The books of Islam

[MorbidEntree]

So far in my studying of Islam, it seems that there are a tonne of books in the Islamic community that are referenced often and commonly. My question is, how can I tell which are the more "official" books (like the Quran) and which are more opinionated (such as ones written by scholars and the such)?

P.S. I mean no disrespect by my wording in this post, I just don't have the vocabulary to word it in a more precise manner.

[Misbah0411]

Quran is the primary source of legislation and Guidance. After that is the Sunnah of the Prophet s.a.a.w. that was meticulously scrutinized and recorded in books of Hadith. The top books for that is Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Followed by others like Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ahmad. When you read books on Islam usually they quote the Quran or that of Hadith. For instance, you may come across a statement like this: The Prophet s.a.a.w said, "Actions are but by intentions and each man will have but that which he intended." (Sahih Bukhari) It was that man named Bukhari that analyzed this statement, verified it authenticity and recorded it in his book. Then the next source is the books of the scholars. Hope this clears it up a little.

[MorbidEntree]

Yes, thank you. That makes it a lot easier for me to understand the books now.

[s.ali123]

Yes, thank you. That makes it a lot easier for me to understand the books now.

Actually this is very interesting topic that you asked. No doubt first book is Quran, then hadith books like mentioned above. But even hadith themselves are not simple and straightforward to understand. Many require proper context in which it was said and how the people around the Prophet understood it. Even on that topic there are tons of explanations of hadith books. The most fascinating thing I personally find in Islam is the difference of opinion. And the most important thing is that Muslims since earlier generation narrated and passed on everything. They were not biased in passing only the knowledge they agreed with, but they even passed on the knowledge they did not agree with and commented their reasons etc. That's why the books in Islamic law are huge, because all the opinions of the scholars and the companions are preserved and passed on to us. The most important thing is that even with difference of opinion about something they still saw one another an Muslim brothers and sisters.
Even though it is not directly related but you will find this short book on how hadith were preserved and passed on very interesting. I read it myself and I was amazed at how much great work was done by earlier muslims

https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&sourc...gadhUh7AoqLnYw

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[Ridwaan Ravat]

Kindly refer to your local scholars when referencing any Islamic literature.

Yes the Qur'aan and ahadeeth are authentic sources, but unfortunately some have edited and misinterpreted certain verses, hence always check with your scholars.

[farazhussain]

The Quran is a book based on the truth, and i believe that the event in it, are very just and advice is given to live a way of life.

[Afzalsheikh]

Al Quran is the first source of Islamic law. It assists not only Muslims but all the human beings in exposing the hidden secrets of the world.

[Ümit]

So far in my studying of Islam, it seems that there are a tonne of books in the Islamic community that are referenced often and commonly. My question is, how can I tell which are the more "official" books (like the Quran) and which are more opinionated (such as ones written by scholars and the such)?

P.S. I mean no disrespect by my wording in this post, I just don't have the vocabulary to word it in a more precise manner.

Like some of the posters above already said:
The Quran is the primary book of information. It is directly revealed by God. There is only one version of it, so you can take every Quran you find...of course in original language, which is Arabic. If you choose to read a translated version of the Quran...you must know that not every text can be translated equally accurate...so that is one point to take in consideration.

Then, you have the Hadeeth. Those are recordings of people who have known, met, saw, heard the Prophet Muhammed.
The Hadeeth is man-written and not all hadeeth are equally reliable. if several different people have recorded the same event, then it is a strong hadeeth. event recorded by only one person are usually weak hadeets.

Bukhari was a person who dedicated his life on collecting these hadeeths. It is said that he did a 2 rakaat salaah for every collected hadeeth to ask God to help him with collecting the truthworthy hadeeths. and he collected tens of thousands of them.

Usually Hadeeths collected by Bukhari and Muslim are reliable. then the other Hadeeth collections.

Then you have book who provide you background information about the Quran. These are called Tafsirs. They provide information like, when a verse was revealed first, what whas happening in the world at that time, the motive of the verse, a translation in your language, how a certain word in this verse should be interpreted. For what I know, the most reliable Tafsir is from Ibn Kathir.

I personally find the Tafsir a very important book to understand the Quran better.

[Supernova]

Then, you have the Hadeeth. Those are recordings of people who have known, met, saw, heard the Prophet Muhammed.
The Hadeeth is man-written and not all hadeeth are equally reliable. if several different people have recorded the same event, then it is a strong hadeeth. event recorded by only one person are usually weak hadeets.

Asalaamualaykum
Please double check or rephrase the above as it is incorrect.
You are mixing several issues : The issues are Sahih Hadeeth against a Daif Hadith even though it might be Muthawatir and then you mixing that issue with Sanads : in reference of a Hadith that is Ahad.

Wasalaam.

[adyiqbal]

The Best Book, the Holy Quran is the primary source of Islam and there is a solution to every problem. So, trust it blindly.

[DanEdge]

Thanks to contributors to this discussion. I've been thinking about what to read next after I get done with the Quaran. I'll look in to the Hadiths, and maybe some supporting texts that reference historical context. I like it that there is honest disagreement among the scholars. For me, rigorous debate is often more revealing that straightforward pontification.

--Dan Edge