The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam is a long-awaited translation of Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi's well-known Arabic work, Al-Halal Al-Haram Fil-Islam. Over the years since ite first publication in 1960, this volume has enjoyed a huge readership in the Arabic speaking world and is now in its 20th edition.
It came to dispel the ambiguities surrounding the honorable Shari'ah, and to fulfill the essential needs of the Muslims in this age. It clarifies the Halal (Lawful) and why it is Halal, and the Haram (Prohibited) and why it is Haram, referring to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be on him). It answers all the questions which may face the Muslims today, and refutes the ambiguities and lies about Islam.
In a very simple way, Al-Halal Al-Haram Fil-Islam delves into the authentic references in Islamic jurisprudence and fiqh. It therefrom extracts judgments of interest to contemporary Muslims in the areas of worship, business dealings, marriage and divorce, food and drink, dress and ornaments, patterns of behavior, individual and group relations, family and social ethics, habits and social customs. Referring to authentic texts, it clarifies that "Permission is the rule in everything, unless it is otherwise specified in matters that adversely affect individuals or groups." It also clarifies that "Allah is the only authority who has the right to legislate for the lawful and the prohibited."
Dr. Al-Qaradawi is a prominent Muslim scholar who has devoted his life to the cause of Islam. Born in Egypt, he was educated at al-Azhar University, the most distinguished institution of Islamic learning in the world.
Dr. Al-Qaradawi's contributions to the field of Islamic scholarship are noteworthy. He is the author of twenty books, some of which have been translated into Turkish, Persian, Urdu, and Indonesian. He is also a poet well-known for his distinctive style.
For the past many years, Dr. Al-Qaradawi has resided in Qatar, where he has headed the Religious Institute of Doha and the Department of Shuri'ah at the University of Qatar. He is also presently the Dean of the Shurihh College. He has made many trips to the United States and other countries of the Western world and has addreesed himself to many problems which confront Muslims residing in these areas.
Proclaim in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created man, out of a clot of congealed blood. Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen. Taught man that which he knew not. (Qur'an 96:15)