The Meaning of Articles of Faith

Abstract

More than three years have passed since 'The Mini Library' was first published, during which Muslims' dire need for such works, and their keen interest in learning their faith subsequent to the international events during the past four years. Compiling the Mini Library took too long to compile; which makes it imperative revising it, and reprinting a large quantity to cover the need of English-speaking Muslims for such a reliable and authentic source of Islamic data. Besides, in the wake of the 9/11 events, curiosity has driven many non-Muslims, whose respective media kept bombarding them with distorted and fictitious data about Islam and its adherents, to search for the truth. A fact, which is proven by their rush to buy whatever Islamic literature they lay hands on. This, indeed, is one of the positive aspects of the plight of the Muslim Ummah. The investigative study of the prevalent situation suggests that the 3rll edition of the Mini Library should mark a 100,000. Copies for the first stage to be available for free distribution, and be followed by similar quantities in subsequent stages. After the 2nd edition ran out of print, this edition has since been revised, its typographical errors are corrected, and every book in it is thoroughly reviewed. However, regardless how hard man keeps improving his work, it remains vulnerable and imperfect in comparison with the Book of Allah, simply because it is a human's work. One of the main changes I have made in the Manual of Arkan is the issue of Istiwa' of Allah above His Throne. Some brothers have graciously drew my attention to the possibility of misconstruing the verb 'to mount', which agreed, so I changed the verb 'to mount' into the verb 'to ascend' thus to allow no chance for misinterpreting this Divine action, bearing in mind that there is no exact, or a loan term that may substitute the Arabic verb 'ISTAWA'. We should keep in mind too that since Allah needs of none of His creatures, therefore, 'ascending His throne' means He is above without contact, and in a manner which suits His Majesty. You may also notice that I have changed the title of this work into "The Mini Library of Islam" for it in deed contains the basic information a Muslim, new or otherwise, needs to know about Islam. It is appropriate to express my gratefulness to those who were gracious enough to review this work, and make valuable observations on its contents. May Allah grant them the best of rewards. I also ask Allah to reward me for it, and help me accomplish the (Mini Library of Islam II) which will include works that will be of great benefit to the students of knowledge in sha' Allah. All praise is due to Allah, the Rubb of the Worlds.