Author: Imam al-Murghinani / Tr. Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee
# Publisher: Amal Press
# Pages: 406
# Size: 9.7 '' x 6.7 ''

Daf' Shubah al-Tashbh is a critique, censure, and refutation of the historical anthropomorphic leanings of some of the Hanbali scholars and learned. At the same time, it is a vindication of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal from the accusations of the anthropomorphism as well as the claim by some Hanbalis, that he adopted anthropomorphic beliefs, similar to theirs. Unmistakably, this work is a polemical commentary on the problematic Qur'anic verses and hadiths that fall under the mutashabih (allegorical and ambiguous) Qur'anic verses and prophetic traditions composed by the author, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH), the author of the well-acclaimed book, Talbis Iblis (The Devils' Deception).

Unlike other books of this genre, this book is significant in that Ibn al-Jawzi offers an incisive critique of scholars of his own school, for which in return, Ibn al-Jawzi was criticised by those Hanbali and Hanbali-leaning proponents.

This book is important for anyone who is constantly indulged in discussions and the study of polemical theology (kalam) and scriptural interpretation (ta'wil), but still have been unable to gain clarity concerning the reality and permissibility of ta'wil of the verses commonly refered to as 'The Attributes Verses' (Ayat Al-Sifat).

The appendix further clarifies the issue of scriptual interpretation, figurative language in both the Qur'an and Sunnah (Majaz), the proper intent behind the statement made by the salaf, & 'bila kayf' (Without 'How' as opposed to 'Without Modality or Description'), and an investigation into the ascription of Kitab al-Ibana to Imam Al-Ash'ari.

Readers who will derive the most benefit from this book are those who have been actively involved in the study of matters of interpretation and polemical theology. It also serves as an indispensable primer into one of the greatest debates that continued throughout much of Islam's medieval period, namely that of understanding the attributes of God.

Translations, notes & appendices by 'Abdullah bin Hamid 'Ali. Introduction by Dr. Khalid Blankinship


# Cover: Paperback
# Author: 'Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Jawzi
# Publisher: Amal Press
# Pages: 167
# Size: 22.8 cm x 15.2 cm