In recent decades many attacks have been launched against the concept of taqlid [following a school of Islamic law]. Opposition has ranged from being mild with degrees of acceptance to malicious attacks. Certain extreme elements have gone so far as to brand those who follow a madhhab [school] as mushrik [polytheist]. Much of the opposition has been a result of misunderstanding the realities of this concept. 
The first part of this book seeks to clarify certain aspects of taqlid that have been misunderstood and gravely distorted. It sheds light on the necessity of taqlid, its history, and its role in today’s world. The second part includes several chapters devoted to issues regarding salat [ritual prayer] according to the Hanafi school of law. Through illustrative examples and detailed discussions, the chapters on prayer sufficiently demonstrate the sophisticated legal philosophy employed by the Hanafi school (indeed all the madhhabs) in their derivation of legal rulings from the source texts of Islam. 
All rulings have been supported with evidentiary proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith. The author delivers an even-handed presentation of arguments throughout the book. He intends neither to offend nor to perpetuate polemic disputes, but rather to state the facts in a lucid and rational style, with a view to appeal to the reader's sense of reason.

Fiqh Al-Imam: Key Proofs in Hanafi Fiqh

Religion & Spirituality

Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf

Islam

White Thread Press

The act of seeking forgiveness is what gives us the opening we need after feeling overwhelmed by the burden of sin. Forgiveness means a way out, a second chance, a feeling of hope with which to turn a new page in life. It is through the seeking of forgiveness that we begin to understand that there is no reason whatsoever to despair of the mercy of God. Islam encourages us to not run away in fear of Allah but rather to turn toward God the same way a baby would run into its mother’s lap. So lovingly does God, Most High, address His sinful servants: "Say (to humanity, O Muhammad): O My servants—those (of you) who have committed (sins in great) excess against their own souls—never despair of the mercy of Allah! For, indeed, Allah forgives sins, one and all. Indeed, it is He who is the All-Forgiving, the Mercy-Giving. So turn in penitence to your Lord. And submit yourselves to Him." (The Qur'an 39:53–54) 
This collection of seventy prayers for forgiveness [istighfarat] is attributed to one of the greatest spiritual luminaries of the past, Hasan al-Basri, and it has been presented here to offer a way for us to navigate through the complications and pitfalls of this life. Set out in Arabic script, with adjoining translation in English, this edition also includes transliteration of the prayers to facilitate reading for those who are not so well-versed in Arabic.

Prayers for Forgiveness

Hasan Basri

God, Most High, says: Remember me and I will remember you (Qur an 40:60) We feel a sense of belonging, protection, and safety when we call out to Allah. When coupled with the powerful formulae of supplication (du'a) and remembrance (dhikr), this calling leads to a feeling of tranquility within our hearts and minds. With this goal in mind, Muslims scholars have compiled numerous books of supplications and remembrances from the Qur an and Prophetic Sunna. This is the third edition of Reflections of Pearls, a short compilation of Arabic supplications with their English translations and transliterations. Other sections include the etiquettes of supplicating, the 99 names of God, select blessings on the Messenger of God (saw), the virtues and excellences of certain chapters and verses of the Holy Qur an, and the method of performing the Istikhara, Ishraq, and other optional prayers. Both adults and children will enjoy and benefit from reading this book. * Carefully selected du'as for ease of learning * Arabic text set out in clear Arabic script withlucid English translation * Transliteration presented in an easy-to-read form

Reflections of Pearls: A Concise & Comprehensive Collection of Prophetic Invocations & Prayers: Arabic Text with English Translation and Tran

Inam Uddin

Imam Nawawi wrote: The science of hadith is the noblest means of attaining closeness to the Lord of the Worlds Muhammad, the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) was given exceptional oratorical skills. His words were eloquent, comprehensive, and simple, conveying libraries of wisdoms and truths. The Messenger (upon him be peace) himself said, I have been sent with the jawami al-kalim (Bukhari) that is, pithy language that expresses a multitude of meanings in few words. Bookstores and libraries today are full of books of proverbs, coined by historical personages and political and religious leaders. But each of these pales in comparison to the eloquence of the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) and philosophers and sages seem nothing more than struggling students in the light of his divinely inspired wisdom. This book is a collection of 327 hadiths which the author, Shaykh 'Ashiq Ilahi al-Bulandshehri, compiled from 'Allama Tabrizi s renowned hadith compilation, Mishkat al-Masabih. The book contains many jawami' al-kalim, as well as prophecies and other accounts and narratives. The book is ultimately a compilation of hadiths meant to inspire the souls of today s Muslims and give them a glimpse at the charisma of the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) and a roadmap with which they can achieve closeness to their Lord. This work is taught in many of the madrasas around the world as a first hadith work. Now it is available in this beautifully bound English edition with a commentary from the classical sources.

Provisions for the Seekers: A Manual of Prophetic Hadiths with Commentary

Ashiq Ilahu Bulandshehri

A Manual of Blessings &amp; Peace on the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) Based on the works of Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rahman al-Sakhawi, Shaykh Ashraf 'Ali Thanawi, Shaykh Yusuf ibn Sulayman Motala, and Makhdum Muhammad Sindhi. Compiled and Translated with an Introduction by Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf "A Perfect Companion Book to Prayers for Forgiveness" The greatest source of blessings and mercy for the Muslim and for all of mankind is Muhammad, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), sent as a Mercy to the Worlds. Muslims, as the most privileged recipients of this mercy, are required to invoke blessings (salat) upon him, and doing so holds great reward; the Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him" (Muslim). Abu Muhammad al-Marjani says, "Your invoking blessings upon him is in reality praying for yourself since the benefits of it are returning to you

Salat & Salam: In Praise of Allah's Most Beloved: A Manual of Blessings & Salutations on the Prophet