The question of the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) has long been of central significance to Islam and later to the study of comparative religion. It becomes more crucial when AbA al-Fath Muhammad 'Abd al-KarAm al-ShahrastanA (d.548/1153) develops another category known as "e;Man Lahu Shubhat Kitab"e; (those who possess doubtful sacred scrolls) or "e;Ahl Shubhat Kitab"e; (the People of a Dubious Book). The present book thus is of importance as it highlights the nature of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book as understood in the Qur'an and Islamic religious tradition. The discussion is carried out both by analyzing Islam as the only genuinely revealed religion as well as by addressing various Muslim scholars' attitudes and responses to the reality and nature of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book apropos the Qur'an and the Islamic religious tradition. Evaluation of the nature of the People of a Dubious Book as exclusively developed by al-ShahrastanA is also discussed. It points out how he identifies these groups and how he treats them accordingly in his magnum opus, al-Milal wa al-Nihal. It is hoped that this book will provide a preliminary yet clear understanding of this concept, which hopefully can deepen our knowledge and enhance our perspective on the various delineations of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book employed by Muslim scholars. This will eventually widen our sphere of the understanding of religious issues and any misunderstanding or narrowed perception of other religious traditions could be avoided.

The question of the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitāb) has long been of central significance to Islam and later to the study of comparative religion. It becomes more crucial when Abū al-Fath Muhammad ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Shahrastānī (d.548/1153) develops another category known as “Man Lahu Shubhat Kitāb” (those who possess doubtful sacred scrolls) or “Ahl Shubhat Kitāb” (the People of a Dubious Book). The present book thus is of importance as it highlights the nature of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book as understood in the Qur’ān and Islamic religious tradition. The discussion is carried out both by analyzing Islam as the only genuinely revealed religion as well as by addressing various Muslim scholars’ attitudes and responses to the reality and nature of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book apropos the Qur’ān and the Islamic religious tradition. Evaluation of the nature of the People of a Dubious Book as exclusively developed by al-Shahrastānī is also discussed. It points out how he identifies these groups and how he treats them accordingly in his magnum opus, al-Milal wa al-Nihal. It is hoped that this book will provide a preliminary yet clear understanding of this concept, which hopefully can deepen our knowledge and enhance our perspective on the various delineations of the People of the Book and the People of a Dubious Book employed by Muslim scholars. This will eventually widen our sphere of the understanding of religious issues and any misunderstanding or narrowed perception of other religious traditions could be avoided.

This book is, undoubtedly, a brave and intrepid dedication for defending the Messenger of humankind, Muhammad (may God's peace and benediction be upon him and his Progeny). Its author's position can never be more than a sincere companion undertaking the task of defending his Prophet in the Battle of Uhud or Hunayn. Throughout course of history many traditions were, wrongfully and against Allah's Will, ascribed to the Messenger of Allah (S), which he never uttered at all. Had not that quantity of false and fabricated and even hazardous traditions been there, no one among those having mean and debased morality like Salman Rushdie, would have ever dared speaking ill of the Messenger of Allah (God's peace and benediction be upon him and his Progeny). And future, undoubtedly, will be brighter, with emergence of new other realities and other pioneer studies, whereat clouds of darkness shall verily disperse and sun of truth shall rise, God-willing. In this connection, Ansarian Foundation finds it necessary to present its gratitude and veneration to brother Hasan M. Najafi, in recognition of his good efforts and toilsome endeavour in translating, editing and supervising the printing of this book. We implore the Beneficent Allah to reward him for this work, in which he sought nothing but God's pleasure and favour. We implore the Omnipotent the Almighty to help him to achieve more and more munificent contributions to the Islamic cause. He is Hearer and He is Responsive. Ansariyan FoundationThis book is one of the many Islamic publications distributed by Ahlulbayt Organization throughout the world in different languages with the aim of conveying the message of Islam to the people of the world. Ahlulbayt Organization (www.shia.es) is a registered Organization that operates and is sustained through collaborative efforts of volunteers in many countries around the world, and it welcomes your involvement and support. Its objectives are numerous, yet its main goal is to spread the truth about the Islamic faith in general and the Shia School of Thought in particular due to the latter being misrepresented, misunderstood and its tenets often assaulted by many ignorant folks, Muslims and non-Muslims. Organization's purpose is to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge through a global medium, the Internet, to locations where such resources are not commonly or easily accessible or are resented, resisted and fought! In addition, For a complete list of our published books please refer to our website (www.shia.es) or send us an email to [email protected]

An elaborate text that describes extensively the sins and diseases of the heart, as seen through the light of the Qur'an and the narrations (ahadith) of the Ahlulbayt ('a).

What does Islam say about poetry, singing, musical instruments, musicians, and the business of music? What is the truth about the much-publicized "music controversy" in Islam? This book demystifies the issue of music in Islam. More than six hundred references and more than a hundred twenty biographical notes on the authorities quoted add to the value of a discussion that is comprehensive without being boring, and detailed without being confusing. New reprint contains foreword by late Dr. Mahmud Ahmad Ghazi.