The Evolution of Islamic Legislation
by: Abdurraghiem Hasan SallieIslam was revealed at a time when the Arabian Peninsula was in a state of social anarchy. The legislation on which Islam is built transformed this hedonistic pagan society into one based on social justice and morality of the highest order, with tauhid (monotheism) as its fundamental principle.
This study traces the evolution of Islamic legislation (the shari’ah) through six periods.
In this volume, the first three periods are explored, from the first revelation by Allah of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, until his death. Then the rule under the four rightly guided caliphs – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Aliy (may Allah be pleased with them). And finally, the period of the scholars among the successors of the companions of the Prophet known as the Tabi-’in.
R389.90
Islam was revealed at a time when the Arabian Peninsula was in a state of social anarchy. The legislation on which Islam is built transformed this hedonistic pagan society into one based on social justice and morality of the highest order, with tauhid (monotheism) as its fundamental principle.
This study traces the evolution of Islamic legislation (the shari’ah) through six periods. In this volume, the first three periods are explored, from the first revelation by Allah of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, until his death. Then the rule under the four rightly guided caliphs – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Aliy (may Allah be pleased with them). And finally, the period of the scholars among the successors of the companions of the Prophet known as the Tabi-’in.
Volume two covers the remaining three periods; that of the four famous imams namely; Abu Hanifah, Malik, Shafi-’iy and Ahmad bin Hambal. They later developed the four major schools of thought in Islam. This era is known as the Golden period of the Islamic legislation since the caliphs granted leeway to those scholars who were qualified to resort to ijtihad (research).
An insight is provided for the establishment of the shari’ah and the various factors considered when the legislation was formulated. Verses expounding peace treaties and the fate of prisoners of war are discussed. The rules of war, the protection of women and children and the elderly are discussed in detail.
The first period focuses on the divine revelation (the Holy Qur’an), the reasons for its intermittent revelation over a period of nearly 23 years, the Meccan and Medinan periods and its explication by Prophet Muhammad.
The second and third periods explore the impact of the rule of the four caliphs on the development of the Islamic Legislation, as well as the introduction of analogical deductions and consensus among the scholars among the Companions, their successors and later scholars. The history of the compilation of the Holy Qur’an into book form and the establishment of the science of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad are clearly illustrated.
The rise of various sects in Islam and their influence on the shari’ah are further explored as well as the emergence of fabricators of prophetic traditions.
Excerpt
ISLAMIC LEGISLATION (TASHRI‘ AL ’ISLAMIY)
The Arabic word Tashri’ is derived from the root word shara’a which means “legislation or to legislate.” In terms of this subject, it infers ” to legislate”. It also infers to establish or discover principles/ rules, the systematic arrangement of rules, the elucidation and presentation of decrees (ahkams) at a level that could be comprehended by the masses and thereby serve as a guide to enhance their spirituality and beliefs. In addition, the word shara’a also means:
A waterhole where animals drink. The following example conveys the meaning in context. “The camels drank when they were led to the watering hole/place.”
A straight path. The holy Qur’an also refers to this type of meaning: “After this we have placed you on a straight path (of ethics), follow it and do not follow the desires of those unknown to you”. Al-Jathiyah, 45:18
ISBN: 978-0-620-49495-3
Publisher: Red Kufi Books
Publish Date: 2011
Page Count: 606
“The Evolution of Islamic Legislation”
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The Supernatural: Fact or Fiction in Islam? R99.99
Islam places serious emphasis on the belief in what God (Allah) decrees. So when man is afflicted with calamities or has important decisions to make in life, who or what does he turn to?
In today’s world where the use of fortune-tellers, sorcery, grave worshipping and witchcraft are so widespread, the author provides an insight into the clear direction Islam takes when it comes to using such avenues in one’s daily existence.
This is in terms of the choices we make and the beliefs or superstitions we almost deem as fact. In doing so we deviate from the Qur’an and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). The power of prayer to Allah alone, the knowledge of the unseen and astrology are among the issues explored in this 96-page publication. Abdurraghiem Hasan Sallie, a leading Muslim scholar in South Africa, dispels the avenues of the supernatural that govern some people’s lives.
Excerpt
The person who frequents the sorcerer to have his life sorted out is like a drug addict who craves for the next fix to obliterate reality while he is on a high. This is when his muddled brain is so confused that he believes anything that is related to him. This is the time when his senses wave him goodbye and he willingly indulges in black arts. My mission is to warn my Muslim brothers and sisters that those who indulge in the supernatural, for whatever reason, and feel pleased with themselves, could in some cases find themselves outside the fold of Islam. For a Muslim, this is a very serious indictment. It is like being condemned to Eternal Hell”
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A Comparative Study of Inheritance in Islam R119.99
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Sketching a background to Islam’s position on the subject, Sallie takes the reader through inheritance laws before the advent of Islam, under the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks, and Romans and in parts of Europe as well as Russia.
For the Muslim reader, he details the laws and ramifications of inheritance according to the four major schools of thought (Madha-hib). Amongst the detail provided in this book is the inheritance of the unborn child as well as the Quranic texts on determining the shortest period of pregnancy, the decree of the inheritance of a missing person as well as that of the illegitimate child. The distinction between the inheritance of a woman and man has valid reasons, according to the Shariah (Islamic law), which is clarified in the book. The compulsory stipulated shares as explained in the Qur’an are diagrammatically explained by way of examples.
This book is certified and endorsed by the Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Excerpt
“If we compare the system of inheritance in Islam with that of other religions on earth, then any honest investigator will come to one conclusion – that the method advanced by Islam has no comparison in its justice and precision. It had no equal before the advent of Islam and neither will it have an equal amongst the most intelligent and advanced communities.”
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Janazah R69.99
Death is the final separation of the soul from the physical body. In this book, the author provides full details of the final rites to be accorded to the dead, such as instructions for the washing of the corpse. The views from the perspective of the four matha-hib are provided and further elucidates the various aspects of burying a Muslim with dignity. The step by step method of performing the last ghusl (ceremonial bath) to the shrouding (kafan) of the corpse is explained in simple and easy to understand language. A perspective is also provided on crying and lamenting
A perspective is also provided on crying and lamenting over the dead, burying at night, grave exhumation and visiting the graveyard. The iddah of the wife is fully expounded upon. The punishment in the grave and the subject of Tawassul (request/entreaty) and wasilah (medium/intercession) has been added for the serious student or reader of Islamic literature.
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Embedded in every civilisation is a poetic history of its people. The stanzaic, metric, rhythmical structure has shaped, ordered, and re-ordered our understanding of humanity since the beginning of language. Many biographers have written about Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, but none have employed this literary device to relate his story in detail.
The Beloved Prophet: An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme is a story overflowing with emotion and sentiment, presented in the most compressed literary style. This is not the only element that sets this unique biography apart. Combined with these verses are beautiful hand-drawn artwork that further animates the spirit of this profound story. The book comprises fifty-two chapters, each with its corresponding artwork, 624 stanzas and 2,496 verses to delight a variety of palates ranging from the young to the old.
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Inspirational Supplications R99.99
As social beings, we will encounter difficulties in life for which we have no answers. It is only to ’Allah that we turn for help. A revised edition of the Book on Du-
A revised edition of the Book on Du-‘as which the author first compiled some 45 years ago, this publication provides the reader with du-‘as significant for the life of a Muslim.
It is divided into du-‘as from the Qur’an, various Prophets including the Prophet Muhammad and those taught to the author, by his mentors; Shaykh Salih Abadie and Shaykh Shakir Gamieldien. The author also provides insight into the importance of du-‘a’ as worship to ’Allah as well as guidelines for its recital and understanding His response.
A perfect gift for a loved one or new Muslim, the du-‘as are provided in Arabic, along with the transliteration and English translation.
Excerpt
Du-a’ makes one steadfast and righteous, invigorates the spirit, enlivens the inner self and removes all forms of doubt. It is so glorious that it benefits not only the beseecher but also those the beseecher prays for.Inspirational Supplications Sample Pages
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