The Book of the Permissible and the Forbidden: The 14th Book of the Ihya ulum ad-din (Revival of Religious Sciences)

The Book of the Permissible and the Forbidden (Kitab al-halal wa l-haram) is the 14th book of Ghazali's main work, Ihya' 'ulum ad-din. In the quarter of life's affairs (rub' al-'adat), to which this book belongs, the author devotes himself to the principles of practical religion prevalent among people, their profound subtleties, their complex practices, and a piety that no one can do without. Accordingly, this book does not offer a list of actions that are halal or haram, but rather a guide for those who strive for the former and wish to avoid the latter. It explains how to deal with dubious matters and the importance of proceeding with caution (wara'). Allah's Messenger - said: "The lawful is clear, and the forbidden is clear, and between the two are doubtful matters of which many people are unaware. Whoever avoids the doubtful matters will thereby ensure the integrity of his faith and his honor..." Translated and commented by Hans Bauer. Revised edition, with references to the hadith quotations by Imam az-Zabidi and al-Hafiz al-'Iraqi. Brief biographies of the hadith scholars.