Understanding the Four Madhhabs: The Facts about Ijtihad and Taqlid by Abdal Hakim Murad (2009-12-31) Paperback

This is a very good introduction to the traditional schools of Sunni Islam and how they developed. Its paticually useful in that it answers some of the questions that have become common these days and also some of the criticisms of the Islamic schools of thought by both modernists and fundamentalists. I especially like the answer to the common slander that scholars followed these schools because they were after lucrative jobs, that's clearly blown out of the water when its pointed out some of the leading scholars were men of independent means or men who actually had other trades.Well worth a read.

This booklet is worth far more than the nominal amount that it charged for it. Written by one of the most respected Islamic scholars in the UK, whom I personally had the honour of praying behind on a few occasions. He explains a very important topic in a very accessible and easy to follow manner whilst retaining the scholarly approach that he is known for, giving us every confidence that what is said in the pamphlet is the product of much research and reflection.If you want an introduction to the madhabs (the four established schools of jurisprudence) that the majority of Muslims adhere to, then this is a perfect booklet for you.

I haven't read this as yet as i only received it yesterday. But first thing I noticed. Is it is quote a thin book. I am looking forward to reading it though.

An accessible and well structured introduction to the topic. An informative and enjoyable read.

A concise intro to aspects of fiqh of the four schools of thought

Very well written. Eloquent and also makes great points against the naive understanding of not needing to follow one of the four madhabs.

Short concise but paked with information about the maDHABS

its a quick summary of the madhabs incase nobody has ever explained them to you, very short and to the point