Scholar’s Hive

Imam Hafiz  Abul Qasim ‘Ali ibn Hasan ibn ‘Asakir (رحمه الله) was born in Damascus in the year 499 Hijri and passed away in the year 571 Hijri in Damascus also. He is known for his extensive travel in the search of knowledge. His renown work: Tareekh Dimashq which is a Biography of all the ‘Ulama who ever lived or came to Damascus is a collection in 80 volumes!! What they …

We are often faced with the question: “Why do you follow Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik or Imam Shafi’i etc (rahimahumullah)? Aren’t we supposed to follow Sayyiduna Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)? A unique perspective  My Respected Teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him and keep him in good health, and may Allah continue to allow us to benefit from Shaykh) writes: “It is crucial for every Muslim to …

Imam Ibn Shihab Zuhri (rahimahullah) – Demise 125-  features quite prominently in the discussion of Hadith compilation. It is commonly stated that he was the first to compile the Noble Traditions of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, this is not entirely correct as it pushes the date of hadith compilation much further and opens the door for hadith rejectors to object. Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah’s research My Honourable teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh …

Imam Baqy ibn Makhlad al Andulusy (rahimahullah) was born in Spain and he passed away there as well. He was born in the year 201 A.H. and passed away in 276 A.H. At the age of 20 he traveled to Baghdad on foot for the sole purpose of meeting Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal (rahimahullah) He relates: “When I drew near to Baghdad, I heard of the sanction on Imam Ahmad …

My Honourable teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad Áwwamah (may Allah protect him) delivered an address several years ago in which he briefly poured out his sincere counsel for students of knowledge. I took his permission to reproduce it in English. These are advices of a giant in the field of research, one who has spend over 50 years benefiting the ummah with his priceless gems. Recently, He wrote a 500 page …

Sometimes we get so lost in the discussion we tend to overlook other basic etiquette that is required when engaging in debate. We are often overcome with emotion and  lose focus of the fact that the person we differ with is still a muslim, or at times even an álim. My Honorable Teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad Áwwamah (may Allah protect him) aptly draws our attention to the approach we ought …

In the fast developing world of today, a lot depends on “Making the Right Choice” Making the incorrect choice is sometimes detrimental, depending on the venture at hand. Conversely, at times one can live with its consequences or even make up for the loss. Deen is delicate When it comes to the affairs of one’s deen (Religion) the margin for error is very fine. Therefore making the correct choice is …

Imams Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi (rahimahumallah) have reported from Sayyidatuna Samma (radiyallahu’anha) that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) said: “Don’t fast on Saturdays unless it’s an obligatory fast” i.e, like Ramadan. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 2413, Sunan Tirmidhi, hadith: 744 and others) This Hadith has been quoted by some contemporaries to discourage people from fasting on the 10th of Muharram, or even the 9th or 11th of Muharram, if any of these dates …

There are several legitimate practices in Islam that have been wrongfully deemed as incorrect. In an era of religious melt-down, we cannot afford such incorrect assertions One such practice is: Spending on one’s family on the day of ‘Aashura (The 10th of Muharram)

The following are couplets that were composed by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Durayd (rahimahullah) in praise of Hadith Students. My Respected Teacher, Shaykhul Hadith Moulana Fadhlur Rahman A’zami (may Allah protect him) generally reads it to the students of the Hadith class on the first day of the year. I find the meaning quite profound. While praising he is actually advising us on manners and character. Ibn Duraid (rahimahullah) says