Schools/Sects - Comparative Studies

We hear the term Ahl Sunnah wal Jama'ah often. What does it exactly mean? How did it evolve historically? Why is it so important? What factions were formed among the sahaba and their followers? Why Kufa and Basrah became the centers of conflict? A refreshing discussion by the great Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadwi.

A PhD thesis that analyzes the tafseer of Imam Maturidi, Ta'weelat al-Qur'an, and discusses his approach, principles, and philosophy in tafseer. Part of a series of books called Al-Madrasah al-Maturidiyyah.

A detailed exposition of the Khawarij: their history from the time of their founders to the end of the Umayyad dynasty, their beliefs, peculiar traits, and the various sects that represented their beliefs. Also discusses the links between them and Abdullah ibn Saba.

A ground breaking book on the hot issue of taqleed, that has been published dozens of times since its first appearance in 1389 AH. Of particular importance is the account of al-Buti's debate with Albani.

A ground breaking book on the hot issue of taqleed, that has been published dozens of times since its first appearance in 1389 AH. Of particular importance is the account of al-Buti's debate with Albani.

This thought provoking work by the renowned scholar and author of the "Jurisprudence of Prophetic Seerah" asserts that Salafiyyah refers to a blessed period in history, not a school of Islamic Law. We must all follow the Salaf. But what exactly is meant by following them?

Answers Barelvi arguments about Hazir and Nazir on the basis of the Qur'an, Hadith, statements of Sahabah and prominent jurists.

A critical analysis of Maulana Mawdudi's interpretation of Ilah, Rabb, Deen, and Ibadat.

This book discusses the differences of opinion amongst the Ulama. Numerous incidents are mentioned to illustrate that in spite of disagreeing with one another, the Ulama still accorded full respect to one another and held one another in great esteem.

A collection of critical magazine articles on the controversial positions of Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Umar Ahmed Usman, Dr. Israr Ahmed, and others.

A critical look at the Shia-Sunni, Hanafi-Wahabi, and Deobandi-Barelvi-Maudoodi differences. Answers the oft-repeated questions: Why the differences? Who should we follow?

When all the schools of fiqh are based on Quran and Sunnah, why are there differences among them? Here is a detailed answer from that great teacher, Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya, Rahimahullah. Very ably translated into English by Maulana Muhammad Kadwa.

A comparative study of beliefs of Shias and Ahle Sunnah. Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi is at his best in dealing with this sensitive issue using historical and logical reasoning. Avoids polemics. A must read for anyone with an open mind who wants to understand the basic difference between the two groups.

Another fine book from the pen of Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi.

Do the ghair muqallideen always follow Imam Bukhari? Not according to this book which lists fifty-three issues where their positions are at variance with those of Imam Bukhari and Sahih Bukhari.

A penetrating exposure of Agha Khanis, Milat Jafaria, G.M. Syed, Gauhar Shahi, and more. This painstakingly researched and fully referenced work will be an eye opener.

Critique of Maulana Maududi's Khilafat-o-Malookiat. Includes response to the original critique by Maulana Maududi's assistant the late Malik Ghulam Ali and a response to that response. Also includes a biography of Amir Muawiyya Radi-Allahu unhu.

Urdu translation of Athar al-Hadith al-Sharif fi Ikhtilaf al-Aimmah al-Fuqaha radiya-Allahu anhum by Shaikh Muhammad Awwama. Translated by Maulana Allauddin Jamal, who is a teacher at Darul Uloom Zakaria, South Africa.

A critical look at the Shia-Sunni, Hanafi-Wahabi, and Deobandi-Barelvi-Maudoodi differences. Answers the oft-repeated questions: Why the differences? Who should we follow? New, enlarged edition with two color printing.

Maulana Manzoor Nomani had joined the Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan at its inception but left it about two years later. This book explains why.

The well-known collection of fatawa by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah about Shias and the now defunct Qadriah sect.

A very interesting and thought-provoking look at the issue of religious divisions among Muslims. Maulana Geelani asserts that the issue is over blown and cuts it to size with hard hitting facts.

From the publisher: Notions That Must Be Corrected is perhaps the most important and renowned work of the late Sayyid, Shaykh Muhammad b. ‘Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani (ra). Sayyid Muhammad expertly clarifies the correct position relating to numerous ‘controversial’ contemporary topics whilst maintaining strict adherence to the Qur’an, the Sunna, and the way of the Salaf. Translated by Suraqah Abdul Aziz. Foreword by Shaykh Hasanayn Muhammad Makhluf. Includes in-depth discussion of Tawassul, visiting the grave of the Prophet, seeking blessings, Prophetic life in the grave, Prophetic relics.

A critical, fully referenced discussion of the differences between Shia and Sunnis. A response to Shia scholar Syed Muhammad Musin Ijtihadi's letter to Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi. The full text of the letter is also included. The main topics are Imamat, status of Sahaba, and beliefs about the Qur'an. This subject has been made easy to understand by the late Maulana Ludhianvi's lively and easy to read style. 

Exposition and refutation of controversial Salafi aqaid with detailed references from salafi and non-Salafi authorities. History of salafism. Introduction to Ashari and Matrudi aqaid.

A unique approach to the understanding of Shia-Sunni doctrines. This will invite every thinking person to see the difference between them in a different light. The ultimate question is, whether the Prophetic mission was a success or , God forbid, a failure. See how the two doctrines differ in answering this question.

Here is a lucid exposition of the basic issues of taqlid and ijtihad with answers to routinely raised questions. The approach is academic and non-confrontational. A must read if you want to understand this sometimes hotly debated issue.

When all the schools of fiqh are based on Quran and Sunnah, why are there differences among them? Here is a detailed answer from that great teacher, Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya, Rahimahullah. Very ably translated into English by Maulana Muhammad Kadwa. Translation revised and updated by White Thread Press.

Here is a lucid exposition of the basic issues of taqlid and ijtihad with answers to routinely raised questions. The approach is academic and non-confrontational. A must read if you want to understand this sometimes hotly debated issue.

A collection of booklets that clarify the ideology of following one Imam of Fiqh, promote the comprehension of Fiqh, especially Hanafi Fiqh of Qiyas and present some question to those who insist that there is no need for following a madhhab.

A collection of booklets that clarify the ideology of following one Imam of Fiqh, promote the comprehension of Fiqh, especially Hanafi Fiqh of Qiyas and present some question to those who insist that there is no need for following a madhhab.

Translation of Wahdate-e-Ummat by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi. Discusses how can we overcome sectarian conflicts and what is the proper attitude regarding differences between schools.

Part of Fehm Deen course. Introduction to principles of tafseer, Hadith, fiqh, ijtihad, taqleed, Sunna and Bid'a, Iman and kufr.

By Maulana Abu Usama Ayyub. This book discusses the issue of taqleed and responds to attacks made against it. Written mostly in a question/answer form, it handles "difficult questions" on the subject in an easy to understand manner. Second, revised edition.