By the grace of Allah Most Magnificent, the world has witnessed in recent times an unprecedented Islamic awakening. Just as Muslims are rediscovering their iman, non- Muslims have been intrigued by the Deen of Allah and ever growing numbers have been embracing Islam. With all this, the proliferation and dissemination of knowledge of the sacred sciences of Islam has too been unprecedented. Consequently, works of the great ‘ulama of Islam are being discovered, researched and brought out into the light of day through advanced modern publishing like never before. The list of such works would be very exhaustive indeed, as almost every other week brings news of yet another great publication. Below is a list of some recent publications that I had made for a friend who had gone book shopping after his Hajj in Madinah Munawwarah and had asked for recommendations. These are by no means all the books that have been published in such high quality in recent years; they are ones that I have purchased or am familiar with.

Abu Asim Badrul Islam 20 October 2014

تفسير روح المعاني

ت: مجموعة من المختصين والباحثين ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

03 مجلدات

The best and most authentic edition of this encyclopaedic exegesis of the Holy Qur’an. Expanding over 30 separate volumes, work on this edition was originally commenced by a group of researchers at Al-Imam al-A’zam College (Baghdad University?) and later adopted by Mu’assassat al-Risalah’s own team of researchers who reviewed and improved it to meet its high standards before publication. Truly a most beautiful edition of a magnificent exegesis of the Qur’an. I already had a previous edition of this great tafsir in 16 large volumes. One of the distinct qualities of this 30-volume edition is that the researchers have gone to great lengths in adding modern Arabic punctuation, diacritical marks, paragraphing etc. This makes a world of difference in the reading experience of what is to students and scholars alike one of the toughest works of tafsir to engage with. They have relied mainly on one manuscript, but have had recourse to others too. This is the manuscript kept at the library of Ahmad (Ahmet) the third. This is a manuscript which, they claim, was compared with the handwritten original of the author, Imam Sayyid Mahmud al-Alusi al-Baghdadi (rah.). Due to the strength in authenticity of this manuscript, the researchers dismiss the historical allegation of Ahmad Khayri in his footnote to ‘Allamah Muhammad Zahid al-Kawthari’s Maqalat that the ‘salafi’ son of the author may have tampered with his father’s work after his demise.

Although the typeset is very good, I personally thought the paper could have been slightly better than the light economy quality cream coloured paper that has been used by the publisher and the calligraphy on the cover could have been better. They could have spent a bit more money and used the services of the two or three calligraphers that Dar al-Qalam and Dar al-Basha’ir often use for the cover texts of their publications.

Another downside to the edition is that the writing of Imam Sayyid Mahmud al-Alusi is continuous from the beginning of volume one to the end of volume thirty without any passages from the Holy Qur’an. Historically, typed editions of tafsir works have been in the format of a passage from the Holy Qur’an – usually several verses – followed by its tafsir and then another passage and its tafsir – and so on. Sadly, this excellent edition, for some unexplained reason, lacks this. I have found this annoying. This is the only edition of a tafsir work in my collection of more than twenty titles that has been published in this format.

I purchased my copy for SR.780 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah. Expensive, but worth every penny/cent. It has made the study of this monumental book so much easier and enjoyable.

تفسير القرآن العظيم (تفسير ابنكثير)

ت: أبي إسحاق الحويني ط. دار ابن الجوزي

7 مجلدات

The monumental exegesis of the Holy Qur’an by the unparalleled master of Qur’anic exegesis, Ibn Kathir (rah.). Regarding this tafsir, ‘Allamah Shawkani had said: “[This is] from amongst the best books of tafsir, if not the best.”
This extremely beautiful muhaqqaq edition is clearly the best to date. The muhaqqiq has used 9 manuscripts in preparing this unique edition. Superb quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc.

I purchased my copy for SR.300 from outside Jeddah University. It replaced my old 4- volume DKI edition of the book.

تفسير البغوي (معالم التنزيل)

ت: محمد عبد الله النمر وعثمان جمعة ضميرية وسليمان مسلم الحرش

ط. دار طيبة

4 مجلدات

The monumental exegesis of the Holy Qur’an by Imam al-Baghawi (rah.). This very beautiful muhaqqaq edition was prepared by its three researchers using several manuscripts. Excellent quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc.

I purchased my copy from Azhar Academy, London, after the arrival of one of their shipments from the Cairo book fair.

صحيح البخاري

ط. دار المنهاج و طوق النجاة

4 مجلدات

A reprint of the famous [Ottoman] Sultaniyyah typewriter edition of Sahih al-Bukhari. This is still believed to be the most reliable and authentic edition of the Sahih, despite the time lapse of generations. Very detailed in highlighting the countless variations found in the transmission of the Sahih.

I purchased my copy for SR.200 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

صحيح مسلم

ط. دار المنهاج و طوق النجاة

4 مجلدات

A reprint of the famous [Ottoman] Sultaniyyah typewriter edition of Sahih Muslim. This is still believed to be the most reliable and authentic edition of the Sahih, despite the time lapse of generations.
I purchased my copy from behind the Islamic University, Madinah Munawwarah.

الجامع الصحيح
ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط وآخرين ط. الرسالة العالمية

5 مجلدات

A very beautiful edition of Sahih al-Bukhari. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy. The quality of tahqiq and takhrij is nothing like that of Shaykh Shu’ayb’s editions of Sunan al-Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Majah (see below), but it does make a very pleasant read.

I purchased my copy for SR.200 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

الأبواب والتراجم
ت: تقي الدين الندوي ط. دار البشائر

5 مجلدات

Imam Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi’s (rah.) famous work on the chapter headings of Sahih al-Bukhari, published in 5 very beautiful and large volumes.
I purchased my copy for SR.240 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

مصنف ابن أبي شيبة

ت: محمد عوامة ط. دار المنهاج

62 مجلدات

A truly beautiful, muhaqqaq edition of this key hadith encyclopaedia of the master of the imams of hadith, including Imams al-Bukhari and Muslim (rah.). Researched using many precious and rare manuscripts by one of the best ‘ulama of hadith and research alive today – Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah – this is without doubt the most authentic, reliable and best edition of this great masterpiece, which sets new standards in the field of tahqiq of manuscripts. The Shaykh states that he spent a large portion of his life producing this edition. It is second to none in every respect. The actual book is in 21 volumes with a further 5 volumes of index, just the way indexes should be (something that his late teacher, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah, laments in his excellent annotation to Shaykh Ahmad Shakir’s book on the topic of indexes).

I purchased my copy for SR.500 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

كتاب السنن (سنن أبي داود)

ت: محمد عوامة ط. دار المنهاج

2 مجلدات

The best and most authentic edition of the Sunan of Imam Abu Dawud (rah.). Very beautiful publication with high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. Researched using al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani’s copy (rah.) of the Sunan and 7 other manuscripts by one of the best ‘ulama of hadith and research alive today – Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah of Aleppo, resident of Madinah Munawwarah.

الجامع الكبير (سنن الترمذي)
ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط وعبد اللطيف حرز الله ط. الرسالة العالمية

2 مجلدات

The best and most authentic edition of the Sunan of Imam al-Tirmidhi. Very beautiful publication. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. The researchers, Shaykh Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut and ‘Abd al-Latif Hirz Allah, have used 6 manuscripts some of which are considered to be the best available in the world.

I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

السنن (سنن ابن ماحه)
ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط وآخرين ط. الرسالة العالمية

5 مجلدات

The best and most authentic edition of the Sunan of Imam Ibn Majah. Very beautiful publication. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. The researchers, Shaykh Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut and three others, have used 3 manuscripts.
I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

نتائج الأفكار في تخريج أحاديثكتاب الأذكار تأليف: ابن حجر العسقلاني ط. دار ابن كثير

5 مجلدات

I purchased my copy from Azhar Academy, London, after the arrival of one of their shipments from the Cairo book fair.

المفهم لما أشكل من تلخيصكتاب مسلم

تأليف: ابو العباس القرطبي ط. دار ابن كثير

7 مجلدات

An extremely beautiful muhaqqaq edition of Imam Abu ‘l-‘Abbas al-Qurtubi’s (the teacher of the more famous Imam Abu ‘Abdillah al-Qurtubi, the mufassir) famous commentary on Sahih Muslim. Cited by Imam al-Nawawi and other later commentators very frequently. Very beautiful publication. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc.

I purchased my copy from Azhar Academy, London, after the arrival of one of their shipments from the Cairo book fair.

نخب الأفكار

تأليف: بدر الدين العيني ط. دار المنهاج

60 مجلدات

Imam Badr al-Din al-‘Ayni’s monumental exhaustive commentary on the Sharh Ma’ani ‘l- Athar of Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi (rah.). An unparalleled hadith encyclopaedia of the hanafi school of sacred law. Earlier prints had 2 volumes missing, which the publisher forgot to print! I have not seen this 23-volume edition yet. I purchased the rival 19-volume Dar al- Nawadir and Kuwait Government’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs edition from near Jeddah University, which contains thousands of type/print errors and is a huge disservice to a masterpiece. Avoid this latter 19-volume edition at all costs.

فتح المغيث بشرح ألفية الحديث

تأليف: السخاوي ط. دار المنهاج

5 مجلدات

An extremely beautiful muhaqqaq edition of this famous commentary of ‘Allamah Al-‘Iraqi’s (rah.) Alfiyyah. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. The actual book is in 4 volumes and the 5th volume is an index.
I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

تهذيب الكمال
ت: بشار عواد معروف ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

8 مجلدات

A beautiful new edition of Mu’assasat al-Risalah’s best edition of this key work on asma’ al- rijal. The previous 25-30 volumes have been compressed in to 8 large volumes in very small but smart font. Perhaps not what you will want in old age. Very high quality print and binding with excellent tahqiq, takhrij etc.

I purchased my copy for SR.340 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

العواصم والقواصم في الذب عن سنة أبي القاسم ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط وآخرين ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

5 مجلدات

A beautiful new edition of Mu’assasat al-Risalah’s best edition of this monumental and unparalleled work – Ibn al-Wazir al-San’ani’s (rah.) magnum opus. Regarding this work, ‘Allamah Shawkani had said: “If the Yemen had produced nothing else, then this book alone would have been sufficient as a matter of pride for her.”

An extremely deep and thorough work in defence of the authority of the sunnah, which was written by Ibn al-Wazir as a rebuttal of a contemporary.
Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc.
I purchased my copy for SR.165 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

كتاب الأصل

تأليف: الإمام محمد بن الحسن الشيباني ط. دار ابن حزم 30 مجلدات

Also known as the Al-Mabsut of Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan (rah.), this is the first ever full edition of Imam Muhammad’s (rah.) pivotal work in the hanafi school, although the famous chapter on manasik remains lost to the Ummah. There are also a few other sections that are missing. These are highlighted by the book’s Turkish researcher (muhaqqiq) in his exhaustive and useful one-volume introduction. He had spent some 10 (or 13?) years working on this book and has used several precious manuscripts. Very high quality thick paper, typeset, binding, tahqiq, takhrij etc.

A ‘must-have’ for every serious hanafi student/scholar. Be advised that this huge encyclopaedic work does not follow the style of conventional fiqh texts of the fuqaha’. In fact, the style is not consistent throughout the 12 volumes after the muhaqqiq’s introductory volume. While some parts are believed to have been written by Imam Muhammad himself, most of the book was penned by his famous student, Abu Sulayman al-Jawzjani (rah.) as Imam Muhammad spoke or dictated. Much of the book is in question and answer format.
I purchased my copy from the rear of the Islamic University, Madinah Munawwarah.

اللباب في شرح الكتاب
ت: سائد بكداش ط. دار البشائر

2 مجلدات

The best edition of this monumental commentary on the Mukhtasar of Imam al-Quduri (rah.). The font could have been smaller – thereby, reducing the unnecessary number of volumes. The muhaqqiq of this edition, Dr. Sa’id Bakdash of Madinah Munawwarah (son-in-law of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah), has written a very exhaustive introduction, which takes up the whole first volume (560 pages!). There are, however, several factual and typographical errors in this 560-page introduction, which have been identified by Mawlana Husain Kadodia of Durban. There are also some typographical errors in the other volumes, which have been brought to the attention of Dr. Sa’id Bakdash, who confirmed that all the errors have been corrected for the second impression of the book. The 6th volume contains just the text of the Mukhtasar. This means the actual book (Al-Lubab) is in 4 volumes. This is, by far, the best edition to date of this very important work in the hanafi madhhab.

I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

شرح مختصر الطحاوي
ت: سائد بكداش ط. دار البشائر

8 مجلدات

The first ever print of the astounding commentary of Imam Abu Bakr al-Jassas al-Razi on the

Mukhtasar of Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi (rah.) in hanafi fiqh, which is referred to very frequently in other large works of the hanafi fuqaha’, but never before seen in print. The genius of Imam al-Jassas al-Razi is manifest throughout this astonishing work.

The project leader and main muhaqqiq, Dr. Sa’id Bakdash, mentions in his 192-page introduction how he had stumbled across the misplaced manuscript while searching for something else in the archives of Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

The author cites more than 3,000 ahadith as textual evidences for the masa’il discussed throughout the book. An absolutely superb publication. The edition was researched and produced by a group of four research scholars – three males and a female. They divided the manuscript into four parts between themselves. Their work on their respective portions of the manuscript earned them all PhD degrees from Umm al-Qura University.

One of the negative sides to this beautiful publication is that the researchers had access to only one manuscript, and not all of it was clear. In what I have read so far, I have identified a few type errors and one or two places where the text appeared to be incomplete. These were brought to the attention of Dr. Sa’id Bakdash. Despite this, it is a priceless gem to possess.

I purchased my copy from Azhar Academy, London, after the arrival of one of their shipments from the Cairo book fair.

الإختيار لتعليل المختار

ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط وآخرين ط. الرسالة العالمية

4 مجلدات

A very beautiful muhaqqaq edition of this highly authoritative and important hanafi text and commentary by one of the leading manuscript researchers alive today. Superb quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. The muhaqqiqun have used the famous takhrij al-ahadith that al-Hafiz Qasim ibn Qutlubugha (rah.) had written for this great work quite extensively.

I purchased my copy for SR.140 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

نور الإيضاح
ت: سائد بكداش ط. دار البشائر

A muhaqqaq, beautiful edition of the key hanafi text on the four pillars by Imam Abu ‘l- Ikhlas Hasan ibn ‘Ammar al-Shurunbulali (rah.).

زاد الفقير
ت: سائد بكداش ط. دار البشائر

A muhaqqaq, beautiful edition of Imam Ibn al-Humam’s famous hanafi work on the masa’il of salah.

أصول البزدوي
ت: سائد بكداش ط. دار البشائر

A muhaqqaq, beautiful edition of the key text on hanafi jurisprudence (principles of fiqh) by one of the greatest in the science, Imam Fakhr al-Islam al-Bazdawi (Arabicised from the Persian: Pazdawi). This highly celebrated work in hanafi jurisprudence has been published at the time of writing this list.

البداية والنهاية
ت: مجموعة من المختصين والباحثين ط. دار ابنكثير

33 مجلدات

Using 4 manuscripts, 15 researchers have worked on this super edition of the monumental annals of the great historian, muhaddith and mufassir, Imam Ibn Kathir (rah.), over a period of many years. This group includes the highly respected researchers of manuscripts, Dr. Bashshar ‘Awwad Ma’ruf and the late Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Arna’ut. 20 parts bound in 11 volumes, this is truly a very beautiful publication to own, distinct in every respect. It replaced my previous 7-volume Dar Ihya’ al-Turath edition of the book.

One of the most amazing works on history and, undoubtedly, the best written by any scholar in the history of Islam. In this work the prowess and mastery of Imam Ibn Kathir in all the sciences of Islam are very evident. He does not simply relate Qur’anic verses and Prophetic ahadith, but makes masterly comments and employs his vast expertise in the science of tafsir and the various disciplines of hadith – a fact that is discussed by the researchers in their exhaustive introduction.

I purchased my copy for SR.390 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

زاد المعاد في هدي خير العباد
ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

2 مجلدات

A beautiful new edition of Mu’assasat al-Risalah’s best edition of this monumental work – Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah’s (rah.) magnum opus. Superb quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc. This replaced my previous 6-volume Dar al-Fikr edition.

I purchased my copy for SR.150 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

حجة الله البالغة
ت: الشيخ سعيد أحمد البالنبوري ط. دار ابنكثير

Shaykh Mufti Sa’eed Ahmad Palanpuri sahib’s (shaykh al-hadith of Dar al-‘Ulum, Deoband) edition of this monumental work, published in 2 very beautiful volumes by Dar Ibn Kathir. The muhaqqiq’s commentary would be better described as explanatory notes, which are quite sparing and brief. He explains the complicated vocabulary and terminology employed by the author throughout the 2 volumes, which is very useful.

This is my 3rd Arabic edition of the book – and this is, by far, the best.
I purchased my copy for SR.60 from outside Umm al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah.

اتحاف السادة المتقين ط. دار الفكر

33 مجلدات

A reprint of the old Bulaq (Cairo) typewriter edition of an unparalleled masterpiece, which is the exhaustive commentary of another unparalleled masterpiece. Despite its age and typewriter print, this edition is said to be the best and most accurate edition to date – free of the countless type errors that are found in all the modern prints of this monumental work. I saw this reprint in a bookshop near Umm al-Qura University, Makkah. I had purchased my copy prior to that from Azhar Academy, London, after the arrival of one of their shipments from the Cairo book fair.

الآداب الشرعية

ت: شعيب الأرنؤوط ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

4 مجلدات

Ibn Muflih al-Hanbali’s (rah.) masterpiece on Islamic akhlaq and spirituality. A very broad work, covering all the important areas of a Muslim’s life. Very similar to masterpieces like Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din and Ibn al-Qayyim’s Zad al-Ma’ad. Shaykh ‘Abd al- Fattah Abu Ghuddah (rah.) often quotes from this work. Researched and edited by Shaykh Shu’ayb al-Arna’ut.

I purchased my copy from near Al-Masjid al-Nabawi at a higher than normal [Saudi] price.

كتاب التذكرة ط. دار المنهاج

0 مجلدات

A beautiful muhaqqaq edition of Imam al-Qurtubi’s famous book on death and the afterlife. Very high quality paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy, tahqiq, takhrij etc.

I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

موسوعة نضرة النعيم
ت: مجموعة من المختصين والباحثين ط. دار الوسيلة

36 مجلدات

A truly impressive and beautiful encyclopaedia of ‘ibadat, akhlaq – good traits, bad traits – etc. This huge work can be placed beside masterpieces like Imam al-Ghazali’s Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, Ibn al-Qayyim’s Zad al-Ma’ad, Ibn Muflih al-Hanbali’s Al-Adab al-Shar’iyyah etc. A fine and unique work that was produced by the joint effort of 31 scholars, headed by Shaykh Salih al-Humayd, the senior imam of al-Masjid al-Haram. An invaluable resource and point of reference for every student and scholar. The book begins with a detailed sirah of the Beloved of Allah (may the eternal peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It is a Saudi publication. Beware of the ‘wahhabi’ (so-called ‘salafi’) theology that can be found in some discussions. Despite this, a superb work, which deserves immense praise.

I purchased my copy from near Jeddah University.

حياة الصحابة
ت: بشار عواد معروف ط. مؤسسة الرسالة

5 مجلدات

The unique work on the lives of the Sahabah (r.a.) by Mawlana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi (rah.), published by Mu’assassat al-Risalah, edited by Dr. Bashshar ‘Awwad Ma’ruf. Believed to be the best edition of this classical work to date.

All the works of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah (rah.), a total of 75-85 thus far published by Maktab al-Matbu’at al-Islamiyyah. Every book is a priceless gem of the highest quality. A list of all the works can be found at the end of each book.

All the works of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah. Every book is a priceless gem of the highest quality. A list of all the works can be found at the end of each book.

Most of the publications of the Riyadh/Jeddah-based Dar al-Minhaj Publishers also bear high quality comparative research of manuscripts, tahqiq, takhrij, paper, typeset, binding, calligraphy etc. Their publications may be viewed on their website:
http://alminhaj.com/

Dar al-Nawadir have been reprinting old Bulaq (Cairo) typewriter editions of classical publications. I have purchased their reprint of Imam Ibn al-Humam’s Fath al-Qadir and its takmilah in 8 volumes from near Umm al-Qura University, Makkah, and the old trio of Fatawa Qadi Khan, al-Hindiyyah (‘Alamgiri) and Al-Jami’ al-Wajiz, all in 6 volumes. Their publications may be viewed on their website:

http://www.daralnawader.com/