The Circles of Knowledge!

This is a very brief list of classes in Fiqh and Aqeedah that are ongoing in London which are very beneficial for those who want get in-depth understanding of these two topics – as far I know they are all free! I have given the books and its authors a very simple introduction, including the timing and the location for these classes.

FIQH:

• Manhaj as-Salikeen

This is a concise book in fiqh; it deals with the most important matters in fiqh. It is a good book to start with for a student of knowledge who will be introduced to the subject for the first time; it does not go into much detail or into the difference of opinions. It is written in such a way that understanding of it is easy for beginners.

It was written by the great Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahmaan bin Nasir as-Sa’adi (d. 1376). He was prominent jurist, exegete, and grammarian with a great interest in poetry. He was extremely intelligent and had memorized the Qur’an by the age of eleven after which he devoted himself to studying under the scholars of his land, by the age of twenty-three he was already teaching. He devoted himself entirely to learning and teaching until he became the leading religious authority in the land, with students of knowledge flocking to him from all regions. The author was an expert in fiqh and usul-ul-fiqh, initially he was Hanbali in madhab, and then he progressed in his studies by studying the works of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyum and no longer restricted himself to the Hanbali School. However he would never censure or look down upon those who followed a particular school of thought. He contributed many works in different subjects, the most of celebrated of them: Taysir al-Karim al-Mannan in exegesis; Manhaj as-Salikeen a primer in fiqh. His students include Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen and Sheikh ‘Abdullah bin ‘Aqil. This book has had a two volume commentary by Sheikh ‘Abdullah bin Jibrin entitled as Ibhaaj ul-Mu’mineen. In the near future a commentary in English may be published Insha-Allah.

MBS, Boscobel Street, London NW8
Friday’s 6pm
Ustad Abdul-Aleem Alomgir Ali [Egypt]

• Umdat ul-Fiqh

This is a basic manual of fiqh for beginners also. It covers the basic rulings that every Hanbali needs. The book gave only the predominant opinion for each position of the Hanbali madhab.

It was written by the great Hanbali scholar Imam Muwaffiq Al-Din Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (d. 620). He acquired so much knowledge and understanding of the Deen that he surpassed the companions of his study gatherings, showing an extraordinary ability. Thus, the knowledge of the Hanbali madhab and its principles fell upon his shoulders. He was one of the major Hanbali authorities and the author of the profound and voluminous book on Law, al-Mughni, which became popular amongst researchers from all juristic backgrounds. Ibn Taymiyyah said about him: ‘No one possessing more understanding of the Deen entered Shaam [Damascus], after Al-Awzaa’ee, other than Sheikh al-Mawaffaq’. The author of the book did not concentrate on evidence; he did tend to begin each section with a hadith that the student can use for figuring out many of the unmentioned branch issues. The objective of this book is for developing an all-round surface understanding of jurisprudence, without confusing the student with difference of opinion within the school. This text was famously explained by Sheikh Bahaa ud-Deen al Maqdasi, entitled: 'al 'Uddah Sharh al 'Umdah.

Lewisham & Kent Islamic Center, 363-365 Lewishham High Street,
London SE13 6NZ [www.lkic.org]
Wednesday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Faraz Farhat [Medina]

• Zaad al Mustaqni'

Zaad al Mustaqni is an abridgement of the book Al-Muqni which was written by Ibn Qudamah for the intermediate level in studying fiqh. One of the later scholars of the madhab took Ibn Qudamah’s Al-Muqni and reduced it to the predominant position in the madhab, removed extraneous issues, and added some things that were necessary. His book is known as Zaad al Mustaqni it was greatly accepted, and some scholars said that whoever has memorized Al-Zaad is fit to be a judge. While the book is indeed short, it gives the basics for the Hanbali madhab, including some things not even found in books twice its length.

Zaad al Mustaqni was written by Imam Sharaf ud-Deen Abu an-Najaa al Hajjaawi (d. 968h), originally from Quds and then settled in Salihyah Damascus. He was distinguished figure amongst the latter Damascan Hanbali scholars, and the author of two important manuals that were to remain the basis for verdicts amongst the Hanbalis until today: Zaad al Mustaqni and al-Iqna’. Many famous commentaries, short and long have been written for this masterpiece; for further detailed review of this book, click on to abuqutaybah.blogspot.com.

Al-Hamdulillah this book is actually being taught in two places in London at the same time; East and West London! So no excuses for seekers of knowledge!

Al-Muntada, 7 Bridges Place, Parsons Green London SW6 4HW [www.almuntadatrust.org]
Friday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Wasim Kempson [Medina]

Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre, 833-835 High Road
Goodmayes, Essex IG3 8TD [www.masjidansar.com]
Friday’s 8pm
Ustad Abu Talha [Medina]

AQEEDAH:

• Al-Wasatiyyah

Regarding Tawheed as-Asmaa’ was-Sifaat this is the first book a student of knowledge should study. This book explains the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah (SWT). It was written when the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah was strange and the other false beliefs were common.

It was written by the great Sheikh ul-Islam Taqi ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728). He came from a Hanbali family known for its piety and religious knowledge. Ibn Taymiyyah spent most of his life in Damascus. He struggled against the numerous innovations that had appeared among the Muslims. He is remembered for his invaluable contributions, not only to the Hanbali School of jurisprudence and theology, but also to the rich Islamic heritage. He also produced many students of high caliber; names such as Ibn al-Qayyum, ad-Dhahabi and Ibn Kathir are but some of his virtues. Besides being a great intellect, he was also a mujaahid and he fought valiantly against the Tartars and others.

This book was written because some judges of Waasit complained to Ibn Taymiyyah about the people’s misguidance and innovations. For this reason the book is called Al-Aqeedah Al-Wasatiyyah. He was taken to court for writing these things. This book had many commentaries; the well known ones are by Ibn al-Uthaymeen and al-Harras – these are both available in English.

Lewisham & Kent Islamic Center, 363-365 Lewishham High Street,
London SE13 6NZ [www.lkic.org]
Saturday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Abu Talha [Medina]

• At-Tahawiyyah

This is a book for the higher students of knowledge. Although it is a very small book, it is very comprehensive. It is an accepted text for all times which covers the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah.

It was written by Imam Abu Jafar At-Tahaawi (d.310), he was born in Taha, a town in Upper Egypt. His father was a scholar of hadith and literature. He began as a student of his maternal uncle al-Muzani, a leading disciple of Imam ash-Shafi. However, Imam Tahaawi felt drawn to corpus of Imam Abu Hanifa’s works, eventually joining the Hanafi School. Most of his works were in the field of fiqh. At-Tahaawi studied under various hadith scholars whose number reaches three hundred. The outstanding qualities of his writings are a thorough research, abundance of material and an attractive manner of presentation. Ad-Dhahabi said of him; ‘At-Tahaawi was an outstanding, intelligent scholar of repute.’

The greatest of the commentaries of this book was by the great scholar Imam Ibn Abu al-Izz al-Hanafi, this work is known as Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah. The abridged version is available in English but the English is not that great. The full version is available on PDF.

Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre, 833-835 High Road
Goodmayes, Essex IG3 8TD [www.masjidansar.com]
Saturday’s 8.00pm
Ustad Shaqur Rehman

All Praise belongs to Allah (SWT) for allowing these circles of knowledge to be existing in the heart of Kufr for us to benefit from.