The Absolute Essentials of Islam

A Basic Hanafi Primer on Faith, Prayer, & the Path of Salvation, compiled by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and based on Shaykh Amin Jundi’s Iṣlāḥ ‘Ilm al-Ḥāl, presents the essential knowledge every Muslim needs in order to worship Allah correctly and meaningfully. Allah Most High commands us to worship Him with sincerity, gratitude, and reverence, as He says in the Qur’an: “And they were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting religion purely to Him, remaining steadfast, and establishing prayer and giving zakat-that is the true religion.” (Qur’an 98:5)

Sound worship is not possible without sound knowledge. This concise primer distils the fundamental matters of faith (‘aqīdah), prayer (ṣalāh), and key aspects of daily life and conduct that every Muslim is required to know. Accessible and practical, it helps the reader gain the necessary understanding to ensure that their acts of devotion are valid, proper, and pleasing to Allah.

Rooted in the methodology of traditional Sunni Islam and based on the Hanafi school-the largest and one of the most rigorously developed schools of Islamic law-this work is designed to provide a reliable foundation in a short amount of time. It is an ideal starting point for beginners and a valuable refresher for anyone seeking clarity in the essentials of their religious practice.