[Hamoudeh]

Assalamu `Alaykum

When our first publication Al-La Madhhabiyya was released, we also printed a brochure alongside of it. There is an online PDF version of this as well which can be viewed at http://www.sunnipubs...ming-future.pdf . The following serves as an update, with some details added to it. There will be a new brochure for 2009 insha'Allah.

UPCOMING RELEASES

* Sayyiduna Muhammad Rasulullah sallallahu `alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam; Shama'il al-Hamida Khisalat al-Majida written by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu. The first volume of this book has been published as Our Master Muhammad The Messenger Of Allah salallahu `alayhi wa-sallam; His Sublime Character & Noble Attributes Vol 1. The second volume is currently being translated and will be published later this year insha'Allah.

* Mafahim Yajib An Tusahhah written by Shaykh Muhammad b. `Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani radiAllahu `anhu. This book is currently being published as Notions That Must Be Corrected, the book is currently available for pre-order and will be officially released on 29 september 2008 insha'Allah.

* Haqaiq `An al-Tasawwuf written by Shaykh `Abd al-Qadir `Isa al-Halabi radiAllahu `anhu. The book has been translated and will be published later this year insha'Allah.

* Al-Salafiyya Marhalatun Zamaniyyatun Mubarakatun La Madhhabi Islami written by Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti hafizahullah is currently being translated and will be published later this year insha'Allah.

We have taken Sawa`iq al-Ilahiyya off the list as it is already being translated. We are still pursuing the translation of the remaining works though.

FUTURE PROJECTS

From the list of future releases, the following books are currently being translated or have been translated and planned to be published in 2009 insha'Allah:

* Naqd al-Tadmuriyya by Shaykh Sa`id `Abd al-Latif Foudah hafizahullah.
* Shahada La Ilaha Illa Allah written by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu.
* Abwab al-Faraj written by Shaykh Muhammad b. `Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani radiAllahu `anhu.
* Kubra al-Yaqiniyyat al-Kawniyya written by Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti hafizahullah.
* Al-Mawsu`at al-Yusfiyya Fi Bayan Adillat al-Sufiyya written by Shaykh Yusuf Khattar Muhammad hafizahullah.
* `Ulema al-Sufiyya Hum al-Salafiyya al-Haqiqiyun by Shaykh `Abd al-Hadi Muhammad al-Kharsa hafizahullah.

In the meantime, we have also engaged in projects not mentioned on the list. They are as follows:

* Tahdhib Sharh al-Sanusiyya Umm al-Barahin by Shaykh Sa`id `Abd al-Latif Foudah hafizahullah.
* Idha Sahha al-Hadith Fa-Huwa Madhhabi by Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji hafizahullah.

Your du`as are requested.

Wassalam

[al-kakazai]

Salam

With regards to the Sh Ghawji work, It maybe better to translate 'Athar al-Hadith al-Sharif' of Sh. Muhammad Awwamah, it is a far more suitable work on this issue for the western reader, please compare between it and the Sh. Ghawji work and Inshallah the reasons will be clear. This book by Sh. Awwamah is widely respected by the ulema who have read it

With regards to aqidah translations, would it not be best to leave the ilm al-kalam commentaries of texts such as that of Sh. Saeed Fawdah to the Arabic for specialists, and instead invest the time and energy in translating something like the Mukhtasar al-Mufid Sharh Jawharah al-Tawhid by Sh. Nuh Ali Salman (Sh.Nuh Kellers teacher) which is one of the best commentaries on a traditional aqidah text for the layman I have ever come across, a most brilliant work. It would also be widely used in study circles and courses aswell, as opposed to the Saeed Fawdah material which inaccessible to many people.

I dont check this forum all the time but can be contacted on my email.

Ws

[Ibn Ajibah]

The Tahdhib al-Sanusiya is basically the Umm al-Barahin with the interlinear commentary of al-Ansari. It is further annotated with footnotes from Sh. Said himself, as well as al-Bajuri, al-Maraghini, al-Batawari, and al-Sawi.

The Naqd al-Tadmuriya is basically a polemical book responding in detail to the most common arguments of the salafis in the area of asma wa sifat. It is not exactly study circle material.

[Hamoudeh]

Wa-`alaykum salam wa-rahmatullah

JazzakumAllah khayran for your suggestions. Athar al-Hadith al-Sharif was being translated by a scholar from the UK a few years ago, while another translator was interested in working on this book as well. I don't know what the current situation is, but I would like to be part of the eventual publication of this work. In the meantime, I think Shaykh Ghawji's book would be a welcomed contribution to English Islamic literature on this topic and a good addition for Sunni Publications to Al-La Madhhabiyya. It is a small book, but I think it will also make a good introduction for the author into the English language with hopefully more of his works to follow. From my point of view, I don't think there is any need to choose between the two.

Regarding `Aqida translations, Shaykh Nuh Salman's work seems to be an excellent suggestion and I will add this to the other topic and consider it for in the future insha'Allah. However, please note that though I acknowledge the importance of translations for study circles, there are a number of factors I consider before seeking to publish a book, and sometimes give priority to. For example, I have a special interest in publishing works of certain scholars. Works that are accessible to the masses are important as well, but I am not the kind of publisher that makes this an important priority. Sunni Publications is still a very new and small publishing house, who does not print more than 1.000 copies of a book at a time and are generally satisfied with single editions while hoping for a second time around some day insha'Allah. If at least 1.000 people can benefit from each book, then that is the kind of accessibility I am minimally after at this moment. If this is considered, then there are a wide range of works that are beneficial to translate for different purposes.

Wassalam

[faqir]

Quote

Sunni Publications is still a very new and small publishing house

Exactly. Unlike some other publishers its pretty much a one man show! So I think we should give the brother some credit. I am grateful to the bro for bringing out / or planning to bring out some excellent material that until recently was not available to the english speaking muslims. Nobody was publishing this type of material. May Allah allow this work to continue. Amin.

[Talib Ajaz]

A’salamu allay kum

Any news on when 'Haqaiq' & 'Al-Salafiyya' will be released ? (approx)

Ma Salama

[Hamoudeh]

Wa-`alaykum salam wa-rahmatullah

Unfortunately, we will not be able to publish al-Salafiyya this year as it is still being translated and may not be finished before january next year. It might therefore not be our first book in 2009 either, as we have other books which we have translated already.

Haqa'iq `an al-Tasawwuf is still planned for this year insha'Allah, after the second volume of Our Master which we are currently preparing for publication.

Here is an updated list of our activities:

Currently being published:
1. Our Master Muhammad The Messenger Of Allah salallahu `alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam; His Sublime Character & Noble Attributes Vol.2 by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu
2. Al-wasiyyat al-wajiba fi fiqh al-islami by Shaykh Muhammad al-Tawil [Arabic]
3. Mafhum al-bid`a `an `ulama' al-umma by Shaykh Muhammad al-`Amrawi [Arabic]

Translated:
1. Haqaiq `An al-Tasawwuf written by Shaykh `Abd al-Qadir `Isa radiAllahu `anhu
2. Naqd al-Tadmuriyya by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
3. Tahdhib Sharh al-Sanusiyya Umm al-Barahin by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
4. `Ulema al-Sufiyya Hum al-Salafiyya al-Haqiqiyun by Shaykh `Abd al-Hadi al-Kharsa

Currently being translated:
1. Al-Salafiyya Marhalatun Zamaniyyatun Mubarakatun La Madhhabi Islami by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti
2. Kubra al-Yaqiniyyat al-Kawniyya by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti hafizahullah
3. Shahada La Ilaha Illa Allah written by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu
4. Abwab al-Faraj by Shaykh Muhammad b. `Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani radiAllahu `anhu
5. Al-Mawsu`at al-Yusfiyya Fi Bayan Adillat al-Sufiyya by Shaykh Yusuf Khattar Muhammad
6. Idha Sahha al-Hadith Fa-Huwa Madhhabi by Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji
7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari

This will all be updated on the website as well.

Wassalam

[al-kakazai]

Salam

May Allah Taala reward you for your efforts, I hope you dont mind me adding the following comments to these works. Its just that its a little frustrating to see works which could be used by so many muslims in their daily lives be ignored. Anyways some of this maybe a repetition of what was said before:

Currently being published:
1. Our Master Muhammad The Messenger Of Allah salallahu `alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam; His Sublime Character & Noble Attributes Vol.2 by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu

2. Al-wasiyyat al-wajiba fi fiqh al-islami by Shaykh Muhammad al-Tawil [Arabic]
-Could you share a little about this work

3. Mafhum al-bid`a `an `ulama' al-umma by Shaykh Muhammad al-`Amrawi [Arabic]
-I recently met a scholar has written an extremely detailed work on this, which includes a detailed discussion with the work al-Itisam of al-Shatibi and Ibn Taymiyyahs Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqim. He has also added a very detailed usuli discussion on the issue of 'al-Tark' quoting from the references of each madhab on the point. He also has added principles to identify when something is a bad innovation and cut off the arguments of the those who try to make everything a good innovation. The work is ready and finished and the ulema who have seen it have commented on its brilliance and uniquness, the only problem is that it has been subm,itted for a phd and therefore may not be published in arabic soon.

Translated:
1. Haqaiq `An al-Tasawwuf written by Shaykh `Abd al-Qadir `Isa radiAllahu `anhu
-Brilliant, what title will you be using for the work?

2. Naqd al-Tadmuriyya by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
-Hmmm, maybe very specialised, have concerns about its use and how many people will actually understand it, and those that do comprehend probably know arabic anyway and will not require a translation

3. Tahdhib Sharh al-Sanusiyya Umm al-Barahin by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
-See previous point, its a little frustrating to see works like Sharh Aqidah al-Awam not being translated, but much more detailed complex works whose benefit to the masses is much less being done. Yes I commend the effort and sincere intentions, I hope others see the point im making

4. `Ulema al-Sufiyya Hum al-Salafiyya al-Haqiqiyun by Shaykh `Abd al-Hadi al-Kharsa
-Interesting, havent seen it, how does it differ with the Haqaiq and what does it have which the Haqaiq doesnt?

Currently being translated:
1. Al-Salafiyya Marhalatun Zamaniyyatun Mubarakatun La Madhhabi Islami by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti
-Have a copy, never been able to get into it nor really found it to be that incisive, its probably just me, I found it a little dry and not the kind of work I was expecting

2. Kubra al-Yaqiniyyat al-Kawniyya by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti hafizahullah
-See above point about Aqidah, If only Mukhtasar al-Mufid Sharh Jawharah had been translated instead! Same length and covers same kind of topics, but Sh Nuh Ali Salman has a brilliant way of explaining the most complicated topics in a simple way using simple language

3. Shahada La Ilaha Illa Allah written by Imam `Abdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni radiAllahu `anhu
-Mashallah would be good to see

4. Abwab al-Faraj by Shaykh Muhammad b. `Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani radiAllahu `anhu
-MAshallah, how does it differ with the Adhkar? Also what might be useful was to have a pocket sized manual based on hadith- will write on this in more detail to explain in the future

5. Al-Mawsu`at al-Yusfiyya Fi Bayan Adillat al-Sufiyya by Shaykh Yusuf Khattar Muhammad
-Interesting, might need touching up, especially on referencing and more specifically grading of narrations, also any points the Sheikh might have missed out on

6. Idha Sahha al-Hadith Fa-Huwa Madhhabi by Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji
-Athar al-Hadith of Sh Awwamah is a much more useful and brilliant work, Sh Ghawji is a great scholar, however this work seems really difficult to get into and does not cover many of the main concepts which form the current debate. Just compare it to Athar al-Hadith to see what I mean

7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari
-The author of the work on boda mentioned below is printing a book on this topic as we speak, this work (no 7) was refuted and the Sheikh has dealt in detail with all the arguments

-Some brief notes, can provide more details upon request to explain some of my comments

Once again please do not misunderstand my points, they are meant as constructive feedback.

Ws

[faqir]

Quote

7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari
-The author of the work on boda mentioned below is printing a book on this topic as we speak, this work (no 7) was refuted and the Sheikh has dealt in detail with all the arguments

I also think that translation of this could perhaps be put on hold until the new edition is published in arabic.... if the new edition is really about to be released shortly

if not then no point in waiting as is an excellent book anyway and you'd never publish anything as wahabis write a 'refutation' every day!

[faqir]

Quote

2. Naqd al-Tadmuriyya by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
-Hmmm, maybe very specialised, have concerns about its use and how many people will actually understand it, and those that do comprehend probably know arabic anyway and will not require a translation

I've read parts of the translation and its actually an excellent work - from what i've read so far I think its better as a 'refutation' than Ibn Jahbal's work...... I think it was definitely worth a translation.

[al-kakazai]

Its being published in Dar al-Bashair as we speak, it even has a taqriz from Sh al-Qardawi and Sh Ahdal from Sana Yemen.

As for the work on bida, Ive heard nothing like it in terms of its depth has been authored thus far, including the usuli discussion for the hanafi works which prove that the position of the madhab indeed is that the non performance of an act does not indicate it to be unlawful.

Only down side it might not be published for a while

ws

faqir, on Nov 14 2008, 08:20 PM, said:

Quote

7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari
-The author of the work on boda mentioned below is printing a book on this topic as we speak, this work (no 7) was refuted and the Sheikh has dealt in detail with all the arguments

I also think that translation of this could perhaps be put on hold until the new edition is published in arabic.... if the new edition is really about to be released shortly

if not then no point in waiting as is an excellent book anyway and you'd never publish anything as wahabis write a 'refutation' every day!

[Hamoudeh]

Assalamu `Alaykum

JazzakumAllah khayran for your suggestions Sidi al-kakazai, genuine feedback is always appreciated. However, I can't say that all of it is indeed constructive, although I'm sure it is intended as such. Some of the points you make have indeed already been addressed in post#6, repeating them and ignoring their responses doesn’t help us progress, and is therefore not very constructive. I understand that you have your own preferences for books to be translated, and your own reasons for this, but the same applies to me as well, and to many others. Sunni Publications has taken a certain course, which is based on possibilities as well as preferences for certain authors, books, fields of research, topics, and even difficulty levels. It can be frustrating indeed when others don't do things the way we would like to, but you can't always convince everyone . This is especially so when disagreements are on premises, such as in our case.

I think you have some good ideas but we have already set out a course and are planning to stick with it. In fact, you have more than just ideas. You have a number of good works in mind [and others at hand], an impression of the demand, as well as translating and other skills, experience with publishers, and probably much more than I am aware of. Have you considered to simply do things yourself, and start a publishing house? This is perhaps the best way to deal with your frustrations, and I think it is possible insha'Allah. You could pursue the publication of these important translations to be used by Muslims in their daily lives and study circles as you see fit. I would certainly commend such endeavours.

There are however some specific points which I would like to further address at this moment.

al-kakazai, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 AM, said:

2. Naqd al-Tadmuriyya by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
-Hmmm, maybe very specialised, have concerns about its use and how many people will actually understand it, and those that do comprehend probably know arabic anyway and will not require a translation
3. Tahdhib Sharh al-Sanusiyya Umm al-Barahin by Shaykh Sa`id Foudah
-See previous point, its a little frustrating to see works like Sharh Aqidah al-Awam not being translated, but much more detailed complex works whose benefit to the masses is much less being done. Yes I commend the effort and sincere intentions, I hope others see the point im making

Sidi Ibn Ajibah already addressed some of your concerns regarding both books, as did Sidi faqir regarding the naqd al-tadmuriyya. A response to that would have been appreciated. I would like to add a few points to that.

First: On the contrary, there are many who would understand and benefit from these translations yet do not suffice with the Arabic original. You can find some of them on internet forums, there are many on this forum alone and you are in fact speaking with one right now.
Secondly: These books are already advanced in Arabic, and a translation may be of assistance to people of different native languages and levels of Arabic.
Thirdly: I believe that our publishing of these books will not satiate the market for it, as the potential demand may be many times higher than what we are currently planning to offer.

The importance of publishing naqd al-tadmuriyya lies in the fact that there are many who have been confronted in one way or the other with the teachings of Ibn Taymiyya concerning al-asma wal-sifat and suffered or witnessed suffering because of it. If this book is too hard for them, Ibn Taymiyya’s beliefs are too hard for them as well. Some may be able to deal with this, others may not.

The importance of publishing sharh al-sanusiyya lies in the great need for the translation of creedal texts with their commentaries. The sanusiyya is one of such texts, and we have published two extensive commentaries of it on Marifah.net. However, nothing has been published in print as far as I am aware, so this will be a first insha’Allah. The commentary in question is indeed very advanced, but this is not something we are trying to avoid.

Finally, I have a question: Considering that you find neither of the two books by Shaykh Sa`id a good choice, are there any books he has written that you do deem to be good choices for publication in English? If not, then that is a premise we disagree on as I am keen on publishing many of his works in English, insha’Allah. Marifah.net was the first website to publish his writings in English, and it is an honour for Sunni Publications to introduce his works to the printed world of translated Islamic literature. Actually, these two works are relatively small and there are other advanced works of the Shaykh that we would also like to publish some day. I hope that we don’t have to repeat the same discussion by then.

al-kakazai, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 AM, said:

1. Al-Salafiyya Marhalatun Zamaniyyatun Mubarakatun La Madhhabi Islami by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti
-Have a copy, never been able to get into it nor really found it to be that incisive, its probably just me, I found it a little dry and not the kind of work I was expecting

2. Kubra al-Yaqiniyyat al-Kawniyya by Shaykh Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti hafizahullah
-See above point about Aqidah, If only Mukhtasar al-Mufid Sharh Jawharah had been translated instead! Same length and covers same kind of topics, but Sh Nuh Ali Salman has a brilliant way of explaining the most complicated topics in a simple way using simple language

Regarding al-salafiyya, this book was planned since the very beginning, alongside with al-la madhhabiyya. In fact, one of the reasons to start this venture was publishing these two books. However, due to a number of reasons we never got around to make a start with al-salafiyya. Its current translator was about to work on another book with us, and incidentally looked into al-salafiyya for a reference. He told me that when he picked up the book, he just got a big feeling in his heart that this should be the next one. In his opinion, this book is very important and has the potential to make a big impact. So he suggested to change plans and offered to begin with this book.

Interestingly enough, when I mentioned our plans with al-salafiyya to Shaykh al-Buti as I visited him last year, he suggested that we also publish a translation of kubra al-yaqiniyyat al-kawniyya. We were in the process of printing al-la madhhabiyya at the time, and this was the only book he suggested himself. Shaykh Jalal al-Jihani also advised me to publish this book and finds it the best of its kind. Shaykh Sa`id Foudah does not seem to disagree, as it is his first recommendation for general books of creed [see: http://www.aslein.ne...096&postcount=2] as well. These scholars also know Shaykh Nuh Salman personally and greatly appreciate him and his works, yet suggest differently. With all due respect Sidi, I give more weight to their opinions.

In addition to that, my question regarding Shaykh Sa`id Foudah’s works applies here as well. This entire venture began with the plan to publish two books by Shaykh al-Buti, and aside of al-salafiyya and the third, kubra al-yaqiniyyat al-kawniyya, there are many other books of his we hope to publish someday insha’Allah.

al-kakazai, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 AM, said:

5. Al-Mawsu`at al-Yusfiyya Fi Bayan Adillat al-Sufiyya by Shaykh Yusuf Khattar Muhammad
-Interesting, might need touching up, especially on referencing and more specifically grading of narrations, also any points the Sheikh might have missed out on.

It seems the author is not the only one who might have missed out on things, considering that scholars such as Shaykh Adib Kallas, Shaykh `Abd al-Rahman al-Shaghouri rahimahullah and Shaykh Mustafa Turkmani rahimahullah endorsed this book as it is. The translator, a scholar, did not suggest touching it up either. In fact, this is yet another example how we disagree on premises, and not something that hasn’t been discussed before either. We simply differ in what is deemed necessary or additional.

al-kakazai, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 AM, said:

6. Idha Sahha al-Hadith Fa-Huwa Madhhabi by Shaykh Wahbi Sulayman Ghawji
-Athar al-Hadith of Sh Awwamah is a much more useful and brilliant work, Sh Ghawji is a great scholar, however this work seems really difficult to get into and does not cover many of the main concepts which form the current debate. Just compare it to Athar al-Hadith to see what I mean.

I already explained the situation regarding the translation of Athar al-Hadith. Also, Shaykh Ghawji’s book is being translated by a scholar who suggested the book himself. Moreover, we disagree on another premise which is limiting oneself to only the ‘best’ book on the topic. Instead, we hope to publish them both eventually.

al-kakazai, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 AM, said:

3. Mafhum al-bid`a `an `ulama' al-umma by Shaykh Muhammad al-`Amrawi [Arabic]
-I recently met a scholar has written an extremely detailed work on this, which includes a detailed discussion with the work al-Itisam of al-Shatibi and Ibn Taymiyyahs Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqim. He has also added a very detailed usuli discussion on the issue of 'al-Tark' quoting from the references of each madhab on the point. He also has added principles to identify when something is a bad innovation and cut off the arguments of the those who try to make everything a good innovation. The work is ready and finished and the ulema who have seen it have commented on its brilliance and uniquness, the only problem is that it has been subm,itted for a phd and therefore may not be published in arabic soon.
...
7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari
-The author of the work on boda mentioned below is printing a book on this topic as we speak, this work (no 7) was refuted and the Sheikh has dealt in detail with all the arguments

faqir, on Nov 14 2008, 09:20 PM, said:

I also think that translation of this could perhaps be put on hold until the new edition is published in arabic.... if the new edition is really about to be released shortly. if not then no point in waiting as is an excellent book anyway and you'd never publish anything as wahabis write a 'refutation' every day!

al-kakazai, on Nov 15 2008, 03:07 PM, said:

Its being published in Dar al-Bashair as we speak, it even has a taqriz from Sh al-Qardawi and Sh Ahdal from Sana Yemen.
As for the work on bida, Ive heard nothing like it in terms of its depth has been authored thus far, including the usuli discussion for the hanafi works which prove that the position of the madhab indeed is that the non performance of an act does not indicate it to be unlawful. Only down side it might not be published for a while.

Regarding mafhum al-bid`a, please note that we usually do not publish Arabic books. These two Arabic publications however are special projects and all I do is publish them and assist on some minor points. They are small works which have been prepared by a scholar I am close with, and of this particular book [mafhum al-bid`a] I personally know the author as well. I’m not sure what you are suggesting here though. All I can say is, great to hear someone else has is going to publish a good book on bid`a as well and I hope it will be as good as you say insha’Allah.

As for the book ahl al-sunnah al-ash`a’ira, it seems you and Sidi faqir are not speaking of the same thing. He is speaking of a new edition of the same book, while you are speaking of a book that is published by the unnamed author of the book on bid`a that you have mentioned. Whichever the case, what I have heard is that the authors of ahl al-sunnah al-ash`a’ira are currently publishing a refutation of the refutation against the initial work, and this is in fact one of the reasons why we chose this book instead of others. Whatever the exact form will be, it makes the initial work indispensible whether it is in Arabic or in English. In addition, it may take another year before we publish this book. By then, the new ‘volume’ should long out and we can decide on the eventual form of it all. Whatever the decision will be, it has to include the initial work.

Secondly, no such work currently exists in English, and this will be an excellent introduction whether supposedly ‘refuted’ or not. I haven’t seen anything in print - though they did publish an abridged translation online - and some points therein have already been refuted by Shaykh Abul Hasan [see: http://www.marifah.n...?showtopic=3010 ].

Thirdly, there is no either/or in this for us as explained earlier There are several other good books on the topic, such as the works of Shaykh Salah al-Idlibi and Shaykh `Abdullah al-Ghali [see also: http://marifah.net/a...ningAsharis.pdf ]. Both were discussed, and both are still possible in the future insha’Allah. However, I think that ahl al-sunnah al-ash`a’ira is an excellent start, and I don’t know of a contemporary book on the topic that is better endorsed. Shaykh al-Qaradawi’s endorsement changes little in that, although it may be very valuable for da`wa towards some of his admirers and followers.

There are some additional questions that you have raised, I will try to get to those in time insha’Allah. I hope I was able to make my point in this response, and that it has not been misunderstood.

Wassalam

[al-kakazai]

Salam

Fair enough, I guess we come from different backgrounds and approaches.

In a 'previous life' I was involved in the education sector which included working in secondary schools in London, so I guess this colours my approach to what the 'masses' want. Likewise dealing with seemingly intelligent academically gifted students above 16 who are unable to comprehend passages of works nor deal with footnotes and endnotes. But this maybe a failure of the British educational system, or perhaps not.

I guess we have to all work on our specific projects and Inshallah see what will be of benefit to English speaking Muslims in the west with their basic educational needs- with the tawfiq of Allah (the Exalted).

-I haven't responded to all of your points, however I will add that I along with many others attended Sh Said Fawdahs first lesson on Imam al-Ghazali's 'Iqtisad fil Itiqad' back in Amman back in late 1998, by the end there were only 3 students left. This is not a negative point, but rathe many of the people who first attended sincerely wanted to study Ashari aqidah due to the lack of expert teachers on it, but they left due to not comprehending the in depth ilm al-kalam discussions. You might say this is the students problem, but is it really? they are looking for simple ashari aqidah, and they should be offered it, reflect on this and you will see a similar sentiment in the west. And yes I count myself amongst those who couldnt comprehend the convoluted ilm al-kalam discussions, and who would blame me and others from picking up and being convinced by a simple 'athari' based text?

Ws

[Hamoudeh]

Wa-`alaykum salam wa-rahmatullah

I am glad that we can agree to disagree. All of our approaches in this are coloured to an extent by our backgrounds, experiences, and so on. Wal-hamdulillah, there are many ways to benefit the Muslims through the publishing of English books. There exists a need for works many kinds, of different levels, in different fields, on different topics and for different people. In my view, this isn't limited to religious books either. As far as Sunni Publications goes, however, it can only fulfil a small role in all of this. I pray we will all be able to do as much as we possibly can.

As I mentioned, I was also looking into the possibilities to publish books in Dutch, and accessibility for the masses will be central in this. Many of the books by Sunni Publications are far too advanced for at least another couple of years, and even the ones you are suggesting and working on are too much for this market. So I can relate to your point of view and how you see the need for books.

Regarding Shaykh Sa`id's lessons, I don't know how things were 10 years ago but I can imagine that his lessons were hard. They still are, and he currently doesn't teach except to advanced students. Others receive lessons from his advanced students, and sometimes they [the less advanced students] even include teachers of other disciplines. As for blame, if a student is on the level of potentially being convinced by some simple 'Athari' based text and looking for simple Ash`ari creed, he doesn't necessary need experts and is certainly not ready for Shaykh Sa`id. I think that becomes clear from his works. After all, the theories, arguments, excuses - or however one wants to call them - behind the creed of Ibn Taymiyya for example, and other major theologians of such persuasion, are everything but simple. Simple is the propaganda that convinces laymen and beginning students. The likes of Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymin, Shaykh al-Albani and so on surely know better than that.

Wassalam

[Abul Hasan]

faqir, on Nov 14 2008, 08:20 PM, said:

Quote

7. Ahl al-Sunnah al-Ash`a'ira by Shaykh Hamad al-Sinan & Shaykh Fawzi `Anjari
-The author of the work on boda mentioned below is printing a book on this topic as we speak, this work (no 7) was refuted and the Sheikh has dealt in detail with all the arguments

I also think that translation of this could perhaps be put on hold until the new edition is published in arabic.... if the new edition is really about to be released shortly

if not then no point in waiting as is an excellent book anyway and you'd never publish anything as wahabis write a 'refutation' every day!

I didn't realise there was a counter reply being prepared. I hope the later edition is used for any English release. Anyone know when or if the 2nd arabic edition will be released in radd to Faisal al-Jasim?