Book Descriptions

Books and their Descriptions:

1. Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge: Seeking knowledge is an act of worship, there’s a mentality and method to be followed concerning it. In this book, Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd clarifies the etiquettes to seeking knowledge. 

This book is a primer before all books, so the intended student of knowledge can understand what’s expected of them and how they should carry themselves along the path.

2. Gateway: This book is a compilation of various books which are considered beginner material for the seeker of knowledge, from aqeedah, fiqh, seerah, and tafsir. Learning and studying this book alone is a significant feat in itself. 

The compiler is Shaykh Haytham ibn Muhammad Sarhan, teacher in the Masjid of the Prophet. 

3. A Mercy to the Universe: One of the best and most captivating books on the biography of the Messenger of Allaah. The author is Shaykh Sa’eed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani, a student of Shaykh AbdulAzeez Ibn Baz. It teaches the aspect of mercy from the Prophet to all of creation. 

It’s an excellent book, well formatted, and not dry as other history related books. Excellent for cultivation and many lessons and examples of the Messenger of Allah for the reader. (Currently not in print).

4. The 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi: It's a well known book and in the homes of many Muslims, and the libraries of many Masjids. It is a collection of ahadeeth in which the author compiled to teach the religion of Islaam. 

This book will be read with mentioning commentary from the scholars for those parts of the ahadeeth that's difficult to understand.

5. Kitab at-Tawheed: A book that emphasizes the aspect of Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah, directing all worship solely for Allaah alone. It educates the reader about their Lord and helps build a relationship between the slave and the Lord upon knowledge.

6. Biography of Ibn Taymiyyah: A short biography about Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, one of the greatest scholars of Islaam. Authored by his student and companion, Imam Al-Bazzar. 

The author talks about how the Shaykh carried himself and how he treated his students, the common people, and even his enemies. An excellent example and motivation for the seeker of knowledge.

7. Al-Aqeedatul Wasitiyyah: A book authored by Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah himself, emphasizing the aspect of Tawheed al-Asmaa wa-Sifaat, the Islamic Monotheism in believing in all of Allaah’s Names and attributes. 

Getting to know Allaah by His Names and Attributes will build a strong relationship between the slave and its Creator. The Most High said: "Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them…" 7:180. In addition to this, the Shaykh teaches other aspects of the Islamic Creed. 

8. The Biography of Imam Ahmad: This is Imam Ahmad, the Imam of the people of the Sunnah and the Jama’ah, the great Imaam. Imam Ahmad is a wonderful example for all Muslims, learning about his life in terms of his scholarship would motivate the seeker of knowledge to strive further. Imam Ahmad was the teacher of many of the great scholars including Bukhaari and Muslim. 

In this, we also look at the trials Imam Ahmad faced during his life, particularly the inquisition, in which the Muslims were persecuted and forced to accept a false belief that the Quran is created; but Imam Ahmad resisted and stood up for the religion. 

9. Fusul Al-Adab: A small book referring to “Selections on Islamic Manners”. This texts teaches a variety of manners in how a Muslim should carry themselves; from the etiquettes of giving the salaams, to eating and drinking. 

10. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (Book of Parents): This is a book of hadeeth compiled by Imam Bukhari, the intent here is to read the first hundred ahadeeth, which focuses on good manners towards the family. 

11. Usool As-Sunnah Imam Ahmad: (Advanced) A text distinguishing the Islaamic creed by Imam Ahmad. 

12. Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah: (Advanced) A text distinguishing the Islaamic creed by Imam at-Tahawi.