What are the best books that a Muslim must own?

The questioner : The questioner says: O honorable Shaykh, what are the best books that a Muslim must own?

The Shaykh : The best books that a Muslim must own are the Book of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). One should take care of it, reflect on its meaning, and understand what is intended by it. This is done by reviewing tafsir books written by scholars who are trusted in their knowledge and integrity, such as the tafsir of Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him), the tafsir of Shaykh Abd al-Rahman ibn Sa’di, the tafsir of Shaykh Abu Bakr al-Jaza’iri, and other scholars known for their knowledge and integrity. It is also done by receiving the meanings of the Qur’an from the mouths of trusted scholars in their knowledge and integrity, either directly or by listening to their recorded tapes. This is because the Noble Qur’an was revealed for recitation, for seeking blessing through its recitation, and for attaining reward and recompense through it. It was also revealed for reflection and taking a lesson from it, as the Exalted said: So I urge my Muslim brothers to reflect on the Book of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), understand its meaning, and then act in accordance with it by believing the news and complying with the rulings. Thus, one follows what Allah has commanded in His Book and leaves what Allah has forbidden in His Book. After this, one should own what is authentic from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in terms of hadiths. It is known that the Sunnah is vast, and comprehending it is difficult. However, there are books compiled from it. Some are limited to authentic hadiths only, such as *Umdat al-Ahkam*. Others mention what is in the two Sahihs and other collections, but they indicate the grade of the hadith in terms of authenticity, weakness, or goodness, such as *Bulugh al-Maram*. After that, one should own books related to tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the correct creed, such as the book *Tawhid* by Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab and the book *Al-‘Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah* by Shaykh al-Islam Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah. Then, one should own whatever is available of books of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). In the madhhab (school of jurisprudence) of Imam Ahmad, the best book to own is *Al-Rawd al-Murba‘ Sharh Zad al-Mustaqni‘*, as well as *Al-Zad* itself, and the commentaries or annotations that have been written on this blessed concise book. As for grammar, a person should start with the easiest, such as *Al-Ajrumiyyah*. Then, some scholars say that after *Al-Ajrumiyyah* comes *Qatr al-Nada*, followed by *Alfiyyat Ibn Malik*. I see that there is no need to study both *Qatr al-Nada* and *Alfiyyat Ibn Malik*; rather, one should limit oneself to one of them, which is sufficient.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.