Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik 
asked by bricktop on November 14, 2006 10:11 PM
The new edition of the in-depth manual of Islamic law based on the Shafi'i school of thought, with a detalied index and commentary on specific rulings. 1,200 pages in an exceptional binding with Arabic and facing English text in two column format with occasional diagrams. 'Umdat al-Salik wa 'Uddat al-Nasik (Reliance of the Traveller and tools of the Worshipper) is a classic manual of fiqh. It represents the fiqh rulings according to the Shafi'I school of jurisprudence. The appendices form an integral part of the book and present original texts and translations from classic works by prominent scholars such as al-Ghazali, Ibn Qudamah, al-Nawawi, al-Qurturbi, al-Dhahabi, Ibn Hajar and other, on topics of Islamic law, faith, spirituality, Qur'anic exegesis and Hadith sciences. It has also biographical notes about every person mentioned (391 biographies) , bibliography of each work cited (136 works), and a detailed subject index (95 pages). Of the 136 works drawn upon in its commentary and appendices, 134 are in the original Arabic. The sections and paragraphs have been numbered to facilitate cross-reference.
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Given the sales rank of this important volume concerning Islamic jurisprudence, evidently more English-speaking readers are investigating the serious matter of Islamic values than I previously believed. And considering the appalling rise in the numbers who believe America attacked itself on 9/11--or that its war on terror only produces more of the same--that is very good.
For this book, as at least one other reviewer has rightly noted, "provides exceptional insight to Islamic values." And its approval by the revered Sunni scholars at al-Azhar University, should put this book at the top of the reading list for Western military, judicial, legislative, university and other leaders, after Sun Tzu and the Koran.
It is most telling that the book takes little space to note that lying is unlawful under Shar'ia law--before continuing to explain, at much greater length, the circumstances under which lying is not only acceptable, but laudatory. This should come as no surprise, one supposes, since of course Muhammad is known to have said, "War is deceit."
Indeed, at Hudaybiya Muhammad set Islamic tradition regarding the absolute, indeed, inevitable--violability--of treaties, particularly those made with non-Muslims, when he intentionally breached an agreement with the Quraysh tribe in order to obtain the booty he had previously promised his loyalists.
But as this legal book explains, lying is, in wartime against non-Muslims, actually required.
This passage, noted by another astute reader, bears repeating: "When, for example, one is concealing a Muslim from an oppressor who asks where he is, it is obligatory to lie about him being hidden. Or when a person deposits an article with one for safekeeping and an oppressor wanting to appropriate it inquires about it, it is obligatory to lie about having concealed it, for if one informs him about the article and he then seizes it, one is financially liable (to the owner) to cover the article's cost." (p. 745)
Such items aren't of concern only to military leaders, or course. They should also deeply concern anyone concerned with the integrity, maintenance and ultimate authority of the U.S. Constitution--which protects religious freedom, and some attorneys argue, therefore even protects Muslim charities that collect funds for, and donate them to, jihad fighters at war with the U.S.
This is particularly serious, since Muslim law defines zakat, or charity, as rightfully going to "those fighting for Allah" (p. 272). Now such people include those "engaged in Islamic military operations for whom no salary has been allotted in the army roster," and funding them also means funding their "weapons, mounts, clothing and expenses," and even "supporting such people's families during the period." These are Islamic definitions of some of the rightful recipients of religiously sanctioned charity.
What is particularly appalling is that some American attorneys, including a few at the American Civil Liberties Union and key Democratic strategists, actually now argue that the U.S. Constitution--because it protects religious freedom--also protects religiously sanctioned (and therefore tax-deductible) donations to jihad fighters against America and its citizens. Talk about absurd.
It is not least of all because such legal arguments have already been introduced in the U.S. courts, that Americans in all walks of life ought to read this Islamic book carefully. For this book clearly outlines many (if not all) areas in which Islamic law conflicts openly with that of the U.S.
Under U.S. law, it is felonious to lie in U.S. court, to marry multiple wives, to plan acts of war or terrorism against the U.S. or its citizens, or to act in several other ways prescribed by the Islamic legal authorities. But there are those who are already arguing that a felony is not a felony if it is committed on religious grounds.
Apart from all the circumstances under which Islam sanctions or even requires lying, this volume also notes some critical differences concerning the perception of slander.
This is just as important, as the Islamic view of slander is already undermining the viability of the Western press. In the U.S., liable or slander is defined as stating or writing falsehoods or misrepresentations that damage someone's reputation. But Islamic law defines slander as any statement about a person which he would not like. Thus, even the truth can be "slanderous" if its subject dislikes the truth.
This has proved a serious matter in Britain's High Court, where a writer accused of liable is assumed guilty until he proves the veracity of his words. Under British law, accuracy can be proved only by the original documents on which the words are based; even testimony from a witness to the documents is inadequate. The documents themselves must be provided. Thus, Sunni billionaires have already sued several dozen journalists and publishers for liable in Britain, and won in every case--thereby silencing the authors interested in exposing the alleged misdeeds--including financing of terrorism.
In short, anyone and everyone concerned about the survival of Western civilization needs to read this book--and the sooner, the better.
--Alyssa A. Lappen
For this book, as at least one other reviewer has rightly noted, "provides exceptional insight to Islamic values." And its approval by the revered Sunni scholars at al-Azhar University, should put this book at the top of the reading list for Western military, judicial, legislative, university and other leaders, after Sun Tzu and the Koran.
It is most telling that the book takes little space to note that lying is unlawful under Shar'ia law--before continuing to explain, at much greater length, the circumstances under which lying is not only acceptable, but laudatory. This should come as no surprise, one supposes, since of course Muhammad is known to have said, "War is deceit."
Indeed, at Hudaybiya Muhammad set Islamic tradition regarding the absolute, indeed, inevitable--violability--of treaties, particularly those made with non-Muslims, when he intentionally breached an agreement with the Quraysh tribe in order to obtain the booty he had previously promised his loyalists.
But as this legal book explains, lying is, in wartime against non-Muslims, actually required.
This passage, noted by another astute reader, bears repeating: "When, for example, one is concealing a Muslim from an oppressor who asks where he is, it is obligatory to lie about him being hidden. Or when a person deposits an article with one for safekeeping and an oppressor wanting to appropriate it inquires about it, it is obligatory to lie about having concealed it, for if one informs him about the article and he then seizes it, one is financially liable (to the owner) to cover the article's cost." (p. 745)
Such items aren't of concern only to military leaders, or course. They should also deeply concern anyone concerned with the integrity, maintenance and ultimate authority of the U.S. Constitution--which protects religious freedom, and some attorneys argue, therefore even protects Muslim charities that collect funds for, and donate them to, jihad fighters at war with the U.S.
This is particularly serious, since Muslim law defines zakat, or charity, as rightfully going to "those fighting for Allah" (p. 272). Now such people include those "engaged in Islamic military operations for whom no salary has been allotted in the army roster," and funding them also means funding their "weapons, mounts, clothing and expenses," and even "supporting such people's families during the period." These are Islamic definitions of some of the rightful recipients of religiously sanctioned charity.
What is particularly appalling is that some American attorneys, including a few at the American Civil Liberties Union and key Democratic strategists, actually now argue that the U.S. Constitution--because it protects religious freedom--also protects religiously sanctioned (and therefore tax-deductible) donations to jihad fighters against America and its citizens. Talk about absurd.
It is not least of all because such legal arguments have already been introduced in the U.S. courts, that Americans in all walks of life ought to read this Islamic book carefully. For this book clearly outlines many (if not all) areas in which Islamic law conflicts openly with that of the U.S.
Under U.S. law, it is felonious to lie in U.S. court, to marry multiple wives, to plan acts of war or terrorism against the U.S. or its citizens, or to act in several other ways prescribed by the Islamic legal authorities. But there are those who are already arguing that a felony is not a felony if it is committed on religious grounds.
Apart from all the circumstances under which Islam sanctions or even requires lying, this volume also notes some critical differences concerning the perception of slander.
This is just as important, as the Islamic view of slander is already undermining the viability of the Western press. In the U.S., liable or slander is defined as stating or writing falsehoods or misrepresentations that damage someone's reputation. But Islamic law defines slander as any statement about a person which he would not like. Thus, even the truth can be "slanderous" if its subject dislikes the truth.
This has proved a serious matter in Britain's High Court, where a writer accused of liable is assumed guilty until he proves the veracity of his words. Under British law, accuracy can be proved only by the original documents on which the words are based; even testimony from a witness to the documents is inadequate. The documents themselves must be provided. Thus, Sunni billionaires have already sued several dozen journalists and publishers for liable in Britain, and won in every case--thereby silencing the authors interested in exposing the alleged misdeeds--including financing of terrorism.
In short, anyone and everyone concerned about the survival of Western civilization needs to read this book--and the sooner, the better.
--Alyssa A. Lappen
reviewed by nat on November 22, 2006 5:42 PM
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My title says all you need. 1000 pages of rulings, NOT PROOFS, based on the compound work of many well know Shafi'i scholars, along with ALOT of extras. The author makes it clear there is still another book yet untranslated with the proofs. The original arabic text is next to the english, plus explanations from contemporary scholars(not just the translator), though admittedly the explanations are limited. I am not going to be the one to pick apart the holes in all the uneducated, hate-filled, pro-western reviews, though I could. I just hope it doesn't turn people off who are simply looking for the correct way to pray. If that is the case I recomend Al-Maqasid first. Read the older pre-911 reviews, including a review from Sh. Nuh.
Salaam (Peace),
Haroon
Salaam (Peace),
Haroon
reviewed by avi on November 27, 2006 11:33 PM
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If you've ever wondered what's the big deal with the imposition of Sharia law, read this book! A clear-cut text which points out once and for all Islam's incompatiblity with the finest Western principals and values. The Koran, the Ahadith and this book (which is derived from the Koran and Ahadith) are the three key source books for clearly viewing the tortured logic of Islamic jurisprudence and the slippery world of Islamic situational ethics.
reviewed by titanium7 on November 28, 2006 6:44 PM
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This book is enlightening for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Much is discussed about Sharia Law today in the world wide media. I read this book to help understand the law that Muslims are guided by. While many areas are logical, there are certain areas that are inhereintly flawed because they conflict with international law, natural law and many customs and norms throughout the world. I reviewed the controversial areas with several educated Muslim friends and they were shocked. I mean their jaws dropped. Most of them never read Sharia law, and after doing so their eyes opened bigger than I have ever seen. We were both saddened that this document is used as a legal framework.
As you read this book you will find that much of Sharia law is common sense and non-controversial. However, critical aspects of it are truly out of sync. Unless these issues are resolved by the Islamic community they will continue to feed the strife and conflict we have seen throughout the centuries and indeed up to this day.
The following core issues need to be renounced without question:
1. States that Islamic law is THE only law for mankind.
Suggestion for Muslims: International law, norms and customs shall also be considered. That is to say, for example, that each law must be weighed and logically analyzed without religious, racial or gender bias. Applying Immanuel Kant's "Universal Law of Nature" might be nice. That is to say, if you impose a law you ask youself "Can this be applied successfully on a unvervisal (global) basis?" If not, it's a bad law.
2. The section on marriage clearly discriminates against women.
Suggestion for Muslims: Women should have equal rights under the law. The sections on marriage clearly shows gender discrimination. Furthermore, it shows racial discrimination (e.g. Arabs can only marry Arabs because "They are the chosen ones."). Such laws cannot be equally applied for all people in the world without bloodshed.
3. The section on punishment is way outdated and midevil in many respects.
Suggestion for Muslims: Update your penal code and justice systems. They are cronically outdated.
4. Sharia law has many loopholes. I have found an amazing number of loopholes in this book. That is to say a law is presented, but 5 pages later I find a paragraph that directly contradicts it.
Unless Muslims wake up & smell the coffee there will be many clashes to come. Free worshipping citizens of all faiths around the world will not stand by while blind-faith fanatical Muslims attempt to force this twisted doctrine on innocent souls. While Sharia law has some good laws, certain aspects of Sharia law are truly defective and in my opinion are the source of conflict and corruption in the Islamic world.
So, don't just stand there...FIX it!
As you read this book you will find that much of Sharia law is common sense and non-controversial. However, critical aspects of it are truly out of sync. Unless these issues are resolved by the Islamic community they will continue to feed the strife and conflict we have seen throughout the centuries and indeed up to this day.
The following core issues need to be renounced without question:
1. States that Islamic law is THE only law for mankind.
Suggestion for Muslims: International law, norms and customs shall also be considered. That is to say, for example, that each law must be weighed and logically analyzed without religious, racial or gender bias. Applying Immanuel Kant's "Universal Law of Nature" might be nice. That is to say, if you impose a law you ask youself "Can this be applied successfully on a unvervisal (global) basis?" If not, it's a bad law.
2. The section on marriage clearly discriminates against women.
Suggestion for Muslims: Women should have equal rights under the law. The sections on marriage clearly shows gender discrimination. Furthermore, it shows racial discrimination (e.g. Arabs can only marry Arabs because "They are the chosen ones."). Such laws cannot be equally applied for all people in the world without bloodshed.
3. The section on punishment is way outdated and midevil in many respects.
Suggestion for Muslims: Update your penal code and justice systems. They are cronically outdated.
4. Sharia law has many loopholes. I have found an amazing number of loopholes in this book. That is to say a law is presented, but 5 pages later I find a paragraph that directly contradicts it.
Unless Muslims wake up & smell the coffee there will be many clashes to come. Free worshipping citizens of all faiths around the world will not stand by while blind-faith fanatical Muslims attempt to force this twisted doctrine on innocent souls. While Sharia law has some good laws, certain aspects of Sharia law are truly defective and in my opinion are the source of conflict and corruption in the Islamic world.
So, don't just stand there...FIX it!
reviewed by savvy on November 28, 2006 10:52 PM
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The book is very well laid out and comprehensive. The index in the back makes it easy to find any ruling that is needed.
reviewed by gilbert on November 29, 2006 12:27 AM