Useful Books on the Creed of the Salaf

The questioner:
In this pleasant discussion, you mentioned the obligation of adopting the methodology of the righteous Salaf, namely the Companions, the Successors, and the Successors of the Successors among the renowned noble imams. So, would you please direct us to some of the useful books on the creed of the people of the Salaf?

The Shaykh:
As for the useful books on the creed that clarify the creed of the righteous Salaf, there are many, and I cannot enumerate them all. However, I will mention to you the books of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) and his student Ibn al-Qayyim, especially those related to the creed and the names and attributes. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him and reward him well for Islam and the Muslims) made a tremendous effort in explaining the creed of the righteous Salaf and refuting the doubts regarding it. This is found in his books, especially in the large collection (Majmu' al-Fatawa), where the beginning deals with the creed. Likewise, Ibn al-Qayyim.
The scope in this field is broad. Among his books that he wrote on this subject, adopting a methodology, are many. Among them is his book *Al-Jawab al-Kafi li Man S'ala 'an al-Dawa' al-Shafi* (The Sufficient Answer for One Who Asks about the Common Medicine). And his book *Al-Muwani' al-Manzumah* (The Rhymed Muwani'), known as *Al-'Aqidah* (The Creed) of the righteous Salaf. And *Ittijad al-Juyush al-Islamiyyah 'ala Ghazw al-Mu'tadilah wa al-Jahmiyyah* (The Convergence of the Islamic Armies to Attack the Deniers of Attributes and the Jahmiyyah). Okay. *Ighathat al-Lahfan min Masayid al-Shaytan* (Relief for the Anxious from the Snare of Satan). And among them is... Yes. *Shifa' al-Ghalil fi al-Qada' wa al-Qadar wa al-Hikmah wa al-Ta'lil* (The Cure for the Bitter in Divine Decree and Destiny, Wisdom, and Causation). This is regarding divine decree. *Khalasat al-Basharah fi al-Qada' wa al-Qadar* (The Purity of the Soul in Divine Decree and Destiny). And other precious books of his. Yes. *Madaraj al-Salikin* (The Stations of the Travelers) as well. *Madaraj al-Salikin* in the oneness of worship. Although it contains some obscure matters because he is explaining a book on Sufism by al-Harawi. But it contains discussions on the creed and on the oneness of worship that are very noble. Yes.

The questioner:
What is your opinion of one who denies fabrication?

The Shaykh:
That is in the books of Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him) to clarify the oneness of worship. The book *Al-Tawhid* (The Oneness of Allah) which is the right of Allah over His servants, and its commentaries *Fath al-Majid* and *Taysir al-'Aziz al-Hamid*. And likewise the book *Kashf al-Shubuhat* (Unveiling the Doubts) in refuting the doubts of the tomb worshippers and those who worship the awliya (close friends of Allah) and the righteous besides Allah. These books should be, or it is obligatory for, a student of knowledge to look into them. *Sharh al-Tahawiyyah* (Commentary on the Tahawi Creed) as well, in clarifying the creed of the righteous Salaf. Also the book *Al-Qaym*. Yes.