Although there are a number of introductory compilations of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) issues available, this particular work is unique in several ways. First, the author has restricted his bases for fiqh to the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Dr. Abdul-Azeem Badawi has avoided using any of the weak or rejected hadiths that are so often included in other books of fiqh. The author has also restricted his discussion to what is most directly derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah and, therefore, above dispute. This book is thus valuable both as a work of fiqh and as a collection of sound hadiths. The topics which are dealt with include purity, prayer, fasting, zakah, pilgrimage, marriage, business transactions, permissible and impermissible foods, inheritance, criminal offenses, and jihad — covering all the major fiqh issues in a Muslim’s life. Jamal al-Din M. Zarabozo has translated this important work into English for the benefit of English-speaking Muslims and students of Islam.
