What are the books related to creed and jurisprudence that you recommend for students of knowledge?
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The questioner : Your Eminence, what books related to creed and jurisprudence do you recommend for students of knowledge to read and study?
The Shaykh : By Allah, students of knowledge, may Allah bless you, are either beginners, in which case we recommend concise books; or intermediate, in which case we recommend books of a higher level; or advanced, in which case we recommend the large books. We cannot give a general recommendation. For example, if one is a beginner, we say that in creed he should study *Al-'Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah* by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him), as it is one of the most comprehensive, best, and most reliable books on tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and what is connected to it. Also, *Kitab al-Tawhid* by Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him). If he cannot handle that, then he should study what is below it, such as *Al-Usul al-Thalathah* (The Three Fundamental Principles) and *Kashf al-Shubuhat* (Clarification of Doubts). However, *Kitab al-Tawhid* is the best of them if he is able to manage it. Regarding hadith, *Umdat al-Ahkam* (The Support of Rulings). Regarding jurisprudence, *Zad al-Mustaqni'* (The Provisions of the Seeker), because we do not want to say: "Study what is below *Zad al-Mustaqni'*." Then, after that, books of jurisprudence accumulate upon him in *Zad al-Mustaqni'*. We say: Start now with *Zad al-Mustaqni'* for memorization and explanation. Yes. And in grammar, *Al-Ajrumiyyah*, then *Al-Alfiyyah*. Yes.
The Shaykh : By Allah, students of knowledge, may Allah bless you, are either beginners, in which case we recommend concise books; or intermediate, in which case we recommend books of a higher level; or advanced, in which case we recommend the large books. We cannot give a general recommendation. For example, if one is a beginner, we say that in creed he should study *Al-'Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah* by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him), as it is one of the most comprehensive, best, and most reliable books on tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and what is connected to it. Also, *Kitab al-Tawhid* by Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him). If he cannot handle that, then he should study what is below it, such as *Al-Usul al-Thalathah* (The Three Fundamental Principles) and *Kashf al-Shubuhat* (Clarification of Doubts). However, *Kitab al-Tawhid* is the best of them if he is able to manage it. Regarding hadith, *Umdat al-Ahkam* (The Support of Rulings). Regarding jurisprudence, *Zad al-Mustaqni'* (The Provisions of the Seeker), because we do not want to say: "Study what is below *Zad al-Mustaqni'*." Then, after that, books of jurisprudence accumulate upon him in *Zad al-Mustaqni'*. We say: Start now with *Zad al-Mustaqni'* for memorization and explanation. Yes. And in grammar, *Al-Ajrumiyyah*, then *Al-Alfiyyah*. Yes.