Field: Islam, Ummah
Title: Islamic Resurgence in South Africa
Authors: Abdulkader Tayob
Publication: UCT Press
ISBN: 0-7992-1612-7
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

The multicultural South Africa was not left out when then modern Islamic paradigm took shape in the Muslim world. Leading the shift in the early period were the Malays, largely because of the many political exiles who were shown much respect in this 'new home'. They later build mosques, but were divided between racial lines (Malays-Indians-Africans). This was further exacerbated by the different school of thought adopted by each community, until that it was not uncommon to have serious disputes on what would otherwise be trivial matters.

The modern Islamic paradigm, drawn from international experience, serves as a useful source of Islamic knowledge against traditional 'ulama and the grips they had on the community. It has found Islam in new rhetorical slogans, discussion groups, rallies, and campaigns, even disarming the 'ulama who have long claimed the sole right to interpret the religion. This, of course, did not happen without harsh opposition. The 'ulama saw this change as detrimental to their influence, and did not prefer to sit and watch it crippling down.

Later, Islamism came about, as a response to the success of Iranian revolution. By this new paradigm, it was believed that education and preparation (not arms struggle or revolution) would ensure the eventual success for Islam in South Africa. When the Islamic movement (here the Muslim Youth Movement) had to face the changing political terrain in South Africa, they found an alternate approach- i.e. contextualism. In concrete terms, its image became involved in political issues more than anything else, through a contextual reading of the Islamic texts.

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Field: Islam
Title: The Clash of Civilisations: An Islamic View
Authors: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Publication: Al-Hidaayah
ISBN: 978-1-898649-71-7
Rating: 2/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

In a time when Muslims in the West live in an environment of turmoil and difficulty facing new changes daily, they encounter a cultural dilemma, a clash of the Islamic and Western civilizations. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to know the foundations of these cultures, the differences between them as well as understanding Islam correctly taken from its pure sources.

The Western culture has its roots in Greco-Roman civilization, until that its effects can be seen until today. The naming of the days from Sunday to Saturday are all based on their deities, namely Sun, Moon, Tyr, Woden, Thor, Frigg, and Saturn. Even the holy day of Sunday and Christmas can be traced to the Roman pagan’s belief system.

The great transition the West experience to modern science occurred in the battle over Copernicus’s theory, championed by Galileo, whose struggle survived at the expense of his life. The Aristotelians who conspired against him soon lost the war, consequently paving more way for mechanistic explanation which we call science. Later the rise of Voltaire, David Hume, Charles Lyell, Darwin and many others gave a big blow to Christianity- from which it is yet to recover today.

Bilal Philips then expounded on Islamic culture and the roots from where it was derived, making clear between what is original and what characterizes a product of adoption or innovation. Muslims went through several evolutionary phases throughout history marked by the existence of schools of thoughts, a period of blind following, reformation, modernism, and movements. The Islamic creed is however very much protected; its teaching is still preserved and its foundations unadulterated- but the main problem is when they are not practiced.

In the later chapters, the author wrote on each and every pillar of Islam and iman and its consequentially generated character and virtue. Muslims are called to appreciate these pillars to secure not only a new world order but also the much-hoped salvation.

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Field: Islam
Title: Formula Solat Sempurna
Author: Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman
Publication: Telaga Biru
ISBN: 978-983-3494-98-9
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Intan

Semakin jauh kita berjalan di merata pelusuk bumi,kita akan melihat pelbagai ragam manusia bersolat.Ada yang dilakukan atas dasar kejahilan.Kebanyakannya menjadi pak turut atau mewarisi ajaran daripada nenek moyang mereka.Perkembangan Islam membawa kepada perkembangan perkara-perkara furuk(ranting) yang wujud dalam ajaran Islam kerana makin jauh daripada sumber asal iaitu Rasulullah SAW.Jauh dari segi faktor zaman juga menghambat amalan solat yang tulen.Maka,pengarang yang juga merupakan pemilik kepada website http://zaharuddin.net telah merumuskan cara solat sempurna seperti yang telah dilakukan oleh Rasulullah SAW yang dengan merujuk sumber tradisional dan kontemporari.

Keistimewaan buku ini terletak pada kupasan ringkas dan padat sesuai untuk masyarakat dari latar belakang yang pelbagai termasuklah mereka yang mempunyai pengetahuan yang minimum dalam kefahaman syariah.Buku ini dibahagikan kepada 5 bab yakni:

Persoalan taklid mazhab dan mencampuradukkan mazhab
Maklumat asas berkaitan solat
Tatacara solat berkualiti
Zikir dan doa nabawi
Hakikat dalam mendapatkan khusyuk dalam solat.
Menariknya,selain daripada merungkaikan tatacara solat mengikut pandangan para ulamak fiqh daripada 4 mazhab utama ahli sunnah wal jamaah iaitu Hanafi,Maliki,Syafi’i dan Hanbali,pengarang juga menyisipkan faktor-faktor yang menyumbang kepada kegagalan dalam memperoleh khusyuk dalam solat.Kesan kerosakan akidah dan kepercayaan (bomoh dan ramalan,terlibat dalam gejala sihir,tangkal azimat,kepercayaan zodiak etc) dan pengambilan makanan,minuman dan pakaian daripada harta haram memberi kesan kepada munajat dan doa seseorang.Di dalam buku ini juga pengarang menekankan dosa besar yang melibatkan harta haram termasuklah dosa riba(2:278-279) dan dosa rasuah/sogokan (2:188) yang mana selalu dipandang remeh oleh masyarakat.

Kesimpulannya,buku ini amat bagus untuk dijadikan bahan bacaan semua setelah diambil kira dari semua aspek termasuk penggunaan bahasa mudah,isi yang komprehensif,tulisan yang bersaiz besar,glossari dan gambar-gambar yang memudahkan pembaca memahami tatacara solat sempurna.

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Field: Others, Islam
Title: From my sisters’ lips
Author: Naima B. Robert
Publication: Bantam Books, Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-553-81717-1
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

The book revolves around the reversion of the author to Islam. Divided into 10 chapters that elaborates the journey to reversion, joy and aches and issues of faith and contemporary, the author took a narrative approach intertwined with stories from other fellow reverts (only women/sisters). For non-muslims, the books offers an insiders view to what it is like being a women muslim, a veiled one at that, from fashion, to family, to marriage, even to sex. For muslims, the book uncovers the discovery of truth, the challenging journey of a revert and most extraordinarily, the meaning of Submission. The book, at times, however, is elaborative and winded, and therefore requires patience in reading. A highly recommended book nonetheless.

The best thing I like about the book is Mrs. Robert’s faith and determination. The depth of her beliefs and how it made her want to follow Allah’s commands without question. It is amazing to read her story of growth and the ups and downs of faith. An inspiring book to help us again and again fight against lure of this world and build up our iman.

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Field: Science, Islam
Title: Keabadian Masa Dan Hakikat Takdir
Author: Harun Yahya
Publication: Saba Islamic Media Sdn. Bhd.
ISBN: 983-9384-58-9
Rating: 5/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

In this book, Harun Yahya explain the concept of timelessness and fate using the methodology of science based on verses of the Quran. His target audience is the general public, resulting in simplification of the language used in an attempt to make his work understandable to the public. This is not an easy task and the book therefore becomes repetitive, some chapters redundant. The concept itself is simple, yet, grasping it is another matter. Students of science will be able to relate to the concept much easier than the public, but still, the concept is one that is difficult to digest.

Understanding the concept is not essential to the faith per say. But, if one could grasp and comprehend it fully, the outlook on the world will never again be the same. For me, this is an amazing book. It helped me understand Qada’ and Qadar (God’s Decree and Destiny) much faster and easier, and I recommend this book to anyone who’s searching and is patient and interested.

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Field: Islam
Title: Fikah Luar Negara
Author: Maszlee Malik dan Hamidah Mat
Publication: PTS Millenia Sdn. Bhd
ISBN: 978-983-3603-00-8
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

Fikah Luar Negara adalah buku wajar dimiliki oleh setiap pembaca dari segenap lapisan masyarakat, terutamanya bagi individu Muslim yang selalu bermusafir ataupun telah berada di luar Negara dan mereka yang berminat untuk mengetahui selok belok fiqh semasa musafir.

Buku ini padat dengan topik-topik fekah kontemporari yang seringkali menjadi perbincangan dan perbahasan bukan sahaja orang awam malahan para ulamak, dan majlis fatwa seluruh dunia. Buku ini dimulakan dengan memperkenalkan kepada pembaca mengenai prinsip-prinsip fikah luar Negara yang banyak bersangkut paut dengan Maqasid Syariah dalam menetapkan hukum-hukum Islam serta keharusan dan penyesuaian berdasarkan kadar semasa umat Islam.

Seterusnya, penulis mengeksplorasi tajuk-tajuk seperti kaedah menyucikan daripada najis Babi, Keharusan menyapu khuf, stoking atau kasut semasa bermusafir dan perbincangan para ulamak mengenai syarat-syarat melakukannya berdasarkan dalil-dalil quran dan sunnah serta rasional setiap perkara. Penulis dengan bijak mengemukakan dalil dan perbahasan ulamak dalam bentuk ‘point form’ agar pembaca tidak terlalu terkeliru dengan perbincangan yang panjang lebar, sebaliknya hanya mengambil intipati penting perbahasan tersebut. Suatu perkara lagi yang menarik mengenai perbincangan fikah di dalam buku ini adalah keluasan pengamatan pendapat para ulamak dan tidak terlalu rigid dan hanya berdasarkan pendapat mazhab imam syafie.

Seterusnya, dengan menggunakan teknik yang lebih kurang sama seperti tajuk sebelumnya dengan menyelitkan sedikit unsur humor, penulis menerangkan kepada pembaca tentang rukhsah solat jamak yang dipinggirkan. Kontrari kepada pendapat sesetengah ulamak pondok dan mazhab hanafi, rukhsah solat jamak menurut penulis boleh dipraktikkan bukan sahaja semasa musafir tetapi juga semasa hujan, sakit dan hajat atau kepayahan yang timbul, berdasarkan dalil-dalil dan hujah para ulamak. Penulis juga menerangkan serba sedikit mengenai solat qasar walaupun umum telah mngetahui perihal mengenainya. Dalam tajuk ‘saya pilih koshe’ pula, penulis membincangkan perbezaan pendapat ulamak mengenai perihal sembelihan ahli kitab (orang yahudi dan kristian) dan sejauh mana keharusan umat Islam dalam memakan sembelihan mereka

Selain itu, penulis juga membincangkan perihal pakaian wanita dan lelaki Islam yang wajib dipatuhi tetapi telah mula dilupakan dek kerana mengikut-ikut budaya barat yang tidak selari dengan Islam. Penulis juga membidas pendapat-pendapat sesetangah individu berpahaman feminis liberal yang menyatakan Islam agama yang anti-feminist dan male chauvinist kerana ‘mengurung’ wanita di dalam pakaian mereka. Berkait rapat dengan fahaman ini juga, penulis dengan tegas membidas hujah-hujah golongan ‘wadudiyah’ diketuai Dr Aminah Wadud yang membolehkan wanita mengimamkan solat jumaat dengan rasional, berdalil dan tidak emosional seperti yang mungkin dilakukan oleh sesetengah penulis lain.

Selain membincangkan mengenai ibadah solat dan bersuci, penulis juga membuka tajuk perbincangan fiqh kepada perkara-perkara kebudayaan yang dicedok oleh umat islam tanpa ‘tapis seperti hukum bertatu dan bertindik, perihal meraikan hari kekasih atau ‘valentine’s day’ dan budaya meraikan tahun baru yang tidak islamik dan hanya merugikan dan merosakkan muda mudi umat Islam. Penulis juga tidak lupa memeberi peringatan di dalam buku ini akan kewajipan yang semakin dilupakan oleh umat Islam iaitu menyampaikan Islam kepada orang Islam dan bukan Islam sama ada di dalam ataupun luar Negara.

Secara keseluruhannya, buku ini mampu memberi sedikit sebanyak panduan kepada pembaca berkenaan fiqh seharian dalam kehidupan seorang Muslim. Ia jua merupakan buku yang mampu menjadi pencetus kepada pembaca agar tidak hanya ‘bertaklid buta’ tetapi juga mengkaji dan mengambil kira dalil, hujah dan pandangan banyak pihak terhadap fiqh seharian.

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Field: Economy, Islam
Title: Wang, Anda dan Islam
Author: Zaharuddin Abd Rahman

Publication: True Wealth Publishing
ISBN: 978-983-3364-47-3

Rating: aaaaa

Level: Beginner

Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

Tulisan Al-Fadil Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman (UZAR) ini merupakan pembuka mata bagi semua pihak berkenaan muamalat perbankan, kewangan, kerjaya semasa dan hutang menurut persepsi Islam. Sebagai orang yang berkelulusan dalam bidang Syariah dan pernah bekerja di institusi kewangan Islam, UZAR telah berjaya merungkai permasalahan berkaitan riba, unsur gharar dan syubahat yang terdapat dalam institusi kewangan konvensional dan seterusnya membandingkan dengan sistem ekonomi Islam seperti yang dipraktikkan oleh bank islam dan ‘jendela-jendela’ Islam bank konvensional yang lain.

Buku ini dimulakan dengan memberikan pemahaman kepada pembaca akan betapa pentingnya ilmu berkenaan halal dan haram dalam kewangan, bahaya riba’, nas-nas berkaitan dan salah faham masyarakat hari ini terhadap konsep zuhud dalam Islam. Seterusnya, pembaca dihidangkan pula dengan pengenalan asas berkenaan Ilmu Fiqh Mu’amalat iaitu asas-asasnya, jenis-jenis kontrak (mudhrabah, musyarakah, ijarah, dsb.) dan syarat jual beli dalam Islam secara amnya.

Seterusnya, penulis mengeksplorasi riba’, jenis-jenisnya, konsep gharar (ketidaksamaran) dan judi yang terdapat dalam kerjaya dan perniagaan semasa dan bagaimana cara pembaca boleh mengelakkan diri dari terjebak ke kancah syubahah yang mendekati haram. Penulis seterunya membuat perbandingan secara menyeluruh antara perbankan dan insurans konvensional dengan perbankan Islam dan takaful, sekaligus membetulkan salah faham yang berlaku di kalangan orang awam berkenaan kedua-dua sistem ini. Dalam bab 8 (Isu perbankan dan takaful), UZAR merungkai satu persatu urusniaga konvensional bermula dari simpanan sehingga pelaburan dan mendedahkan kepada pembaca keterdapatan riba’, gharar dan unsur jahalah yang menjadikan kebanyakan skim yang ditawarkan konvensional tidak menepati Syariah. Urusniaga perbankan Islam dan takaful yang menjadi alternatif kepada pengguna juga diterangkan dengan ringkas dan mudah dengan contoh yang praktikal. Semuanya juga dibuat berdasarkan dalil dan nas serta keputusan ijmak ulama dan persidangan ulama peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa.

Selain berbincang mengenai topic perbankan, penulis juga membicarakan tajuk harta haram dan pelbagai cara untuk melupuskannya dalam bab ke 9. Tidak kurang dipentingkan dalam buku ini juga adalah Isu Syariah dalam jualan langsung (Direct selling- Multi Level Marketing), keraguan Syariah dalam skim ini, dan syarat minimum untuk menjadikan MLM suatu skim yang harus, walaupun umum telah mengetahui akan kaburnya skim ini. Tambah menarik tentang buku ini dan menjadikannya lain dari yang lain adalah komentar informatif berkenaan skim pelaburan internet semasa seperti Swisscash, ABB Fund, Eaindex, Winlifund, Dinar Iraq, dan instrumen-instrumen kontemporari seperti ‘leverage’, ‘options’, ‘futures’, jualan saham dan banyak lagi beserta pandangan syarak dalam perkara ini; semuanya bersandarkan nas, dalil dan keputusan ulama’ mu’tabar silam dan kontemporari.

Secara keseluruhannya, buku ‘Wang, Anda, dan Islam’ adalah sebuah buku yang sesuai untuk semua umat Islam yang mementingkan akan halal haramya harta mereka, dan memberi ‘guidline’ kepada pembaca tentang kewangan dan perbankan yang suci dari sudut kaca mata Islam.

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Field: Islam, Politics
Title: Muslims under non-Muslim Rule
Author: Yahya Michot
Publication: Interface publications 2006
ISBN: 978-0-9554545-6-1
Rating: aaa
Level: Advanced
Reviewed by: Safwan

The highly academic work was written to shed a light on Ibn Taymiyya’s fatwa regarding muslims ruled by non-muslims. The fatwa is very much concentrated around Mardin, a city in Syria which was ruled by the invading Mongols. The book started with an adequate explanation of its background; being a Turkish town under Najmuddin Ghazi II, allegedly a ‘slave’ of the Mongol Sultan.

It then went on to expound on Ibn Taimiyya’s ruling (fatwa) as understood and quoted by six modern readings, in which five of them have interpreted it in a way that would never be concurred by the Damascene theologian should he be alive today. The arguments were presented around the issues of ‘domain of peace’ (dar al-islam) and ‘domain of war’ (dar al-harb), legitimacy of migration, and jihad against rulers. Ibn Taimiyya’s own arguments from translated texts were laid so as to disown the theologian from the misled justifications used by some islamists today.

The book was then continued by embodying the very six modern readings (mentioned earlier) into its pages. This was done after all the arguments (mainly) against them were presented, aiding the readers to better recognise their fallacies. Yahya Michot very much regretted how the world today- muslims and non-muslims, media and academic- have illustrated the great and respected theologian contemptuously; in a way that he never deserves to be pictured. Often he has been misquoted as the ‘father of Islamic extremism’. Yahya Michot even convincingly showed how Guy Sorman, a reputed professor at the Institut des Sciences Politiques of the University of Paris, blatantly erred when he blamed Ibn Taimiyya for giving rise to every single fundamentalist movements to this date.

Finally, a very helpful chronology of events in Ibn Taimiyya’s life was laid down in the last few pages of the book.

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Field: Islam
Title: Duties of the Muslim Youth
Author: Shaykh Yusuf Al-qaradawi
Publication: Islamic Institue of Da’wah and Research
ISBN: 0-921-6585-0-5
Rating:
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

In this era of globalization and constant need for human resource in al fields, the youth are the targeted group to bear the brunt of responsibility either in worldly matters or spiritual matters. Not only that, this specific group of people are at their best of times (golden age) in terms of mental, physical and emotional capacity, though most of them are ignorant and reluctant to burst into full performance. This book is intended to address the issue of the duty of Muslim youth, in which Dr Yusuf Qaradawi deals the issues in a very simple yet eloquent manner. Having himself involved in the Call (da’wah) and the pursue of knowledge, Qaradawi highlighted the 4 most important responsibility to Muslim youth in a conference which is then compiled in this treatise and translated into English.

Of the four questions to be asked on the Day of Judgement, 2 are related to the concept of time. Life- what did you spend it? Period of youth- how did you spend it? It is this realization of youth hood immense importance that motivates Muslim youth of the glorious Islamic history that perpetrates martyrdom in their hearts. It was also based on such insight that 17 years –old such as Muhammad Ibn Qasim could conquer the world. It has also been proven that the youth are the backbone of Islam in the early advent of da’wah; such as the Khulafa’ Rasyidun (Rightly-guided sucessors).

The first and the most important duty of Muslim youth is to the need for a correct understanding of Islam. In the age when Muslims are in the period of backwardness, decadence and disorder, to gain a sound understanding is Islam is a challenge that Muslims have to endeavour. Fabricated and week ahadith (sayings of the prophet), interpolation by customs, the mixture of Israeli tradition (Israiliyat) have altered the true message of Islam. Thus, Qardawi emphasized on referring to the Quran and the authentic hadith and understanding of the Salafus Salih, and this can only be done with learning which requires reading. Qaradawi also emphasizes that firm understanding of Islam does not mean neglect in other aspects of Islam; i.e. to excel in studies etc but rather to place along with all other obligations in such a way that one does not undermine the other.

Secondly is the need to practice Islam, in its true form after understanding it. This is the action and behaviour that should characterize each Muslim especially the youth, for knowledge without the action and practice is void and pointless. Hopefully, the elucidation of the wonderful character of true Muslims would contribute to the rectifying the misunderstanding that the world have on Muslim. The lawful and prohibited should constantly be observed in their daily life.

Moreover, showing good example is not enough for a Muslim youth, but rather they have to respond to the Call to Islam (Da’wah) while observing himself. Having prepared with the spiritual, knowledge and passion towards Islam, Muslim youth carry the brunt of duty to invite others to the true path of God. Qaradawi argued that if he/she urges others to the truth, he will try and become a good model for what he calls to and thus making him adhere to the Islamic teachings as well. Steadfastness is the central tenet of da’wah for in this time’s Pharaoh, Namrud and Abu Jahal is more than just an individual, but rather an ideology; be it Communism, Socialism, Fascism etc.

Finally, the 4^th duty is be cohesive in Islam. The youth who understand Islam in a correct manner, believe in it wholeheartedly, and urge each other to abide by it and invite others to it, need to assist each other and remain bonded together. He said that no action appears in an individual light, and the individual action does not benefit nor it is sufficient. There would be individualism and vacuum domination on the side of Truth when there is no cohesion. Muslim youth should therefore always bear in the minds of these four duties and be ashamed of the absence of a truly Islamic state which embraces belief (aqidah), shariah (jurisprudence), akhlaq (morals) and hadarah (civilization). Qaradawi also quoted from the quran (Al-rum: 4-6) that the day will arrive when Islam is glorious again the eyes of mankind.

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Field: Islam
Title: Fiqh Ikhtilaf
Author: Yusuf Qardhawi
Publication: As-Syabab Media 2003
ISBN: 983-9435-63-9
Rating: aaaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

Perbezaan pendapat (ikhtilaf) merupakan isu yang melanda umat Islam di seluruh dunia. Hal ini boleh jadi kritikal, dan boleh juga menjadi kebaikan yang dikongsi bersama- bergantung kepada pemahaman umum terhadap ikhtilaf. Buku yang ditulis oleh Dr Yusuf Qardhawi ini telah berjaya memberikan penjelasan yang mudah dan menyeluruh terhadap isu ini. Tajuk penuh buku ialah “Fiqh Ikhtilaf, Perbezaan Pendapat Antara Gerakan Islam- yang Dibenarkan dan Dilarang”.

Setelah menerangkan jenis dan sebab ikhtilaf, beliau dengan tegasnya membicarakan kewajipan untuk umat islam bersatu, dan memberi amaran akan dosa perpecahan. Hadith “perpecahan umat menjadi 73 golongan” juga telah dibahaskan statusnya, lalu meletakkan kedudukan hadith tersebut sebagai daif (lemah).

Buku ini diteruskan lagi dengan suatu perbahasan yang ringkas tetapi cukup kukuh, akan sebab perlunya berbeza pendapat dalam masalah cabang. Menurut penulis, ia bukan sahaja suatu kemestian, malah rahmat dan kebebasan untuk semua. Faktor ikhtilaf dalam masalah cabang juga disenaraikan sebagai empat: tabiat agama, bahasa, manusia, dan alam kehidupan.

Setelah menyentuh dan menjelaskan isu ikhtilaf dalam masalah-masalah kecil dan cabang, beliau tidak lupa untuk menasihati pembaca akan masalah-masalah yang lebih besar dan utama yang perlu semua orang tumpukan. Nasihat-nasihat lain, seperti toleransi, kerjasama, dan bersederhana juga telah disuarakan di bawah tajuk-tajuk khusus. Moral atau sikap yang sepatutnya umat Islam amalkan dalam berikhtilaf juga telah dihuraikan dengan panjang dalam bab yang tersendiri.

Sebagai penutup, penulis telah membicarakan sedikit-sebanyak tentang Imam Hasan al-Banna dan sumbangannya terhadap pemahaman fiqh ini. Juga disuarakan bahawa adalah mustahil untuk mencapai ijma’ (konsensus) dalam persoalan furu’iyah (cabang).

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Field: Islam
Title: Sharh al-Aqeedat-il-Wasitiyah
Author: Ibn Taimiyah
Publication: Darussalam Publications 1996
ISBN: 9960-899-63-2
Rating:
Level:
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

This treatise Sharh Al-aqeedat-il-wasitiyah, describes the belief of the genuine followers of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah based on the Quran and Hadiths. The belief of this saved and successful sect (Al-Firqatun Naajiyah Al-Mansoorah) includes the fundamental belief of faith to Allah and His attributes, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers, the hereafter and in having good or bad destiny. These faiths which forms the articles of Iman (faith) are thoroughly discussed in this book.

The saved sect believes that Allah has attributed those attribute to Himself and neither negation nor alteration should be done, as Allah has stated clearly through his book (Quran) and sent guidance to the prophet s.a.w.

Ibnu Taimiyah portrayed a rather clear, striking and elegant method of addressing the readers. This book is so richly stepped in references to the Quran, to Ahadith, to the saying of the rightly guided companions and their followers, and to opinion of other experts in jurisprudence, that make as if the Muslim reader feels that he is leaving in the blessed age of Islam.

Sharh Al-aqeedat-il-wasitiyah starts the discussion of faith with the meaning of Bismillah, Hamd and Madh followed by the meaning of the Shahadah itself. He then kicks of the introduction of the Saved Sect and its Faith by describing the attributes of Allah. Among the attributes discussed are hearing, seeing, intention, love, justice, mercy, pleasure, wrath, curse, coming etc and the controversially-understood attribute of Istiwa’ for Allah. It is important to note that these attributes of Allah are as what that suits His Majesty and neither negation nor measurement with His creatures should be made. Ibnu Taimiyah also stressed on the importance of avoiding ta’weel (to interpret into another meaning) as the Quran is the word of Allah and Allah knows best what He said. But, rather it is the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah to have faith in the attributes which Allah qualified for Himself.

The faith to the prophet as messengers and the life after death then ensues with illustration of the day of resurrection and its events, Haud, Sirat, and Intercession as stated by the Quran and Ahadith. Discussion continues with the belief in Qadar(Divine Decree) in which the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah are the moderate between the Qadariyah and Mu’tazilah, In the mater of the Sahabah (companions) and the Ahlul Bait (family of the prophets), Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah should believe and love them.

The author ends the book with the affirmation of belief in karamah of auliya, following the Sunnah of the prophet, and the basic principles of Shari’ah.

Sheikhul Islam also affirmed that Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah are the moderate sects among the Ummah, which is described in one of the chapter as follows:

“In such Ahadith in which the prophet pbuh gives information about Allah the Almighty and Glorious, the men of the saved sect have faith in the same manner as they have faith on the information given about them by Allah in His book without distortion and negation and without adding adding quality and resemblance. In fact, among all the sects of the Ummah, this sect is moderate just as the community of Muslims is a moderate one among all the communities.

The followers of ASWJ occupy a moderate position between the Ahlul Ta’teel (Jahmiyah: deny names of Allah and attibutes) and Ahlul-Tamtheel (Mushabbiha-resemble Allah’s attribute with His creatures), and are moderate between the Jabariyah sect (belief that slaves has no will and power to do good or bad) and Qadariyah (belief that slaves have full will and power after himself) regarding the act of Acts of Allah, and are moderate about the promise of Allah between Murjiah (believe that action are not part of faith, only testimony and confession are) and the Wa’eediyah sects among Qadariyah (believe that the believer who commits major sins and do not repent will enter hell forever) and moderate on matters of the Faith and names of the religion between Harooriyah (Khawarij-rebellion against Ali) and Mu’tazilah and between Murhi’ah and Jahmiyah, and are moderate regarding the companions between Raafidah (Shia) and Khawarij.”

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