Ibn Taymiyya (1263–1328) of Damascus was one of the most prominent and controversial religious scholars of medieval Islam. He called for jihad against the Mongol invaders of Syria, appealed to the foundational sources of Islam for reform, and battled against religious innovation. Today, he inspires such diverse movements as Global Salafism, Islamic revivalism and modernism, and violent jihadism. This volume synthesizes the latest research, discusses many little-known aspects of Ibn Taymiyya’s thought, and highlights the religious utilitarianism that pervades his activism, ethics, and theology.

If we look to the purpose of the message of Islam, we find that it can be summed up in the purifying and nourishing of the soul, and this takes place by knowing and worshipping Allâh, as well as strengthening the ties of brotherhood to spread justice between the slaves of Allâh. The means of doing so is by implementing the teachings of our truthful Messenger (S), which he gathered for us in the treasures and jewels of his Sunnah, his deep words, and what we call Islamic law (Shari'ah, or Fiqh). And the Companions (R) exerted their efforts (Ijtihad) in deriving rulings in regards to certain matters after the death of our noble Prophet (S). Some of them were correct, and others did not arrive at the correct rulings. These attempts at Ijtihad went on, and differing opinions were derived in the name of raising the word of truth and arriving at the highest possible level of perfection (and for Allâh is all perfection). So, the madhahib were many, and the goal was one. The result of all this was the authoring of the thousands of books and collections that now fill Islamic libraries, the raising of the word of truth, and the empowering of the Ummah by its sticking to the religion of truth, Islam. Because of this, all of the powers of the world gathered against the Muslims in order to weaken them. So, the scholars of Islam rose to the occasion and defended Allâh's Religion. From these scholars who raised the banner of truth and the honor of defending Islam was Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, with the many brave stances he took in his time, and with the countless books and fatawa of his that now fill the Islamic library. In order to better know this brave, pious imam known as Ibn Taymiyyah, we present to the reader this biography that was written by the pen of a scholar who saw, lived with, and befriended Ibn Taymiyyah. He is none other than al-Imam al-Hafidh Abu Hafs 'Umar bin 'Ali al-Bazzar – and he called this book 'al-A'lam al-'Aliyyah fi Manaqib Ibn Taymiyyah,' and he is the most qualified to write about him. It is hoped that as opposed to the typical biography that is filled with mere facts and figures, this book will serve to provide the reader with a first-hand account of the human side of one of the greatest Islamic personalities to have ever lived – one that can be taken as an example in formulating a lifestyle and conducting day to day affairs. Contents of the Book: Introduction Why I Wrote This Book His Birth and Upbringing His Knowledge, Writings, and Excellent Memory His Knowledge on Various Types of Related Information His Worship and His Cautiousness His Abstention from Worldy Delights His Poverty and Humility His Physical Appearance and Dress His Miracles and Incredible Foresight His Generosity His Strength and Bravery His Patience upon Hardship and Firmness upon Truth His Authority and Clarification of Truth and Falsehood His Death and Funeral Some of His Books and Writings Visit our eBook Store at: www.payhip.com/idpebooks Contact us at: [email protected]

A representative and wide range of aphorisms from Ibn Taymiyyah's work with accompanying commentaries presented in a beautiful gift format.

Papers presented at a conference on Ibn Tamiyya and his times, held at Princeton University during 8-10 April 2005.

Ibn Taymiyyah is one of the best-known figures of medieval Islam. He has also been seen as the initiator of the idea of reformation in the Muslim world in the 13th century. His views on many social problems of his age reflect a pragmatic orientation, and in consequence his impact on succeeding generations has been profound. Though there are some studies of Ibn Taymiyyah’s life and works, they have failed to focus adequately on his jihād and baghy concepts and theories. Therefore, this book aims to: • contribute to the study of early Islamic political thought • consider how the terms jihād and baghy have developed and been expanded from the structure established by the Qur’an and hadith • examine the relationship between jihād and baghy in Islamic law • reveal the pivotal role of the imām in politics • explain why Ibn Taymiyyah upheld jihād against the Mongols, the Franks and the heretic Shi‘ah Referring to all those discussions, this book undoubtedly is an essential text for those who are interested in understanding the relationship between Ibn Taymiyyah’s concepts of jihād and baghy. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

Islam's fourth caliph, Ali, can be considered one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. His nearly universal portrayal in Muslim literature as a pious authority obscures centuries of contestation and the eventual rehabilitation of his character. In this book, Nebil Husayn examines the enduring legacy of the nawasib, early Muslims who disliked Ali and his descendants. The nawasib participated in politics and scholarly discussions on religion at least until the ninth century. However, their virtual disappearance in Muslim societies has led many to ignore their existence and the subtle ways in which their views subsequently affected Islamic historiography and theology. By surveying medieval Muslim literature across multiple genres and traditions including the Sunni, Mu'tazili, and Ibadi, Husayn reconstructs the claims and arguments of the nawasib and illuminates the methods that Sunni scholars employed to gradually rehabilitate the image of Ali from a villainous character to a righteous one.

The Hanbali School of Law and Ibn Taymiyyah provides a valuable account of the development of Hanbalite jurisprudence, placing the theoretical and conceptual parameters of this tradition within the grasp of the interested reader. Studying the vibrant yet controversial interaction between Ibn Taymiyyah and the Hanbali School of law, this book assesses to what extent this relationship was a conflict or reconciliation. The author takes a detailed exploration of the following issues: the strength of contributions made to this School by earlier paragons associated with Ahmad Ibn Hanbal the contextual constructs which shaped the tradition’s development the methodology and literature synonyms within the classical School the manner by which Ibn Taymiyyah engaged with the Hanbali tradition the impact of his thought upon the later expression of the School’s legal doctrines and its theoretical principles the contribution made by this School in general to the synthesis of Islamic law. Giving background material to the Hanbali School of law, this book is a vital reference work for those with interests in Islamic law, the history of the Hanbalite tradition and its principle luminaries.