The Faith of Islam   By: Edward Sell (1839-1932)

THE

FAITH OF ISLAM:

BY

THE REV. EDWARD SELL, FELLOW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS.

TRÜBNER & CO., LONDON. ADDISON & CO., MADRAS. 1880.

All rights reserved.

MADRAS: PRINTED BY ADDISON AND CO., MOUNT ROAD.

PREFACE.

The following pages embody a study of Islám during a residence of fifteen years in India, the greater part of which time I have been in daily intercourse with Musalmáns. I have given in the footnotes the authorities from which I quote. I was not able to procure in Madras a copy of the Arabic edition of Ibn Khaldoun's great work, but the French translation by Baron M. de Slane, to which I so frequently refer, is thoroughly reliable. The quotations from the Qurán are made from Rodwell's translation. The original has been consulted when necessary.

A few slight and occasional errors in transliteration have occurred, such as Sulát for Salát, Munkar for Munkir, &c., but in no case is the meaning affected.

In some words, such as Khalíf, Khalífate, and Omar, I have retained the anglicised form instead of using the more correct terms, Khalífa, Khiláfat, 'Umr. The letter Q has been used to distinguish the Káf i Karashat from the Káf i Tází.

E. S.

MADRAS, December 1st, 1880.

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CONTENTS.

Introduction. ... PAGE ix

CHAPTER I.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF ISLÁM.

The Qurán Its revelation Miraculous nature Arrangement of Qurán Osmán's recension. The Sunnat The authority of Sunnat Tradition Bid'at or innovation Shía'h Traditions. Ijmá' Ijtihád Four orthodox Imáms, Hanífa, Málik, Sháfa'í and Hanbal. Qíás Established by the early Mujtahidín Sterility of Islám ... PAGE 1

Note to Chapter I. Ijtihád ... PAGE 32

CHAPTER II.

EXEGESIS OF THE QURÁN AND THE TRADITIONS.

Inspiration The seven readings Work of a Commentator Words and Sentences of the Qurán Use of the words Deductions of arguments from the Qurán Divisions of the Qurán Abrogation Creation of the Qurán Hadís or Tradition Collections of Traditions Classification of Traditions ... PAGE 37

CHAPTER III.

THE SECTS OF ISLÁM.

The Shía'hs The Imámat Khárigites Núr i Muhammadí Imám Ismá,ílians and Imámites Ghair i Mahdís Dá,irí Mahmúdíah Khalífate Súfíism Persian Poetry Darwíshes Omar Khayyám Wahhábís their rise spread in India doctrines and influence ... PAGE 73

Note to Chapter III. Wahhábíism ... PAGE 114

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CHAPTER IV.

THE CREED OF ISLÁM

Imán God Attributes of God Discussions on the nature of God The rise of the Mutazilites The Sifátíans Mushábihites Names of God Creation of the Qurán. Angels Recording Angels Hárút and Márút Munkir and Nakír Jinn. The Books Abrogation Tahríf. The Prophets Rank and inspiration of prophets Nabí and Rasúl Sinlessness of prophets The Anbiya ulul 'Azm Miracles of prophets The Mi'ráj. The Resurrection and the last day The Trumpets Descent of the books Balances Bridge Al A'ráf Al Barzakh Intercession of Muhammad Heaven Hell. The Predestination of good and evil Jabríans Qadríans Ash'aríans Free will Apostacy ... PAGE 116

Note to Chapter IV. Muslim Philosophy ... PAGE 181

CHAPTER V.

THE PRACTICAL DUTIES OF ISLÁM.