Al-Jumu’ah: The Day of Congregation

Written by a number of Islamic religious authorities and Muslim scholars, this work presents the views and teachings of mainstream Sunni and Shi’i Islam on the subject of jihad. It authoritatively presents jihad as it is understood by the majority of the world’s 1.7 billion Muslims in the world today, and supports this understanding with extensive detail and scholarship. No word in English evokes more fear and misunderstanding than “jihad.” To date the books that have appeared on the subject in English by Western scholars have been either openly partisan and polemical or subtly traumatized by so many acts and images of terrorism in the name of jihad and by the historical memory of nearly 1,400 years of confrontation between Islam and Christianity. Though jihad is the central concern of War and Peace in Islam: The Uses and Abuses of Jihad, the range of the essays is not confined exclusively to the study of jihad. The work is divided into three parts: War and Its Practice, Peace and Its Practice, and Beyond Peace: The Practice of Forbearance, Mercy, Compassion and Love. The book aims to reveal the real meaning of jihad and to rectify many of the misunderstandings that surround both it and Islam’s relation with the “Other.”

Reviews:

“A dynamic myth-busting clarification of the real position of mainstream orthodox Islam on the whole question of violence and jihad.” —T. J. Winter, University of Cambridge

“This is the best book on the subject in English. It will be of inestimable value.” —Shaykh Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti Emeritus of Bosnia

The book provides a realistic view of Hajj as it is today, with detailed explanations of all the rites. It provides Figh related issues about Hajj, Salah and personal behaviour according to the Quran and Sunnah, to enable you to obtain the best value for your time spent in the holy cities. It also provides information and suggestions about planning for the journey, what to expect and how to survive, so you can depart with full confidence. This is a must have for all those planning to go on Hajj!

For a Muslim, the testimony of faith is the affirmation that there is no god other than Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (saw) is His servant and messenger. This testimony is second nature to most Muslims; yet it is disappointing to note that many of them are not aware of the seven conditions attached to it.

The purpose of this book is to provide English speaking Muslims a concise and authentic compilation of the instructions regarding funeral rites in Islam.