This is the second treatise in the collection The Beliefs of the Pious Predecessors and the People of Hadeeth. The Author present it to the respected readers after Allah has ennobled him by making him concerned with it and by checking and verifying the ahaadeeth mentioned therein, (all) by the bounty of Allah, the Exalted
Author: Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal
An summarised text detailing the rules governing the Criticism of Hadeeth. From its introduction -'A hadith (pl. ahadith) is composed of two parts: the matn (text) and the isnad (chain of reporters). A text may seem to be logical and reasonable but it needs an authentic isnad with reliable reporters to be acceptable; 'Abdullah b. al-Mubarak (d. 181 AH) is reported to have said, "The isnad is part of the religion: had it not been for the isnad, whoever wished to would have said whatever he liked." During the lifetime of the Prophet (SAS) and after his death, his Companions (Sahabah) used to refer to him when quoting his sayings. The Successors (Tabi'un) followed suit; some of them used to quote the Prophet (SAS) through the Companions while others would omit the intermediate authority - such a hadith was known as mursal (loose). It was found that the missing link between the Successor and the Prophet (SAS) might be one person, i.e. a Companion, or two persons, the extra person being an older Successor who heard the hadith from the Companion.'
Author: Mahmood Al-Tahaan
Each person is born in a religious environment that is not of his/her own choice. From the very beginning of human existence in this world, they are assigned the religion of their family or the ideology of the state. By the time individuals reach their teens they usually accept the beliefs of their parents or that of their particular society. However, when some people mature and are exposed to other beliefs and ideologies, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs, and search for the truth.
Author: Majed S. Al-Rassi - Majid Bin Sulaiman Al-Russi
Reveiwers: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Pillars of Faith: discusses the fundamentals of faith, by outlining and detailing the objectives of the Islamic 'Aqeedah. Numerous references are made to the Qur'an and authentic Ahadith, for establishing the sincere intention and worship to Allah, liberating the mind and thought from the irrational and chaotic losses, establishing peace of mind and sound thinking, safeguarding the intentions, learning to establish a strong Ummah (community), achieving happiness in this life and the hereafter, and more.
Author: Jafar Sheikh Idrees
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Publisher: A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws - Islamic Dawah centre in Hamra, Jeddah www.islamic-ef.org
The Muslim Nation today is experiencing a blessed awakening in all aspects of its affairs; one that has been aroused by the efforts of the Muslim youth. However, the astute observer of this awakening will find that there are many problems that hinder its progress; problems that have prompted some scholars, callers to Islam, and students of knowledge to lay down some guidelines that the youth of this blessed awakening should adhere to and follow.
Author: Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Othaimeen
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
A description of the Prophet's prayer from beginning to end.
Author: Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1273