The Methodology for Beginning the Pursuit of Knowledge

Question:
We have received several questions, and by the grace of Allah the Exalted, they come every week, in which the brothers ask about how to begin the pursuit of knowledge and what is the sound methodology in that. We ask for guidance. May Allah reward you.

Answer:
The sound approach in this matter is to begin with the Noble Qur'an, memorize whatever is easy for one, and recite it frequently, while paying attention to books of creed so that one is upon clarity in his religion. Then, pay attention to hadith, such as *Bulugh al-Maram*, *Mudhakkirat al-Hadith*, *Al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyyah*, and *Tammah al-Alf al-Rajab*; all of these contain fifty hadiths. This is a good beginning. One should focus on the Qur'an, which is the most important thing, and start with it, memorizing whatever is easy for him, because it is the Book of Allah, the most truthful Book, the greatest Book, and the most beneficial Book. Allah revealed it as guidance for people for those who have acknowledged . So the advice for every student is to begin with it and focus on it, by increasing its recitation and memorizing whatever is easy for him. He should also study *Al-Mufassal*, then the books of creed: *Kitab al-Tawhid* by Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab, *Al-'Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah* by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, *Al-Usul al-Thalathah* (The Three Fundamentals), *Al-Qawa'id al-Arba'* (The Four Rules), and *Kashf al-Shubuhat* (Exposing the Doubts). These small books on creed are important and beneficial because they are all taken from the Qur'an, derived from the Qur'an, and they explain the correct creed, the creed of the people of the Sunnah and the community. Then, pay attention to the rest of the hadith books, such as memorizing *Bulugh al-Maram* or *Umdah al-Hadith*, so that he has the fundamentals of the Sunnah along with the Qur'an. We ask Allah for success for everyone. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.