The Tree of Faith

In this era of confusion, innovation, and division, it is essential for Muslims to monitor their beliefs and their approach to Islam, so that they may be certain that they are following the path of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the early generation of pious Muslims (the salaf). Without careful attention, a Muslim may live his or her whole life following a deviant path filled with innovation, thinking that he or she is doing the right thing, only to find out – when it is too late – that this path only leads to hell. Islamic Beliefs: A Brief Introduction to the ‘Aqeedah of Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jamâ‘ah is written in a straightforward style, distilling the knowledge of the scholars and making it accessible to the ordinary Muslim. It touches on the main points of ‘aqeedah (fundamental Islamic beliefs or creed) and explains the main features of the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the early generation, with brief references to deviant groups in order to show the contrast between the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the paths of the deviant groups, between light and darkness, guidance and misguidance. The straightforward approach of this book will allow the reader to follow its arguments and develop a clear picture of the proper approach to and interpretation of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This is a book which should be on every Muslim’s bookshelf, so that they will have at their fingertips a concise and readily-accessible reference for the basic issues of their religion.

The Imam was asked a long question of which a part was – What is the opinion of the scholars regarding a man who is afflicted by a disease, and knows that if it should continue it would damage his life? The Imam Quoted the Hadith from Sahih Bukhari The prophet (S) said: ‘Allah has appointed a remedy for every disease He has sent down’ Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Usamah bin Shareek that the ‘ Prophet (S) said Allah has not made a disease without providing a remedy for it, wih the exception of one disease, namely old age’ This Applies to the medicine for the heart, soul and body. The well being of the servant’s heart, is far more important than that of his body, for while the well being of his body enables him to lead a life that is free from illnesses in this world, that of the heart ensures him both a fortunate life in this world and eternal bliss in the next.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya was born into a scholarly and virtuous family in 691 AH/ 1292 A.D. At that time Damascus was a centre of literature and thought. Many schools were located there and he studied and graduated under the protection, direction and sponsorship of his father. He was particularly influenced by his Shaykh and teacher Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, and also by Ibn ash-Shirazi amongst others. Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya died in the city of Damascus the year 751 AH/1350 C.E.,when he was scarcely 60 years old, and was buried at the cemetery of Bab- al-Saghir, near the grave of his father – Rahimahuma Allah.

a small excerpt from the book:

“And those who disbelieve say: “Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once?” Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.”[1]”[2]

Al-Zarnooji -rahimahullah- said, “Imam Sharf ul-Din al-Uqayli – rahimahullah- used to say, “My opinion regarding learning knowledge is in agreement with what our teachers taught us. They used to teach beginners level one books because they are understandable, easy to memorize, enjoyable, and common. A beginner should not write down something he does not understand because it numbs the intelligence and is a waste of time. Instead, a beginner should focus on the task of understanding his teacher through deep thinking and repetition. Significantly, the smaller the portion in one class with repetition the more progress in understanding. A famous saying states: Memorizing two letters is better than hearing two loads, and understanding two letters is better than memorizing two loads.”[3]

(I have only created Jinn and men, but to worship me)

And the most common and lofty way of worship Allah, as we all know, is to pray. Pray, pray, pray.

But how will we react if we find out that after years and years of praying, our prayer is performed incorrectly?!?!

Some of us would be angry… actually, very very angry… while some will be dissappointed and wishing that they knew the correct way of praying earlier…

This book covers all of the guidelines of prayer, and what you need to do before, after, and during prayer, to keep you from that humiliating moment of “learning it the hard way.”

So once this book is between your hands, flip through its thin pages and earn the knowledge of your deen as you sit on the cushions of a warm, comfortable couch.

Sheikh-ul-Islam’s book Al-Aqeedah-il-Wasitiyah deals with the perfect and undefiled Islamic Faith and Creed of the As-Salaf-As-Salih (the pious predecessors) particularly in regards to Allah’s names and attributes, with solid arguments in brief words and terminology. The book is highly appreciated by the scholars for its brevity as well as comprehensiveness; and for its contents produced perfectly in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah in an appealing and manifest manner.

The eminent scholar of Islam, Sheikh-ul-Islam Imam Ibn Taimiyah, discusses the real & original faith of Islam according to the Qur’an & Sunnah. The real faith in Allah and his religion Islam is to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah strictly. Any scholar who adds or attributes or alters any basic fundamental of Islam is wrong & deviates from the teachings of Islam. Every Muslim must read this book to get the real light of Faith.