Book Report
Name: ILham Jamil
Roll no: 231400001
Submitted to: Sir Ziauddin
Subject: Islamic Studies
Section: H
23 April, 2025
About University
Library
GIFT University Gujranwala Library is a cross-disciplinary library devised to facilitate the
information needs of the university community, including faculty,
researchers, students, and the University staff. GU library owns an extensive collection of print
& electronic assets. The collection of resources focuses on
fostering both scholarly pursuits and research purposes for academic excellence. The library is
facilitating the users with more than 20,000 print books and
190,000 e-books that are accessible through the HEC Digital library. Moreover, the GU library
has access to more than ten international databases. The library
staff is a team of well-experienced professional and para-professional staff managing the library
adequately. They are highly innovative in the provision of quality service.
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Title and Author
● Title: Reliance of the Traveller (Umdat al-Salik)
● Author: Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri
● Type: (Fikah)
● Translation Used: Nuh Ha Mim Keller’s translation and commentary.
Background Information
Reliance of the Traveller is a 14th-century classical manual on Islamic jurisprudence according
to the Shafi'i school of thought. It serves as a comprehensive guide for practicing Muslims,
covering all aspects of religious, personal, commercial, and civil life under Islamic law.
Main Summary
The book is organized into detailed sections that cover acts of worship (such as prayer, fasting,
almsgiving, and pilgrimage), personal matters (like marriage and divorce), financial transactions,
and legal rulings, including punishments for crimes. It stresses strict adherence to Shariah and
provides a complete framework for both individual and community conduct.
It also discusses governance principles, warfare regulations, and guidelines for Islamic judges.
The manual represents a deep synthesis of centuries of legal scholarship in the Shafi'i school.
Key Concepts
● Worship: Detailed rulings on how to perform acts of worship properly.
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● Personal Law: Conditions and procedures for marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
● Business: Ethical practices in trade, contracts, and commerce.
● Criminal Justice: Specific penalties for crimes like theft and false accusation.
● Governance: How a Muslim ruler should implement justice and manage the state.
Personal Reflection
Reading Reliance of the Traveller gave me a strong sense of how thoroughly Islamic law covers
all aspects of life. I was particularly impressed by the balance between personal piety and
societal responsibility it encourages. Some sections, especially on governance and warfare, were
more rigid and might seem difficult when compared with modern laws, but they reflect the
serious approach to justice in classical Islamic tradition.
Conclusion
Reliance of the Traveller remains a cornerstone of Islamic legal studies, especially for followers
of the Shafi'i school. Despite being centuries old, its detailed legal discussions continue to be
relevant for understanding the foundations of Islamic law today. It is an essential read for anyone
seriously interested in Shariah.
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Title and Author
● Title: Tafsir Ibn Kathir ()تفسير ابن كثير
● Author: Ismail ibn Umar ibn Kathir
● Type: Islamic Exegesis (Tafsir) – Commentary on the Qur'an
● Translation Used: English translation by Dar-us-Salam Publications (abridged version,
translated by a team including Safiur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri)
Background Information
Tafsir Ibn Kathir is a renowned 14th-century commentary on the Qur'an. Ibn Kathir, a respected
Islamic scholar from Damascus, composed this tafsir based on classical Islamic sources,
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including the Qur'an itself, authentic Hadiths, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad’s
companions. His work became one of the most referenced tafsirs in Sunni Islam due to its depth,
authenticity, and clarity. It is highly valued for its methodology, which strictly adheres to
traditional Islamic scholarship.
Main Summary
The book systematically explains each verse of the Qur'an. Ibn Kathir begins by explaining the
meanings of words and phrases, often cross-referencing other verses. He supports interpretations
with reliable hadiths and scholarly opinions, especially from the Prophet’s companions and their
followers.
Key areas include theological discussions, historical events behind verse revelations (Asbab
al-Nuzul), explanations of legal rulings, and spiritual advice. The tafsir covers not only linguistic
meanings but also the broader religious, moral, and social implications of the verses. Its method
offers a thorough understanding rooted in Islamic tradition.
Key Concepts
Qur'anic Self-Explanation: Using other parts of the Qur'an to interpret specific verses.
● Hadith-based Interpretation: Heavy reliance on authenticated sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad.
● Historical Context: Providing the background stories behind revelations.
● Theology and Creed: Emphasis on proper Islamic beliefs based on the Qur'an and
Sunnah.
● Moral and Legal Guidance: Lessons on ethics, social conduct, and religious
obligations.
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Personal Reflection
Reading Tafsir Ibn Kathir made me realize how interconnected the Qur'an's verses are and how
much depth lies beneath even the simplest statements. Ibn Kathir’s approach, always referring
back to the Qur'an and authentic Hadith, strengthens one’s trust in the commentary. While some
sections were complex and required slow reading, the overall journey was enlightening, offering
both knowledge and spiritual reflection. It felt like gaining both historical insight and religious
wisdom at the same time.
Conclusion
Tafsir Ibn Kathir remains one of the greatest Islamic works for understanding the Qur'an
authentically and traditionally. Its reliance on sound sources and methodical style ensures that it
is still widely studied and respected today. For anyone wanting a detailed and trustworthy
explanation of the Qur'an, Ibn Kathir’s tafsir is indispensable.
