Al Ghazali Series

Al-Ghazali Letter to a Disciple
Ayyuha’l-Walad
Translated by: TOBIAS MAYER

‘Work for your terrestrial life in proportion to your location in it, and work for your afterlife in proportion to your eternity in it.’ This is part of the advice that the great theologian and mystic Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111 AD) put down in his Letter to a Disciple. An old disciple of al-Ghazali had studied the Islamic sciences, including the many works of his master, for most of his life. Faced with the proximity of death, he turns again to his master this time asking for a summary of all his teachings. Letter to a Disciple is al-Ghazali’s response. The emphasis in this short treatise is on religious and spiritual action and on putting into practice the knowledge that one has acquired. Letter to a Disciple can be considered as the last testament of he who is regarded as Hujjat al-Islam, the ‘Proof of Islam’. This new translation is presented here as a bilingual, English-Arabic, edition.


AL GHAZALI LETTER TO A DISCIPLE    O946621632     SGD 54.90




Al-Ghazali on Disciplining the Soul & on Breaking the Two Desires
Books XXII and XXIII of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’`Ulum al-Din)
Translated by: T.J.Winter

The spiritual life in Islam begins with riyadat al-nafs, the inner warfare against the ego. Distracted and polluted by worldliness, the lower self has a tendency to drag the human creature down into arrogance and vice. Only by a powerful effort of will can the sincere worshipper achieve the purity of soul which enables him to attain God's proximity.
This translation of two chapters from The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din) details the sophisticated spiritual techniques adopted by classical Islam. In the first step, On Disciplining the Soul, which cites copious anecdotes from the Islamic scriptures and biographies of the saints, Ghazali explains how to acquire good character traits, and goes on to describe how the sickness of the heart may be cured. In the second part, Breaking the Two Desires, he focusses on the question of gluttony and sexual desire, concluding, in the words of the Prophet, that 'the best of all matters is the middle way'.
The translator has added an introduction and notes which explore Ghazali’s ability to make use of Greek as well as Islamic ethics. The work will prove of special interest to those interested in Sufi mysticism, comparative ethics, and the question of sexuality in Islam.


AL GHAZALI ON DISCIPLINING SOUL & ON BREAKING 2 DESIRES    O946621438     SGD 82.90




Al-Ghazali on the Manners Relating to Eating
Book XI of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din)
Translated by: DENYS JOHNSON-DAVIES

The eleventh chapter of The Revival of the Religious Sciences begins the section dealing with man and society. In this volume concentrating on the manners relating to eating, Ghazali first discusses what a person must uphold when eating by himself: that the food is lawful, that both the person and the surroundings should be clean, that one must be content with what is available, and how the person should conduct himself while eating and after eating. Ghazali then proceeds to discuss eating in company and says that to all the above should be added the necessity of courtesy, conversation and the proper presentation of food. Finally, Ghazali expounds the virtues of hospitality and generosity and the conduct of the host as well as that of the guest. Other topics that are discussed are: abstention from food, fasting and general health.

Denys Johnson-Davies is a well-known translator having published more than twenty-five volumes of short stories. He is the joint translator of Forty Hadith and Forty Hadith Qudsi.


AL GHAZALI ON THE MANNERS RELATING TO EATING    O94662173X     SGD 26.90




Al-Ghazali on the Remembrance of Death & the Afterlife
Books XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din)
Translated by: T.J.Winter

This is the first English translation of the last chapter of Al-Ghazali’s Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din), widely regarded as the greatest work of Muslim spirituality. After expounding his Sufi philosophy of death and showing the importance of the contemplation of human mortality to the mystical way of self-purification, Ghazali takes his readers through the stages of the future life: the vision of the Angels of the Grave, the Resurrection, the Intercession of the Prophet, and finally, the torments of Hell, the delights of Paradise and - for the elect - the beatific vision of God’s Countenance.

‘I warmly recommend Winter’s translation to everyone interested in Islamic eschatology and Islamic thought.’ Annemarie Schimmel

‘This book is an excellent translation of a very important work...This translation and the series as a whole, are significant contributions to our understanding of this key figure in Islamic intellectual thought.’ Oliver Leaman (BRISMES Bulletin)

‘Winter’s rendering combines exactness with fluency and dignity of style. The introduction, notes, appendix, bibliography, index - all make this an exemplary publication, produced to the highest standards.’ Christian Troll (CSIC)

‘Of considerable value and solace to many who will buy it for reasons both religious and academic.’ H.T. Norris (BSOAS)


AL GHAZALI ON THE REMEMBRANCE OF DEATH & THE AFTERLIFE    O946621136     SGD 82.90




Al-Ghazali on Invocations and Supplications
Book IX of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din)
Translated by: KOJIRO NAKAMURA

A revised edition of Kojiro Nakamura’s acclaimed translation into English of Book IX of The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din). Although prayerfulness and the remembrance of God suffuse all the formal practices of Islam, there are times when the Muslim simply ‘sits alone with his Lord’ to repeat formulas drawn from the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet, seeking remission of his sins and the purification of his heart. The present volume is probably the most widely read compendium of such material, popular not only for its comprehensiveness and beauty, but also for the analytical approach of its author, who explores the psychological and spiritual effects of prayer and the celebration of God’s name. The original translation by Kojiro Nakamura, now Head of the Islamic Studies Department at the University of Tokyo, has been substantially revised and augmented with hadith identification.

This volume won a British Book Design and Production Award in 1991.


AL-GHAZALI ON INVOCATIONS AND SUPPLICATIONS    O946621144     SGD 66.90




Al-Ghazali on the Ninety-nine Beautiful Names of God
Al-Maqsad al-Asna fi Sharh Asma’ Allah al-Husna
Translated by: D. BURRELL & N. DAHER

In this work, here presented in a complete English edition for the first time, the problem of knowing God is confronted in an original and stimulating way. Taking up the Prophet’s teaching that ‘Ninety-nine Beautiful Names’ are truly predicated of God, the author explores the meaning and resonance of each of these divine names, and reveals the functions they perform both in the cosmos and in the soul of the spiritual adept. Although some of the book is rigorously analytical, the author never fails to attract the reader with his profound mystical and ethical insights, which, conveyed in his sincere and straightforward idiom, have made of this book one of the perennial classics of Muslim thought, popular among Muslims to this day.

David Burrell is Theodore M. Hesburgh Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, USA. Nazih Daher is Chairman of the Department of Asian and African Languages at the Foreign Service Institute of the United States Department of State.

This volume won a British Book Design and Production Award in 1993.


AL-GHAZALI ON THE NINETY NINE BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH    0946621314     SGD 30.90

Sufism 1

Sufi Poems
A Medieval Anthology
Compiled and Translated by: MARTIN LINGS

Sufi Poems is a selection of poems from the golden period of Sufism especially chosen and translated from the Arabic by the distinguished scholar Dr Martin Lings. Dr Lings is the author of numerous best-selling works on Sufism and is a published poet in his own right. Inlcuding poems here translated for the first time, Sufi Poems brings together selections from the giants of Sufism; for example, Rabia, Hallaj, Ibn al-Farid and Ibn Arabi. Sufi Poems is published as bi-lingual Arabic-English edition which will be of interest to all those wishing to read the original Arabic and will also be helpful for university students of Arabic.

Martin Lings, formerly Keeper of Oriental Manuscript in the British Museum and the British Library, is the author of three works on Islamic mysticism, A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century, What is Sufism? and The Book of Certainty, all published by The Islamic Texts Society. His Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources, also published by the Islamic Texts Society, has been internationally acclaimed as a masterpiece.


SUFI POEMS    1903682177     SGD 69.90




Sufi Metaphysics and Qur’anic Prophets
Ibn Arabi’s Thought and Method in the Fusus al-Hikam
RONALD L. NETTLER

The Fusus al-Hikam is acknowledged to be a summary statement of the sufi metaphysics of the “Greatest Master”, Ibn ‘Arabi (d.1240). It is also recognised that the Fusus is a work of great complexity both in its ideas and its style; and, over the centuries, numerous commentaries have been written on it. Each of the chapters of the Fusas is dedicated to a Qur’an prophet with whom a particular “wisdom” is associated. In Sufi Metaphysics and Quranic Prophets: Ibn’ Arabi’s Thought and Method in the Fusus al-Hikam, Ronald Nettler examines ten chapters from the Fusus which exemplify the ideas, method and perspective of the entire work. Concentrating on a detailed analysis of the text, the author brings out the profound connection and integration of scripture and metaphysics in the world-view of Ibn Arabi. Sufi Metaphysics and Qur’anic Prophets serves not only as an explication of Ibn Arabi’s thought in the Fusus, but is also a great aid in the overall understanding of Ibn Arabi’s thought.

Ronald L. Nettler is university research lecturer in Oriental Studies, Oxford University, and fellow and tutor in Oriental Studies at Mansfield College, Oxford.


SUFI METAPHYSICS AND QURANIC PROPHETS    1903682061     SGD 74.90




Quest for the Red Sulphur
The Life of Ibn Arabi
CLAUDE ADDAS

Quest for the Red Sulphur: The Life of Ibn Arabi is undoubtedly a landmark in Ibn Arabi studies. Until the publication of this book, anyone who wanted to learn about the life of Ibn Arabi has had little choice of material to work from. This major study by Claude Addas is based on a detailed analysis of a whole range of Ibn Arabi’s own writings as well as a vast amount of secondary literature in both Arabic and Persian. The result is the first-ever attempt to reconstruct what proves to have been a double itinerary: on the one hand, the journey that took Ibn Arabi from his native Andalusia to Damascus - and on the other hand, the ‘Night Journey’ which carried him along the paths of asceticism and prayer to the ultimate stage of revelation of his mystic quest.

‘I read it like a novel, a novel written in captivating style and with a seeming infinite love for its hero - a novel distinguished by its meticulous care for details and full of trustworthy information taken from manuscripts and printed sources...It is more than a translation: with the author’s help some additions have been made, some points clarified.’
Annemarie Schimmel (Journal of Islamic Studies)

‘The first serious biography of the most influential figure in the history of Islamic mysticism. It is based on an enormous amount of documentary evidence...In his voluminous writings Ibn `Arabi recounted his visionary experiences, his journeys, real and imaginary, and his meetings with other mystics, both alive and dead.’ TLS


QUEST FOR THE RED SULPHUR    0946621454     SGD 82.90




The Seal of the Saints
Prophethood and Sainthood in the Doctrine of Ibn Arabi
MICHEL CHODKIEWICZ

Ibn Arabi—born in 1165 in Andalusia and died in 1240 in Damascus—was recognised in his lifetime as al-Shaykh al-Akbar, the supreme spiritual Master. Over a period of eight centuries he has exerted a profound influence on Islamic mysticism. In recent years a number of important studies have helped acquaint the Western reader with Ibn Arabi’s metaphysics and this process is now greatly enhanced by the present volume in which Michael Chodkiewicz explores for the first time, the Master’s ‘hagiology’ or teaching on sainthood. Founded on a careful analysis of the relevant texts, Chodkiewicz’s work examines this essential aspect of Ibn Arabi’s doctrine of sainthood, defining the nature and function of sainthood, while also specifying the criteria for a typology of saints based on the notion of prophetic inheritance.
Michel Chodkiewicz is Director of Studies at l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris.

‘This is by far the best available explanation of the central importance of sanctity for understanding both the practical and the theoretical teachings of Sufism.’
William Chittick

‘An extraordinarily good book about an extremely difficult thinker...Chodkiewicz not only knows the texts remarkably well, but also avoids and rejects certain errors of perspective common among other scholars.’ TLS


THE SEAL OF THE SAINTS    O946621403     SGD 78.90




What is Sufism?
MARTIN LINGS

Martin Lings provides an excellent and authoritative introduction to the mystical movement of the Sufis based on his lifelong interest in Islamic culture. His explanation derives from a profound understanding of Sufism, and extends to many aspects which are usually neglected. His illuminating answer to ‘What is Sufism?’ gives a taste of the very subject matter itself. What do Sufis believe? What do they aim at? What do they do? Unlike other writers on the subject, Martin Lings treats all the three questions with equal justice. He is thus able to give a wealth of answers to the main question ‘What is Sufism?’, each answer being from a different angle but all going to the root of the matter. A reviewer wrote ‘Should the book appear in paperback, I would use it for undergraduate and graduate courses on Islamic civilization’, and in fact What is Sufism? has become a set book in colleges and universities on both sides of the Atlantic. It is now accepted as the authoritative statement on the subject of Sufism and it has been translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish. It has also been published in Sarajevo in Bosnian, and is available in Braille.

Martin Lings, formerly Keeper of Oriental Manuscript in the British Museum and the British Library, is the author of two works on Islamic mysticism, The Book of Certainty and A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century, both published by the Islamic Texts Society. His Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources, also published by the Islamic Texts Society, has been internationally acclaimed as a masterpiece.

‘The discussion of Sufi aims, psychology, doctrine and method is original (many previously untranslated texts are cited), sensitive and readable. The mood of Sufism is conveyed here with a clarity that is rare, even unique, yet is done in a responsible, non-proselytizing manner.’ Review of Books and Religion

‘It is an invaluable contribution to the study of the subject and may well become a standard textbook…Highly recommended.’ Choice

‘He has treated all the most important features of Sufism with a degree of profundity and understanding rarely to be found among modern writers.’ Religion


WHAT IS SUFISM ?    O946621411     SGD 54.90




A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century
Shaikh Ahmad al-Alawi
MARTIN LINGS

'Almost a prerequisite for any serious study of Sufism in European languages': this was the verdict of Seyyed Hossein Nasr in his review of the first edition of the book. According to the Journal of Near Eastern Studies, it is 'one of the most thorough and intimately engaging books on Sufism to be produced by a Western scholar'. Certainly there is nothing second-hand about it. The author lets Sufis speak for themselves and, in a series of unusual and absorbing texts mainly translated from Arabic, he gives a vivid picture of life in a North African Sufi order. Against this background stands the unforgettable figure of the Algerian Shaikh who was head of the order from 1909 until his death in 1934. The last few chapters are mainly devoted to his writings, which include some penetrating aphorisms, and which end with a small anthology of his remarkable mystic poems.

Martin Lings, formerly Keeper of Oriental Manuscript in the British Museum and the British Library, is the author of three works on Islamic mysticism, Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources, What is Sufism? and The Book of Certainty, all published by The Islamic Texts Society.

‘A masterly study of a man whose sanctity recalled the golden age of medieval mystics. In this well documented book Dr Lings draws on many rare sources...and has made some important original contributions.’ A. J. Arberry

‘What Martin Lings adds by way of commentary is of the greatest significance and may serve as a key to a deeper understanding of Islam as a whole.’ Titus Burckhardt


A SUFI SAINT OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY    O946621500     SGD 66.90




The Book of Certainty
The Sufi Doctrine of Faith, Vision and Gnosis
ABU BAKR SIRAJ AD-DIN

‘To express in the language of Sufism, that is, Islamic mysticism, some of the universal truths which lie at the heart of all religions’—this is the book’s avowed purpose. It came into being because the author was asked by a friend to set down in writing what he considered to be the most important things that a human being can know. He was also asked to make it very easy, and despite the depth of all that it contains, it has in fact a remarkable simplicity and clarity, due no doubt to the constant use of traditional imagery which awakens and penetrates the imagination.

‘This book is an excellent introduction to Sufism, highly intelligent, balanced, lucid, well-written and in places really eloquent.’ Islamic Culture, Hyderabad

‘Abu Bakr Siraj ad-Din has bestowed upon the world a great benefaction in giving it this very important Sufic treatise, for, belonging as it does to our own time, it is easier for us to assimilate than are the treatises and commentaries of Sufis of old.’ Islamic Quarterly

‘A wonderful, short and sweet discussion of symbols and the spiritual world...an important and significant window into the Sufi mode of speech.’ Journal of Islamic Studies


THE BOOK OF CERTAINTY    O946621373     SGD 38.90

Islamic Law and Jurisprudence 1

The Dignity of Man
An Islamic Perspective
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective provides the most detailed study to date on the subject of the dignity of man from the perspective of Islam. M H Kamali sets out the proclamations on human dignity found in the Qur’an and then discusses topics pertaining to or resulting from human dignity: the physical and spiritual nobility of man; God’s love for humanity; the sanctity of life; and the necessity for freedom, equality and accountability. Finally, the author examines the measures that the Shariah has taken to protect human dignity and to promote it in social interaction. The discussion is here presented in the light of the debate on the universality of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This book goes a long way towards exploring an alternative to Western concepts of human rights. The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective is part of a series of studies on fundamental rights and liberties in Islam and should be read with its companion volumes of Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam, and Freedom of Expression in Islam.

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Freedom of Expression in Islam, Islamic Commercial Law, and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam.


THE DIGNITY OF MAN - AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE 1903682002 SGD 54.90



Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

In Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam, M H Kamali presents the reader with an analysis of the three concepts of freedom, equality and justice from an Islamic point of view and their manifestations in the religious, social, legal and political fields. The author discusses the evidence to be found for these concepts in the Qur’an and Sunna, and reviews the interpretations of the earlier schools of law. The work also looks at more recent contributions by Muslim jurists who have advanced fresh interpretations of freedom, equality and justice in the light of the changing realities of contemporary Muslim societies. Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam is part of a series dedicated to the fundamental rights and liberties in Islam and should be read in conjunction with The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective and Freedom of Expression in Islam.

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Freedom of Expression in Islam, Islamic Commercial Law, and The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective.


FREEDOM,EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN ISLAM 1903682010 SGD 66.90



Freedom of Expression in Islam
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

In recent years the subject of freedom of expression has become a topic of heated debate. Freedom of Expression in Islam offers the first and only detailed presentation in English of freedom of expression from both the legal and moral perspectives of Islam. This work is a pioneering attempt in examining both the evidence on freedom of expression in the sources of the Shari’ah and the limitations, whether moral, legal or theological, that Islam imposes on the valid exercise of this freedom. Freedom of Expression in Islam is informative not only on the subject of the possibilities of freedom of expression within Islam, but also on the cultural tradition of Islam and its guidelines on social behaviour. Freedom of Expression in Islam is part of a series dedicated to the fundamental rights and liberties in Islam and should be read in conjunction with The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam.

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Islamic Commercial Law, and The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective.


FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN ISLAM 0946621608 SGD 82.90



Islamic Commercial Law
An Analysis of Futures and Options
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

Islamic Commercial Law: An Analysis of Futures and Options focuses on options and futures as trading tools and explores their validity from an Islamic point of view. Futures and options are a completely new phenomenon which has no parallel in Islamic commercial law. After reviewing the existing rules of Islamic law of contract and verifying their relevance or otherwise to futures trading, the author, Professor M H Kamali, advances a new perspective on the issue of futures and options based on an interpretation of the Qur’an and the Sunnah and referring to the principle of maslaha (consideration of public interest) as enshrined in the Shari’ah. Islamic Commercial Law consists of three parts. Part One is devoted to the description of futures trading and the understanding of operational procedures of futures and futures markets; Part Two investigates the issue of permissibility of futures trading in Islamic law and the underlying questions of risk-taking and speculation, which are of central concern to the topic. Part Three is devoted to an analysis of options. This work will be of use to anyone working on Islamic law, comparative law or working in Islamic banking.

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Freedom of Expression in Islam, The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective, and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam.


ISLAMIC COMMERCIAL LAW - AN ANALYSIS OF FUTURES & OPTION 0946621802 SGD 78.90



Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

This third edition of the best-selling title Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence has been completely revised and substantially enlarged. In this work, Prof Kamali offers us the first detailed presentation available in English of the theory of Muslim law (usul al-fiqh). Often regarded as the most sophisticated of the traditional Islamic disciplines, Islamic Jurisprudence is concerned with the way in which the rituals and laws of religion are derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah—the precedent of the Prophet. Written as a university textbook, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence is distinguished by its clarity and readability; it is an essential reference work not only for students of Islamic law, but also for anyone with an interest in Muslim society or in issues of comparative Jurisprudence.

Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali is Professor of Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia where he has been teaching Islamic law and jurisprudence since 1985. Among his other works published by The Islamic Texts Society are: Islamic Commercial Law, Freedom of Expression in Islam, The Dignity of Man: An Islamic Perspective, and Freedom, Equality and Justice in Islam.

‘The best thing of its kind I have ever seen. Exactly the kind of thing I have wanted for years to put into the hands of students.’ Professor Charles Adams (McGill University)’

'This book is a valuable addition to existing Islamic jurisprudential literature in English ... remarkably successful.’ The Muslim World Book Review


PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC JURISPUDENCE 0946621829 SGD 94.90



Equity and Fairness in Islam
By Mohammad Hashim Kamali

This is the first work in the English language to deal specifically with the subjects of equity and fairness in Islamic law. Prof M H Kamali takes these concepts back to their origin in the Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the era of the Companions of the Prophet in the first two centuries of Islam. This is followed by discussions of equity as a basis for the formulation of Islamic law and a comparison between it and other concepts essential for law making such as general consensus, analogical reasoning and considerations of public interest. Part Two of Equity and Fairness in Islam is an attempt to apply the concepts of equity and fairness to certain issues of contemporary concern and especially to commercial transactions. The issues raised here are related to Islamic banking, sale transactions, charitable endowments, pensions funds and other long-term saving accounts. Equity and Fairness in Islam can be read in conjunction with M H Kamali's titles especially Islamic Commercial Law.


EQUITY AND FAIRNESS IN ISLAM 1903682428 SGD 59.90



Language and the Interpretation of Islamic Law
By Sukrija Husejn Ramic

The discipline of ‘principles of Islamic jurisprudence’ (usul al-fiqh) constitutes the theoretical basis of Islamic law (Shari’ah) and the indisputable foundation on which it is based. One of the most important branches of usul al-fiqh is the study of the usage of language. Language and the Interpretation of Islamic Law is the first work to appear in the English language dealing with this important aspect of Islamic law. Dr Sukrija Husejn Ramic gives us the background to the terminology used by the different schools of Islamic law and then discusses the different applications of language in legal reasoning and the interpretation of Islamic law.


LANGUAGE AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ISLAMIC LAW 0946621861 SGD 99.90



Al-Shafi’i’s Risala
Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence
Translated by MAJID KHADDURI

Written in the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 204AH/820AD), the founder of one of the four Sunni schools of law, this important work gives the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and its influence continues to the present day. During the early years of the spread of Islam, the exponents of Islamic legal doctrine were faced with the problems raised by ruling and administering a diverse and rapidly growing empire. In Medina and Kufa, as well as other cities of early Muslim rule, schools of law had to be developed, but it took the genius of Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi’i, born in the year 150AH/767AD, to establish the principles by which the various legal doctrines could be synthesised into a coherent system. In the Risala, which laid down the basis for such a synthesis, al-Shafi’i established the overriding authority, next only to the Qur’an, of the Sunna or example of the Prophet Muhammad as transmitted in the traditions.

Professor Majid Khadduri has done an admirable service in making this valuable work available in English, His excellent translation uses not only the original manuscripts of Ibn Jama’a and al-Rabi, found at Dar al-Kutub, the National Library in Cairo, but also authoritative editions published earlier in this century, namely the Bulaq and Shakir editions. In his introduction, Professor Khadduri outlines the historical background of the Risala and gives a biography of al-Imam al-Shafi’i as well as annotated, detailed summaries of the composition, structure, substance and argument of the text. He also includes a list of transmitters of traditions, a glossary of the most important Islamic legal terms and a select bibliography. For this new edition, the index has been expanded and a small corrigenda added.

‘One of the leading texts on Islamic fiqh. A must for the bookshelf of all conscientious Muslims.’ Dr Darsh (Q News)


AL SHAFI'S RISALA -TREATISE ON THE FNDTN OF ISLAMIC JURIS. 0946621152 SGD 112.90



On Schacht’s Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence
By Muhammad Mustafa Al-Azami

This in-depth study presents a detailed analysis and critique of the classic Western work on the origins of Islamic law, Schacht’s Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence. Azami’s work examines the sources used by Schacht to develop his thesis on the relation of Islamic law to the Qur’an, and exposes fundamental flaws in Schacht’s methodology that led to the conclusions unsupported by the texts examined. This book is an important contribution to Islamic legal studies from an Islamic perspective.

Dr Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami is Professor of Hadith Science at King Saud University, where he has taught since 1973. He obtained his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Cambridge University in 1967, and studied at al-Azhar University in Egypt and Dar-al-Ulum in India. He is the author of numerous books and articles on early hadith. In 1980 he received the prestigious King Faisal Award for his research and presentations on the Sunna.

‘For the first time we have work like Azami’s; he has devoted literally years of research to the investigation of Hadith and has analysed, tested and passed scholarly judgement on Schacht’s argument step by step, working with actual hadith materials. This book is indeed an effective response to Schacht...Azami has, through this and other works, demonstrated himself to be an outstanding scholar of Hadith ...he is the most well-versed and learned scholar of the Islamic science of tradition.’ (Journal of Near Eastern Studies)


ON SCHACHT'S ORIGINS OF MUHAMMADAN JURISPRUDENCE 0946621462 SGD 70.90

The Quran and Quranic Studies 1

Authoritative, accurate and affordable translations and commentaries of the Holy Quran. Indispensable works of reference for Islamic scholars and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the Quran.



The Holy Quran


Tr. Abdullah Yusuf Ali
ISBN: 81-87570-39-3 PB
Pages: 488
Price : SGD 9.90



The Quran


Tr. T. B. Irving
ISBN: 81-8506-3-92-3 PB
Pages: 456
Price : SGD 9.90



The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary


Translation and Commentary by
Abdullah Yusuf Ali
ISBN: 81-7898-089-4 HB
Pages: 1924
Price : SGD 29.90



A Treasury of the Quran


Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
ISBN: 81-85063-11-7 PB, Pages: 96
Price : SGD 6.90



The Call of the Qur’an


Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
ISBN: 81-87570-03-2, Pages: 96
Price : SGD 5.90



Quran for All Humanity


Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
ISBN: 81-85063-68-0 PB, Pages: 100
Price : SGD 6.90



Basic Reader for the Holy Quran


Syed Mahmood Hasan
ISBN: 81-87570-95-9, Pages: 100
Price : SGD 7.90



Quran: An Abiding Wonder


Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
ISBN: 81-85063-73-7 PB, Pages: 128
Price : SGD 6.90



Presenting the Quran


Saniyasnain Khan
ISBN: 81-85063-95-8, Pages: 168
Price : SGD 7.90



Introducing the Quran


Dr. Hasanuddin Ahmed
ISBN: 81-7898-327-3 PB, Pages: 352
Price : SGD 17.90



New Approach to the Study of the Quran


Dr. Hasanuddin Ahmed
ISBN: 81-7898-384-4 PB, Pages: 456
Price : SGD 19.90



Heart of the Koran


Lex Hixon
ISBN: 81-85063-90-7
Pages: 268
Price : SGD 8.90



Encyclopaedic Index of the Quran


Syed Muhammad Osama
ISBN: 81-7898-163-7 PB
/81-7898-413-X HB,
Pages: 852
Price : SGD 41.90 (HB)
Price : SGD 34.90 (PB)



A Glossary of the Quran


Aurang Zeb Azmi
ISBN: 81-7898-1159-9
Pages: 260
Price : SGD 16.90



A-Z Ready Reference of the Quran


Mohammad Imran Erfani
ISBN: 81-7898-335-4
Pages: 836
Price : SGD 29.90



Handy Concordance of the Quran


Aurang Zeb Azmi
ISBN: 81-7898-093-2
Pages: 208
Price : SGD 9.90



Selections from the Noble Reading


T. B. Irving
ISBN: 81-86773-20-7
Pages: 192
Price : SGD 5.90



Beautiful Commands of Allah


Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
ISBN: 81-85063-38-9
Pages: 92
Price : SGD 7.90



Beautiful Promises of Allah


Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
ISBN: 81-85063-24-9
Pages: 196
Price : SGD 11.90

Hadith and Seerah 2

Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources

By Martin Lings

Acclaimed worldwide as the definitive biography of the Prophet in the English language. Martin Lings’ life of Muhammad is unlike any other. Based on Arabic sources of the eighth and ninth centuries, of which some important passages are translated here for the first time, it owes the freshness and directness of its approach to the words of men and women who heard Muhammad speak and witnessed the events of his life. Martin Lings has an unusual gift for narrative. He has adopted a style which is at once extremely readable and reflects both the simplicity and grandeur of the story. The result is a book which will be read with equal enjoyment by those already familiar with Muhammad’s life and those coming to it for the first time. This book was given an award by the government of Pakistan, and selected as the best biography of the Prophet in English at the National Seerat Conference in Islamabad in 1983. In 1990, after the book had attracted the attention of Azhar University, the author received a decoration from president Mubarak.Martin Lings, formerly Keeper of Oriental Manuscript in the British Museum and the British Library, is the author of three works on Islamic mysticism, A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century, What is Sufism? and The Book of Certainty, all published by The Islamic Texts Society.

‘This is easily the best biography of the Prophet in the English language.’
Dr. Victor Danner (Indiana University)

‘An enthralling story that combines impeccable scholarship with a rare sense of the sacred worthy of his subject.’ The Spectator

‘Muhammad is a true work of art, as enthralling as the best novels with the difference that this is not fiction but fact.’ The Islamic Quarterly


Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources  0946621330  SGD 32.90



Life of the Prophet Muhammad
By LEILA AZZAM & AISHA GOUVERNEUR

This children’s book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad is taken from traditional Muslim biographical literature, including hadith. Passages from the Qur’an are used throughout to reinforce the stories. The material is authentic and the style lively and attractive. Although the book has been written for children of 10 to 15 years of age, it can be usefully read by anyone as an introduction because of its completeness and clarity. There are 32 colour illustrations although there has been no attempt to portray either the Prophet or his Companions. The illustrations are representative of traditional Islamic life as lived in many Arab countries and portray scenes that have occurred in those countries for over a thousand years.

RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION GUARDIAN JANUARY 1992

‘At long last a definitive children’s version of the life of the Messenger of Allah has appeared in English.’ Arab News

‘The book is a great success and should be widely used by Muslim and non-Muslim children alike.’ Centre for the Study of Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations

‘...an excellent work; it reflects not only the knowledge of the two writers but also their depth of commitment to Islam.’ Link International


THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD   0946621020    SGD 62.90



An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith

Translated by: EZZEDIN IBRAHIM & DENYS JOHNSON-DAVIES

This collection of forty hadith by one of the most famous compilers of hadith is generally regarded as the most popular anthology and the best introduction to the study of the Prophet’s sayings which, together with the Qur’an, contain the essential teachings of Islam. The Arabic original has been printed alongside the English translation for the benefit of those with a knowledge of Arabic. The translation, by two scholars working in close collaboration, combines accuracy with readability.


AN - NAWAWIS FORTY HADITH   0946621659    SGD 46.90



Forty Hadith Qudsi

Selected and Translated by: EZZEDIN IBRAHIM & DENYS JOHNSON-DAVIES

The hadith qudsi are the sayings of the Prophet divinely communicated to him. The present collection has been compiled from all the available books of hadith. The forty chosen here are all well authenticated and present many of the doctrinal, devotional and ethical elements of Islam. A scholarly introduction deals fully with the subject and shows the way in which the hadith qudsi differs from the Qur’an and from the Prophetic hadith. This selection and translation has been made by the translators of An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith. Forty Hadith Qudsi is regarded as a companion volume and has been printed in similar format with the original Arabic text given alongside the English translation.


FORTY HADITH QUDSI  0946621667    SGD 46.90



Hadith Literature - Its Origins, Development & Special Features

By MUHAMMAD ZUBAYR SIDDIQI

The hadith, the sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, form a sacred literature which for the Muslims ranks second in importance only to the Qur’an itself. As a source of law, ethics and doctrine, the vast corpus of hadith continue to exercise decisive influence. Islamic scholarship has hence devoted immense efforts to gathering and classifying the hadith, and ensuring their authenticity. This book is the only introduction in English which presents all the aspects of the subject. It explains the origin of the literature, the evolution of the isnad system, the troubled relationship between scholars and the state, the problem of falsification, and the gradual development of a systematic approach to the material. This edition is a fully revised and updated version of the original, which was first published in 1961 to considerable scholarly acclaim. Muhammad Zubayr Siddiqi was Professor of Islamic Culture in the University of Calcutta.

‘A well-informed and commendable thesis...a valuable contribution to Hadith scholarship.’ Mohammed Yusufuddin (Islamic Culture)

‘An excellent introduction to the subject, presenting it with considerable detail.’
James Robson (The Muslim World)

‘Professor Siddiqi is to be congratulated on this richly documented and highly readable book.’ S. D. Goitein (Journal of the American Oriental Society)


HADITH LITERATURE     0946621381    SGD 66.90