Arabic for English Speaking Students

Section: Misc. Islamic Books
By:Dr. Muhammad Abdur-Ra'uf Shakir
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For students who are absolute beginners in Arabic language studies. The need for a simple and easy guide to assist the adult English-speaking student who seeks to unravel the complexities of Arabic and its grammar. The method adopted in this book follows: (a) The lesson begins by giving a sample for the uses of the topic to be discussed and taught, in a clear and tabulated form. (b) This is followed by Notes in which observations are derived from the examples in the table. (c) At the end of the Notes, a summary of the information gained in the lesson is given to reinforce the student's understanding. (d) The lesson is concluded by an exercise to help in digesting the rules.

Authority and Importance of the Sunnah

Section: Misc. Islamic Books
By: Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
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This book deals with the following topics: the meaning of "Sunnah," evidence for the authority of the Sunnah, the roles of the Prophet, the status of the sunnah vis-a-vis the Quran demonsrtating that the two go hand and hand as the foundation of Islam, ruling concerning one who rejects the authority of the Sunnah, the preservation of the sunnah and what it truly means to be following the Sunnah. This book is meant to clarify a number ofcommon misconceptions and encourages the correct following of the sunnah.

From the Back Cover:

The word “sunnah” is defined in detailed as it is used by scholars of different disciplines. The authority and importance of the Sunnah is determined via a discussion of about fifty verses of the Qur’an. The roles of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the indispensability of this Sunnah are clearly spelled out. The Position of the Sunnah vis-à-vis the Qur’an is dealt with in detail, demonstrating that the two go hand in hand as the foundation of Islam. Allah’s promise to preserve the Sunnah and the ways and means by which the sunnah was preserved is also discussed. The ruling concerning one who denies the place of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is given. It is shown herein that the sunnah-which is the true implementation of the Qur’an-is the only real “version and way of Islam. The final chapter discusses the real meaning of “adhering to the Sunnah” as well as a discussion of what a commitment that truly is.

Banking and Interest

Section: Misc. Islamic Books
By: M. Moatz Al-Hallak
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In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the Ultimate Bestower of Mercy

BANKING AND INTEREST
A Close Examination of the Azhar's Verdict

The Azhar Institute of Islamic Research has announced that interest which banks give to depositors is permissible. This came in response to a question from a client of the International Arab Banking Corporation.

The booklet provides both the text of the question and the response of the Institute of Islamic Research. Thereafter, follows a detailed commentary from the Assembly of the Muslim Jurists of America on this precedent-setting ruling. Undoubtedly, such a ruling represents a serious deviation in the known practice of either Al-Azhar or any other existing jurisprudential institution. In essence, the announcement contradicts all that these institutions have agreed upon regarding the clear-cut prohibition of interest given by banks. The first and the most senior of these institutions which affirm the prohibition of the banks' interest is the Institute of Islamic Research itself. 1t passed a resolution on this matter by consensus during its conference in Cairo in 1385 A.H. (corresponding to 1965). The conference was attended by representatives from 35 Muslim countries.

We ask Allah to protect us from error. May He guide us to the truth in speech and practice.

Aims of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists In America (AMJA)

1. Issuing Islamic verdicts including those regarding new incidents and issues.
2. Establishing a plan for the preparation of Islamic research and studies pertaining to the affairs of Muslims residing in American society.
3. Analyzing and assessing all that is publicized about Islam and Islamic heritage by the media.
4. Cooperating with Islamic financial institutions to prepare research and studies and to respond to their requests for Islamic verdicts and consultation.
5. Conducting training courses for Imams and directors of Islamic centers to address various jurisprudential issues.
6. Supporting cooperation between other jurisprudential institutions and entities.
7. Examining naturalization issues.
8. Supporting the' activities of Islamic arbitration committees established by different Muslim communities in the West and preparing a reference of the jurisprudential rules and regulations to be utilized by them.
9. Establishing a fund for Zakah and social solidarity within the legal limits and permission of the appropriate authorities.

Some Special Features of the Assembly

1. Specialization: All the members are Ph.D. holders in Islamic Law.
2. Neutrality: It belongs to the Muslim Ummah, away from partisan and contemporary organized groups.
3. Comprehensiveness: It combines scholars who not only are expects in Islamic Divine Law or other specialties, but also have an understanding of the realities of current affairs.
4. Cohesiveness: It has a permanent committee for issuing verdicts comprising nine members who hold Ph.Ds in Islamic jurisprudence and legislation.
5. Connections: It has a committee of advisors for its verdicts, comprising eight of the major scholars of Islamic jurisprudence from the Ummah to whom the permanent committee refers as needed.
6. Moderation: Its Islamic verdicts mediate between extremism and neglect.