Priorities in the Islamic Sciences for the Beginner Student of Knowledge

Question:
He says: What are the priorities in the Islamic sciences for the beginner student of knowledge, and what is the benefit of the science of usul al-fiqh (the principles of jurisprudence)?

Answer:
The priorities for the beginner student of knowledge are to know what straightens his religion: knowing the five pillars of Islam, the meaning of the two testimonies, which is tawhid (the oneness of Allah), and what opposes it, which is shirk (associating partners with Allah); knowing the rulings of the ritual prayer; knowing the rulings of zakah (the obligatory alms); knowing the rulings of fasting; knowing the rulings of Hajj (the major pilgrimage). This is essential knowledge for every Muslim; he must know this level of knowledge, for his religion does not stand without it. This is an individual obligation (fard 'ayn), and whatever goes beyond that is a collective obligation (fard kifayah).
If a sufficient number of people fulfill it, the sin is lifted from the rest, and it remains for the rest as a recommended practice (sunnah), one of the best of the recommended practices. Seeking knowledge is among the best of acts of worship.