Publications by fountain books
1. Fundamentals of Islam
In the first part of this brief discourse the author outlines and briefly discusses Osool al-Deen (the fundamental principles or beliefs of Islam), which are Tawheed (the indivisible Oneness of Allah), ‘Adl (the Divine Justice of Allah), Nobowwah (the belief in Prophethood), Imamah (leadership of mankind), and Mi‘ad (resurrection or belief in the hereafter). The author also addresses the subject of the Prophet’s eternal miracle - the glorious Qur’an.
In the second part of this publication author goes on to address Foroo‘ al-Deen (the essential principles and practices of Islam), which are not only the well-known ten acts of worship such as prayers, fasting and hajj but also other aspects of the teachings of Islam that are significantly relevant in modern times; issues such as the human community, social order, politics, the economy, the armed forces, the justice system, culture, media, education, health, and social freedoms. Through this discussion the author establishes that a government based on the teachings of Islam would provide the most favourable system of government for mankind.
In the third and final part of this work, the author discusses the third component that a Muslim is required to adhere to, namely the Islamic morals and etiquettes (akhlaq and adab). Here, the author briefly outlines and discusses the ‘four pillars’ of Islamic ethics and the ‘two pillars’ of its etiquettes. The author then lists conducts and behaviours that Islam prescribes as one of obligatory, forbidden, unethical, or the recommended moral conduct. This basic yet concise book serves as a good introduction to Islamic beliefs and principles.
2. Islamic Beliefs for All
In this book the author discusses the five fundamental principles of Islam in some details. These principles are Tawheed (the indivisible Oneness of Allah), ‘Adl (the Divine Justice of Allah), Nobowwah (the belief in Prophethood), Imamah (leadership of mankind), and Mi‘ad (Resurrection). The unique aspect of this book is the author’s subtle approach in addressing the issues concerned and the simple examples given to illustrate the discussion. This authoritative work is not only important to Muslims, but it would also be of interest to those non-Muslims who seek to explore Islam and its doctrine. The simplicity of this book makes it a valuable resource for Religious Education.
3. What is Islam? An introduction to principles and beliefs
To attempt to summarize the Islamic faith in a book of this size is a tremendous challenge. This was the aim of the late Grand Ayatollah Muhammad al-Shirazi, one of the most eminent Islamic authorities of modern times. Through the use of clear and concise language within a“question and answer”
format, the author has sought to convey the richness and profound spirituality of the Islamic message in all its aspects to the widest possible audience. The late Sayyid Shirazi covers all the main aspects of Islam, from the fundamental beliefs such as the Oneness of God and His justice and Prophethood to topics such as ablutions, praying, fasting, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage. In addition, the text also discusses a selection of diverse subjects such as Islamic law, economics, politics, the Islamic view of society, the issue of freedom in Islam, and so forth. This work serves as a useful resource for Muslims who want to learn more about their religion, and also for non-Muslims who seek a concise introduction as to what Islam is all about.
4. The Family
In this book the author highlights the problems he observes primarily in Islamic societies and particularly in the West today from the phenomenon of unmarried young men and women through to birth control and contraception. He surveys the idea of marriage in various religions, cultures and schools of thought while also discussing the issue of polygamy from the Islamic perspective. In his endeavours to provide practical solutions to today’s social problems, the author calls for simplicity in the process of marriage and draws our attention to the Islamic teachings and laws in this pivotal aspect of life.
As well as being a call to the Muslim world to revert to the true teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family, this book also serves as a preamble to others who seek answers to the some of the social problems of today. Islam promises success in every area of human life from individual to social levels, the practicality of which has been historically proven.
5. The Qur’an: When was it compiled?
In this book the author addresses the issues concerning the timing of the compilation of the Holy Qur’an, on what and whose instructions and authority this task was carried out, and ultimately who accomplished its compilation in the form that it is available today. In this work the author presents undisputable evidence to address these crucial questions. Through historical, methodical and logical analyses, the author establishes how and when the compilation of the Holy Qur’an was achieved. In Part Two of the book the author presents Prophetic traditions (hadith) on the virtues of reciting and learning the Holy Qur’an.
6. War, Peace and Non-violence: An Islamic perspective
In this work the author addresses three significant issues, which have come to be associated with Islam. Through his extensive knowledge of the teachings of Islam, the author presents the Islamic stand on war, peace and non-violence, as found in the traditions and teachings of the Prophet of Islam, which could serve as exemplary models for mankind. Detailed accounts of the traditions of Prophet in his dealings with his foes during times of war or peace are presented in this book, giving the reader a clear insight into the way and basis upon which the Prophet of Islam conducted his socio-political affairs.
7. The Islamic System of Government
In this introductory book the author outlines the basic principles of government based on the teachings of Islam. The author begins with the aim and objectives of the government according to Islam and the extent of its authority in that framework. He then addresses, from the Islamic viewpoint, the significance and fundamental nature of issues such as the consultative system of government, judicial system, freedoms, party political pluralism, social justice, human rights and foreign policy. The author concludes by outlining the socio-political policies of a government such as education, welfare, health, and crime, as well as matters such as the government’s system of income distribution, and authority.
8. If Islam Were To Be Established
This book may serve as the Muslim’s guide to the Islamic government. If an Islamist opposition group has a plan for an Islamic government, this book would help to check various aspects of the plan. In the absence of such a plan, this book serves as a useful outline. To the non-Muslim, the book presents a glimpse of the typical Islamic system of government while also serving as a yardstick for all who wish to check the practices of any government that asserts to have implemented an Islamic system of government.
9. The Bible and Christianity: an Islamic view
Part one of this book presents some of the encounters there have been between Muslims and Christians. In the second part of this work the author presents some of his discussions with fellow Christian scholars in gatherings at his residence in Karbala, Iraq. The debates concerned their understanding of Islam and its doctrine as well as their own religious beliefs. In this presentation the author demonstrates how he invited non-Muslims to Islam through a calm yet rational and intellectual medium through the use of simple arguments.
Presented in part three of this book is the author’s brief research and analysis into the Bible. Through his findings he states his contention with various biblical stories, particularly those in relation to past Prophets. In his discussion, the author uses reason and sound evidence to validate his arguments. Part Four of this work presents some of the Qur’anic verses about Jesus Christ and his noble mother Mary, peace be upon them.
This book makes an interesting read, given the simple yet thought provoking arguments that are put forth at various stages.
10. The Rights of Prisoners according to Islamic teachings
In general, Islam considers imprisonment as a case of last resort. According to Islamic teachings there are only a few offences that would lead to imprisonment. Any chastisement prescribed by Islamic teachings may only be implemented if the relevant criteria and the preconditions are met. If the criteria are not met, then the prescribed punishment may not be executed.
In this book the author addresses issues such as the fundamental nature of freedom, the rights of a prisoner, and the harmful effects of imprisonment on the individual as well as on society in general. The book goes on to discuss the kind of offences that would lead to imprisonment under an Islamic system. The author also cites a few cases from Islamic History in order to demonstrate the attitude an Islamic ruler should take towards an offence, which may have been committed, and identify possibilities of waiving relevant punishments. This work also discusses the issue of torture and mental and physical ill treatment that is often carried out under the guise of interrogation or for the purpose of extracting confession from a detainee or a suspect.
This brief work presents the teachings of Islam with respect to the rights of those when imprisoned, and shows that the teachings of Islam are designed, by the designer and maker of mankind, for the benefit of mankind wherever he may be.
11. Husayn - The Sacrifice for mankind
This is a collection of articles about a unique individual who, through his remarkable sacrifices, managed to change the course of history and the direction that mankind was heading toward. He is none other than Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family. Imam Husayn stood up to tyranny and oppression and gave everything he had, including his life and the lives of his most beloved sons and brothers as well as those of his closest allies, in order to awaken the masses, reform society, and rectify the distortion that had been inflicted on Islam.
The articles in this work cover some aspects of the aims and objectives of Imam Husayn’s movement, the difference between his strategy and that of his brother Imam Hasan in facing tyranny and despotism, the examples he set, and the lessons that are learnt from the events that lead up to the tragedy of Karbala fourteen centuries ago. Above and beyond the benefits of his movement, the personality of Imam Husayn peace be upon him as reflected by the many narrations and teachings of Prophet Muhammad is also discussed. Included in this work are a number of questions and answers about the commemoration ceremonies observed by the Muslims around the world on the occasion of Ashura’.
12. The Guide to Hajj Rites
This handbook is a comprehensive but easy to use companion that guides the reader through all the stages of the Hajj pilgrimage. It addresses all aspects of the Hajj programme and the rites that must be observed during the pilgrimage. It is a must for anyone who intends to go to the Hajj pilgrimage.
13. Aspects of the Political Theory of Imam Shirazi
The author, Muhammad G. Ayyub is an Islamist political activist well-known within the Iraqi circle who has established a long history of political struggle over the past four decades. He was attracted by the views of the Imam Muhammad Shirazi in the fields of social and political science. Prompted by the endeavours and views of Imam Shirazi, the author chose to write this book in order to introduce the reader to views that have remained relatively unknown amongst Muslim activists and reformists. This work covers aspects of Imam Shirazi’s views on politics such as freedom of expression, party-political pluralism, social justice, peace and non-violence, human rights, the concept of consultative system of government, as well as the issue of the concordance of the various sects of the Muslim community.
14. The Qur’an Made Simple
The Noble Qur’an is the final and greatest of the books of Allah. It is not merely a compilation of chronicles of an ancient people, nor a group of Prophets. Nor is it solely a book of morals. It is certainly not a simply a book of science, and it is not solely a book of rules and laws. Rather, The Noble Qur’an it is a set of arguments in the Divine dialect setting out exactly why the reader should recognise Allah, glorified be He, submit to Him, and follow the Divine religion. These arguments are rational, addressed to the mind, and spiritual, addressed to the heart.
In the Divine words the Noble Qur’an is a book ‘of guidance’, guiding man from darkness to light, from evil to good, from ignorance to knowledge, from uncertainty about the origin and the end, and about man’s role in the world, to certainty and conviction.
This volume that has been published is the translation of the last three parts or juz’ of the Noble Qur’an, and the associated commentary by the late Imam Muhammad Shirazi, elucidating the Qur’anic text to produce a clear, succinct, and easy to follow explanation of the divine scripture.
15. The Prophet Muhammad, a mercy to the world
This book offers an easy introduction to the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It endeavours to convey a glimpse of those illuminating moments in the life of the Prophet that helped bring about one of the greatest transformations in the history of mankind. The book highlights what kind of person the Prophet was, and how his conduct with friends and foes, in peace and war, provided an impeccable example for generations to come.
16. The Shi’a and their beliefs
Shi’a Muslim beliefs and practices in various aspects of the Islamic doctrine and religion are presented in this work. The Shi’a Muslims’ primary concern is to be in total harmony with the teachings of both the holy Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his pure progeny. It is therefore paramount that every aspect of their belief and practice is in line with those teachings.
In presenting and discussing the Shi’a belief and its origin, this work also shows the precise compatibility of every single aspect of the Shi’a belief and practice with the Book and the Sunnah. Extensive references are given citing major references such as the sihah and masanid. In this way it can be seen that none of the Shi’a beliefs deviate from any one of the teachings of the holy Qur’an or of the Prophet.
17. Ghadir Khumm
Seventy days before his demise, the Prophet Muhammad delivers an historic sermon at Ghadir Khumm. In his speech to the nation, the Prophet addresses the issue of his succession, and identifies as to who can succeed him and why. In the most defining action of his mission, and on specific instructions from the Almighty, the Prophet then goes on to formally appoint his successors and the leaders of the Muslim nation after him. The Prophet points out that his divinely-chosen successors are twelve in number. Prophet Muhammad stresses that only under the leadership of his divinely-appointed successors, mankind would attain happiness and prosperity in this life and in the hereafter, but without the guidance of the prophet and his appointed successors, mankind would not attain eternal salvation.
After the delivery of his momentous and unique sermon at the site of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet Muhammad then goes on to seek Sharia-binding pledge of allegiance from those present for his first successor. Some 120,000 had gathered on that day by Lake Khumm.
The full text of the Prophet’s Ghadir Khumm sermon is presented in the original Arabic along with the English translation.
There were those, however, who had drawn up other plans for the Prophet’s succession and they had their own agenda. They swore to do anything possible to undo whatever the prophet has done.
An insight is presented into the circumstances that followed the momentous event of Ghadir Khumm.
18. Islamic Law
Islam is a complete way of life that addresses every aspect of the human life, ranging from personal and family matters to social, economic, political, and spiritual issues. The teachings of Islam are devised to aid mankind to attain prosperity in this life and in the Hereafter. To achieve this goal, an individual needs to conduct his or her affairs, behave and respond according to the teachings of Islam in all aspects of life.
An individual therefore should learn the teachings of Islam on those issues that he or she may come across in life. Some of these teachings may be readily available, and if not, he or she must endeavour to learn or seek the answers to one’s queries. Every conduct that a Muslim does according to the teachings of Islam constitutes an act of worship, no matter what aspect of life it may concern.
In a concise and informative manner, this work presents the teachings of Islam one may need to know and practice. It combines the essence of the traditional risalah together with the benefits of contemporary additions, which in turn makes it a practical and a must have book.
This work consists of books one and two. The rulings concerning ritual cleanliness, daily prayers, fasting, hajj, and zakah, are given in book one, while in book two the rulings for other domains such as culture, freedom, human rights, social and family, peace and non-violence, health and medical issues, food and drink, economics, immigration, morality and ethics are presented.
19. Politics - the very heart of Islam
This work presents an insight into the teachings of Islam on governance, and on managing the affairs of people and country. This work cites the practical implementations and manifestation of those teachings to reveal their relevance and impact on people’s lives and wellbeing. Some examples of the teachings and practices of the Prophet of Islam when he was the head of state in the city of Medina for a decade are presented. Also cited are the conduct and governance policies of Imam Ali, whom the Prophet appointed as his successor, when he came to rule the nation twenty-five years after the Prophet. The author cites the practices of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali because they are the embodiment and the essence of Islam and its teachings. As part of those teachings are practices such as forbearance, forgiveness, love, compassion, tolerance and fairness to friends and foes alike. Social justice and economic prosperity are amongst foremost in the policies of these two greatest Islamic leaders, ensuring the people’s freedom, dignity and welfare.
20. Inspirational Quotes
This work presents a concise collection of quotes and statements from those speeches and lectures, making it a source of guidance drawing on the teachings and experience of one of the most eminent authorities on Islam. These lectures and speeches cover a broad theme of topics, and thus these quotes address various issues and subjects.
This collection of inspirational quotes presents the cultural entity of the marje’ or Authority on Islam, and therefore offers an opportunity for education and reflection on the true teachings of Islam, on various aspects; at a time when abhorrent atrocities and crimes against humanity are committed with impunity in the name of Islam, jihad, and the two sacred mosques.
![Inspirational Quotes [From Grand Ayatollah Sadiq Shirazi]](http://alhassanain.org/templates/Capusan/images/wait.gif)
7%
![Inspirational Quotes [From Grand Ayatollah Sadiq Shirazi]](books/1178-inspirational_quotes_from_sadiq_shirazi/images/cover.jpg "Inspirational Quotes [From Grand Ayatollah Sadiq Shirazi]")
Author: Ayatullah Seyyed Muhammad Sadiq Shirazi
