Islamic sciences are a vast and deep ocean encompassing various disciplines that are essential for understanding and interpreting the religion of Islam. The study of these sciences not only enhances religious knowledge but also aids in comprehending Islamic civilization, culture, and history. This article provides an overview of the fundamental sources of Islamic sciences and related important books.
Selected Books on Qur’anic Sciences: Understanding the Divine Word
The Holy Quran is the primary source of Islam and the word of Allah. Qur’anic sciences (Ulum al-Quran) is a discipline that examines topics such as the revelation, compilation, recitation, inimitability (I’jaz), reasons for revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul), abrogation (Nasikh wa Mansukh), and exegesis (Tafsir) of the Quran. Knowledge of these sciences is crucial for understanding the Quran.
| Number | Book Name (Arabic) | Author | Publisher |
| 1 | Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran | Allama Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti | Al-Hay’ah al-Misriyah al-Amah lil-Kitab |
| 2 | Al-Burhan fi Ulum al-Quran | Abu Abdullah Badr al-Din Muhammad al-Zarkashi | Dar Ihya al-Kutub al-Arabiyah |
| 3 | Manahil al-Irfan fi Ulum al-Quran | Muhammad Abd al-Azim al-Zarqani | Matba’a Isa al-Babi al-Halabi wa Shurakauhu |
| 4 | Dirasat fi Ulum al-Quran | Muhammad Bakr Ismail | Dar al-Manar |
| 5 | Nafahat min Ulum al-Quran | Muhammad Ahmad Muhammad Ma’bad | Dar al-Salam – Cairo |
| 6 | Al-Tibyan fi Ulum al-Quran | Muhammad Ali al-Sabuni | Maktabat al-Bushra, Karachi |
| 7 | Ulum al-Quran | Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani | Maktaba Dar al-Ulum Karachi |
| 8 | Ulum al-Quran | Dr. Abdur Rauf Zafar | Nashriyat |
| 9 | Manazil al-Irfan fi Ulum al-Quran | Maulana Muhammad Malik Kandhlawi | Nashiran Quran Limited |
| 10 | Mabahith fi Ulum al-Quran (Urdu Translation of Manna al-Qattan) | Muhammad Jameel Shaida Rahmani | Azad Book Depot Lahore |
| 11 | Muhadarat Ulum al-Quran | Muhammad Murshid Qasmi | Jamia Islamia Ishaat al-Ulum, Maharashtra |
Studying these books not only clarifies various aspects of Qur’anic sciences but also helps the reader establish a deep connection with this fundamental source of Islamic teachings. These books hold a key position in understanding the divine scriptures.
Selected Books on Hadith Sciences: The Treasure of Prophetic Tradition
The Prophetic Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) is the second major source of Islam after the Holy Quran. The purpose of Hadith sciences (Ulum al-Hadith) is to ascertain the authenticity of Hadith, their chains of narration (Isnad), text (Matn), conditions of narrators, and jurisprudential derivation. These sciences are essential for understanding the Sunnah of the Messenger.
| Number | Book Name | Author | Publisher |
| 1 | Ulum al-Hadith | Muhammad Abdullah al-Asadi | Maktaba Ihsan Lucknow |
| 2 | Ulum al-Hadith | Professor Ghulam Ahmad Hariri | Malik Shah Publishers |
| 3 | Al-Tahdith fi Ulum al-Hadith | Dr. Abdur Rauf Zafar | Maktaba Quddusia Lahore |
| 4 | Usul al-Hadith: Mustalahat wa Ulum | Professor Dr. Khalid Alvi | Al-Faisal Nashiran wa Tajiran Kutub, Lahore |
| 5 | Ilm Hadith Mustalahat aur Usul | Dr. Muhammad Idris Zubair | Al-Huda Publications Islamabad |
Through Hadith sciences, principles for researching and scrutinizing Hadith have been established, which form the basis of Islamic legal laws and Islamic jurisprudence.
Selected Books on Orientalism and Orientalists: Analysis of the Western Perspective
Orientalism refers to the study of Eastern disciplines, especially Islamic sciences, by Western thinkers. Orientalists have done extensive work on the Islamic heritage, which includes critical and sometimes antagonistic viewpoints. The study of this subject is necessary to understand the relationship between Islam and the West.
| Number | Book Name | Author | Publisher |
| 1 | Istishraq aur Mustashriqin: Ta’aruf wa Tanqeedi Jaizah | Maulana Muhammad Ismail | Tafheem Deen Academy, Hayatabad, Peshawar |
| 2 | Islam aur Mustashriqin | Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Zubair | Maktaba Rahmatul lil Alameen |
| 3 | Fikr-e-Istishraq aur Alam-e-Islam mein Iska Asar-o-Nufuz | Dr. Muhammad Shambaz Manj | Maktaba Dar al-Ulum al-Muhammadiyah Lahore |
| 4 | Alam-e-Islam par Mustashriqin ki Fikri Yalghar | Muhammad Ismail Badayuni | Fazli Books |
| 5 | Islam aur Mustashriqin | Syed Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman | Darul Musannifeen Azamgarh, India |
| 6 | Tahreek-e-Istishraq aur La Mutanahi Tasalsul | Iftikhar Ahmad Iftikhar | Unknown |
| 7 | Quran-e-Hakeem aur Mustashriqin | Sanaullah Hussain | Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad |
Studying these books helps in understanding the impact of Western research on Islamic beliefs, Islamic culture, and Islamic history. They provide an opportunity to analyze the orientalists’ perspective on the understanding of divine books and religious texts.
Selected Books on Comparative Religions: Foundation of Inter-Religious Dialogue
Comparative religions refer to the comparison of different religions and the study of their common and differing points. This field is of extreme importance for inter-religious harmony and understanding each other’s beliefs.
| Number | Book Name | Author | Publisher |
| 1 | Islam aur Mazahib-e-Alam | Muhammad Mazharuddin Siddiqui | Idara Saqafat-e-Islamia, Lahore |
| 2 | Aqwam-e-Alam ke Adyan wa Mazahib | Professor Dr. Shaibat al-Hamd | Muslim Publications – Sohdera (Gujranwala) |
| 3 | Taqabul Adyan wa Mazahib | Professor Mian Manzoor Ahmad | Ilmi Kutub Khana Lahore |
| 4 | Dabistan-e-Mazahib (Urdu Translation: Rasheed Ahmad Jalandhari) | Kaikhusro Isfandiyar | Idara Saqafat-e-Islamia, Lahore |
| 5 | Mazahib-e-Alam (Ahmad Abdullah) | Ahmad Abdullah | Makki Darul Kutub Lahore |
| 6 | Mazahib-e-Alam: Ek Taqabuli Mutala | Maulana Anis Ahmad Falahi Madani | Maktaba Qasim al-Ulum, Lahore |
| 7 | Mazahib-e-Alam ka Encyclopedia | Lewis Mor | Nigarat Mazang Lahore |
| 8 | Mazahib-e-Alam ka Taqabuli Mutala | Professor Chaudhry Ghulam Rasul Cheema | Ghulam Rasul & Sons Lahore |
| 9 | Mutala Mazahib | Maulana Mahmood ur Rasheed Hadoti | Maktaba Ab-e-Hayat |
| 10 | Mukalma Bain ul Mazahib | Wali Khan al-Muzaffar | Maktaba Quddusia, Lahore |
The study of comparative religions helps in understanding religious diversity, promoting peace and tolerance, and comprehending fundamental beliefs. Through this, a comparative study of heavenly books also becomes possible.
Selected Books on the Art of Research: Academic and Intellectual Guidance
The art of research is the foundation of academic work. It teaches the principles and rules for obtaining authentic and reliable information in any field. The importance of research is also acknowledged in Islamic sciences.
- Mabadiyat-e-Tahqeeq (Fundamentals of Research)
- Ilmi Mauzuat par Tahqeeq (Research on Academic Topics)
- Tahqeeq ka Fan (The Art of Research)
- Ilmi Tahqeeqat Kyun aur Kis Tarah? (Why and How Academic Research?)
- Kayfa Taktubu Bahthan? (How to Write a Research Paper?)
- Kayfa Taktubu Bahthan aw Risalah (How to Write a Research Paper or Thesis)
- Ulum-e-Islamia (Islamic Sciences)
- Qaumon ke Urooj-o-Zawal par Ilmi Tahqeeqat ke Asarat (Effects of Academic Research on the Rise and Fall of Nations)
- Usul al-Takhrij (Principles of Graduation)
- Usul-e-Tahqeeq (Principles of Research)
- Rahbar-e-Tahqeeq Ulum-e-Islamia (Guide to Research in Islamic Sciences)
- Tahqeeq al-Turath (Research of Heritage)
- Tahqeeq wa Tadween ka Tareeqa Kar (Methodology of Research and Editing)
- Islami Usul-e-Tahqeeq (Islamic Principles of Research)
- Urdu mein Usul-e-Tahqeeq: Muntakhab Maqalat (Principles of Research in Urdu: Selected Articles)
- Islam mein Tahqeeq ke Usul wa Mabadi (Principles and Fundamentals of Research in Islam)
- Usul-e-Tahqeeq (Principles of Research)
- Qawaid-e-Tahqeeq al-Makhtutat (Rules for Manuscript Research)
The knowledge of the art of research is essential for obtaining information from reliable sources, maintaining academic integrity, and presenting arguments based on facts. It provides us with the important skills required in Islamic scholarship.
Renowned Arabic-Urdu Dictionaries: Mastery of Languages
To delve deep into Islamic sciences, proficiency in the Arabic language is indispensable because the Quran, Hadith, and ancient Islamic books are mostly in Arabic. A vast collection of Islamic literature is also available in Urdu. The importance of the Arabic language lies in its vastness and depth.
| Number | Book Name | Language | Publisher |
| 1 | Al-Munjid | Arabic to Urdu | Louis Ma’louf |
| 2 | Misbah al-Lughat | Arabic to Urdu | Abul Fazl Maulana Abdul Hafeez Baliyawi |
| 3 | Al-Qamus al-Wahid | Arabic to Urdu | Maulana Waheed uz Zaman Qasmi Keranvi |
| 4 | Al-Qamus al-Jadeed | Arabic to Urdu | Maulana Waheed uz Zaman Qasmi Keranvi |
| 5 | Al-Qamus al-Istilahi | Arabic to Urdu | Maulana Waheed uz Zaman Qasmi Keranvi |
| 6 | Lisan al-Arab | Arabic to Arabic | Jamal al-Din Ibn Manzur Ifriqi, Muhammad bin Mukarram bin Ali |
| 7 | Taj al-Arus | Arabic to Arabic | Muhammad bin Muhammad Murtada, al-Zabidi |
| 8 | Al-Munjid | Arabic to Arabic | Louis Ma’louf |
| 9 | Jamharat al-Lugha | Arabic to Arabic | Abu Bakr Muhammad bin Durayd al-Azdi |
| 10 | Mukhtar al-Sihah | Arabic to Arabic | Zain al-Din Abu Abdullah Muhammad al-Hanafi al-Razi |
| 11 | Al-Qamus al-Muhit | Arabic to Arabic | Majd al-Din Abu Tahir Muhammad bin Yaqub Firuzabadi |
The use of these dictionaries plays a key role in the correct understanding of Qur’anic words, Hadith terminology, and Islamic jurisprudential terms. They are essential for linguistic proficiency and access to fundamental Islamic texts.
Selected Encyclopedias: A Vast Repository of Information
Encyclopedias compile information from various fields in one place. Several encyclopedias are also available concerning Islamic sciences, providing brief and comprehensive information on various topics.
| Number | Book Name | Author | Publisher |
| 1 | Sirat Encyclopedia | Authors | Darussalam, Lahore |
| 2 | Sirat al-Nabi ﷺ ka Encyclopedia | Umm Abd Munib | Dar al-Kutub al-Salafiyah, Lahore |
| 3 | Qur’ani Encyclopedia (Collection of Articles) | Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri | Minhaj Books, Lahore |
| 4 | Mazahib-e-Alam ka Jame Encyclopedia | Maulana Abu Tahir Muhammad Siddiq | Idarat al-Quran wal Ulum al-Islamia Karachi |
| 5 | Mazahib-e-Alam, Firqon, Masalik aur Tehreekon par Encyclopedia | Dr. Muhammad Laiqullah Khan | Darussalam, Lahore |
| 6 | Khadimeen-e-Quran ka Encyclopedia | Dr. Muhammad Razi al-Islam Nadwi | Brown Publications New Delhi |
| 7 | Urdu Dairah Ma’arif Islamia | Authors | Urdu Dairah Ma’arif Islamia, University of Punjab Lahore |
These encyclopedias are helpful in providing quick information about the foundations of Islamic sciences, important events in Islamic history, and Islamic personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the study of Islamic sciences necessary?
The study of Islamic sciences is crucial for a correct understanding of Islam, the depth of divine books, the foundations of Islamic beliefs, and comprehending Islamic civilization and culture. It provides individuals with a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation and gives them insight to face the challenges of the modern era.
2. Which important topics are emphasized in Qur’anic sciences?
Qur’anic sciences emphasize important topics such as the revelation, compilation, recitation, inimitability, reasons for revelation, abrogation, and exegesis of the Quran. Additionally, the study of the arrangement of Qur’anic verses, circumstances of revelation, and different schools of exegesis are also included.
3. What has been the impact of Orientalists’ work on Islamic sciences?
The work of Orientalists has had a dual impact on Islamic sciences. On one hand, they helped in the research and publication of Islamic manuscripts and brought to light some aspects of Islamic history, which benefited Islamic scholarship. On the other hand, their work often contained critical, antagonistic, and sometimes biased viewpoints, which challenged Islamic traditions and led to misunderstandings.
4. What is the purpose of comparative religions and how is it helpful?
The purpose of comparative religions is to compare the fundamental beliefs, rituals, and moral teachings of different religions. It helps in promoting interfaith dialogue, fostering tolerance and mutual respect, and understanding religious diversity. Through it, people can better understand their own and others’ beliefs, and the principles of tolerance in Islam can be highlighted.
5. Which languages are essential to master for Islamic research?
For Islamic research, it is primarily essential to master the Arabic language because the Quran, Hadith, and ancient jurisprudential and exegetical books are mostly in Arabic. Additionally, Urdu and English are also important as there is a large body of modern Islamic literature and research material available in these languages. Persian and Turkish can also be important for the study of Islamic history and literature.
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