Ibn Taofeeq drops “Resolving the Controversies”, book aimed at clearing common misconceptions among Muslims.

The controversial nature of some issues is more prevalent in the Southwestern Nigeria and some gulf countries. Examples are the issues of keeping the beard, whereby the one who shaves or trim his beard is being considered a non-sunni; the issue of lowering the trousers beneath the ankles, whereby some fanatics avoid observing solaat behind an Imam whose trousers length is below his ankles; among these controversial issues that are being taken as distinguishing feature between a sunni and non-sunni is the issue of how a Muslim female dresses; and some consider those of us who use Subhah in counting our adhkaar as “Sufis”, “innovators” and all sort of uncouth names.

These controversies had damaged the spirit of brotherhood which is one of the foundations of Islam, and led many Muslims doing apart from their fellow Muslims.

Of course, individuals cannot be stopped from abiding by their convictions once there is a precedence in the books of the Salaf. But among what we mostly lack is how to learn to appreciate others regardless of our differences.

Certainly, unanimity (Ijmaa’u) can only be accomplished through political authority. And we are very far from that now.

I believe a better way to put a controversy at rest in a society is to discuss the subject matter intellectually in all angles and drawing a well defined and reasonable conclusion. Even if a party holds to an opposing view, such group of people will be happy to disagree (with evidences) and not make a controversy out of the issue.

And this is my intention for writing this book with the aim that all these trival and usual controversies be put at rest (as it was during the time of our righteous predecessors). And that birth the title “Resolving The Controversies” in Arabic “حلول للخلافات”.

In this book, I tried to cite all available and valid opinions of each schools of thoughts in all the chapters, discussed their opinions and evidences with conclusions I believe will make harmony and peace reign among us; so that we can all face more important and fundamental issues.