I've previously discussed what scholars and students of knowledge go through within the eight main Islamic sciences, but I have not yet provided resources such as books or lectures. Therefore, I am presenting a selection of essential resources that I highly recommend for those who wish to seek knowledge, whether it is to understand our beautiful Deen better, or to commence your journey as a student of knowledge. Please note that all the resources I've listed are in Arabic. Some are categorized by levels and for others, I've included relevant recommendations. There could certainly be additional suggestions, but my intention was to find a balance between the essentials and sufficiency. If a book is not available, I would suggest that you purchase it. However, I recommend obtaining these resources as physical books instead of PDFs whenever possible. Most of these resources are fundamental, while others provide a comprehensive or sufficient basis for a student of knowledge to delve into:
From one of the greatest scholars of the sciences of Qur’an in our time shaykh Musaa'id at-Tayyaar [الشيخ مساعد الطيار]:
From other scholars:
Relevant:
The provided resources should suffice for anyone to attain a comprehensive understanding of the science of hadith (المصطلح الحديث) as a student of knowledge. In other words, the first level is al-Bayqooniyyah and the second level is Nukhbatul-Fikr. These constitute the primary two levels. There's also "Summary of Hadith Sciences" (اختصار علوم الحديث), for which one can study the explanations by either Ahmad Shaakir or Abdul-Kareem al-Khudayr. Anything beyond this would be considered supplementary, which is the third level. This level involves studying, with a scholar's guidance, "Alfiyyah al-Hadith by Al-Iraqi" (ألفية الحديث للعراقي). However, it contains numerous details that may not be strictly necessary for a student of knowledge. Shaykh 'Abdul-Kareem al-Khudayr offers a three-volume explanation (source) that is also available in lecture format. It's also suggested that "Alfiyyah as-Suyuti in Hadith" (ألفية السيوطي في الحديث) is more comprehensive than "Alfiyyah al-Hadith by al-Iraqi", and Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Ethiopi provides an explanation for it (source).
As for [الجرح والتعديل]:
Relevant:
It's said that imam al-Baghawi has summarized all six books of hadith. There's a recent edition that consists of only three volumes, but the versions available online often contain more volumes.
I have already covered that here:
Though, before reading the 'aqeedah books, I highly recommend others to start with these two:
Important additions:
Here are important Hanbali sources. The introductory fiqh:
First level:
Second level:
I highly recommend this which my shaykh also recommended to me:
The third level book, "Explanation of Muntaha al-Iradat" (شرح منتهى الإرادات), is quite extensive. Unfortunately, not many students of knowledge progress to this stage. However, the resources mentioned for the first and second levels should be sufficient for a student of knowledge. In terms of lectures, I recommend listening to the explanations provided by either Mutlaq al-Jaasir (مطلق الجاسر) or Muhammad ibn Ahmad Bajaabir (محمد بن أحمد باجابر).
As for principles of jurisprudence [أصول الفقه], the first level:
This above is actually for the madhhab ash-Shaafi’ee but the explanation can be according to the madhhab Hanbali. Here's one from shaykh 'Abdullah al-Fawzan:
There is a longer explanation by shaykh Abdul-Kareem al-Khudayr:
Second level:
Those two above are like introductory to the second level, after having gone those two then this explanation by shaykh al-’Uthaymeen [though, some of the last chapters are not explained]:
As for the complete explanation, I can recommend you to listen to shaykh Abdussalam ash-Shuway'ir:
Third level:
There is one important addition that I can highly recommend, if you can find it somewhere else, I implore you to buy it:
أصول الفقه على منهج أهل السنة - وليد بن راشد السعيدان | [Book Review]
While there is minor criticism of the title, it's important to note that Ahlus-Sunnah scholars do have certain differences of opinion on some principles, and there are instances where they might be unknowingly influenced by the mutakallimoon. This is the reason behind the statement stating that it's difficult to find a book on the principles of jurisprudence that is free from the influence of the mutakallimoon. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book.
Additionally, it is important to note that in the study of usool al-fiqh, some scholars argue that there is no 'majaaz' (مجاز) in the Qur'an. While one might understand the rationale behind their viewpoint, it is observed that among scholars, there is a recognition of 'majaaz' in the Qur'an. This recognition, however, underscores the importance of interpreting 'majaaz' according to the understanding of Ahlus-Sunnah, contrasting with Ahlul-Bida'ah, who often misinterpret it. Reading suggestion on this subject matter:
As for jurisprudential maxims [القواعد الفقهية]:
I also suggest others to buy this:
Our shaykh instructed us to first study al-Qawaa'id al-Fiqhiyyah, followed by Usool al-Fiqh, and finally Fiqh. This differs from the traditional method, which typically begins with Fiqh, moves to al-Qawaa'id al-Fiqhiyyah, and then concludes with Usool al-Fiqh. Our shaykh suggested that for individuals from the West, it's better to reverse the order as it allows for a deeper appreciation of the sciences within this field of knowledge. I would also recommend this approach to others.
So, after an introductory course in Fiqh, you should proceed by studying the first level of each science of knowledge, i.e., al-Qawaa'id al-Fiqhiyyah, Usool al-Fiqh, and then Fiqh. Once you have completed the first level in these sciences, you can move on to studying the second level of each, and so on.
I can suggest others to buy this:
مكارم الأخلاق في ضوء الكتاب والسنة
Relevant:
Ibn Katheer has a book on the biographies of the prophets (peace be upon them). As for the Seerah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):
The final and one of the most significant Seerahs is that of ibn Hishaam. Lately, there appears to be a trend with some scholars emphasizing the study of Seerah solely from authentic sources, which might suggest that works such as those by ibn Hishaam are not reliable enough. However, it should be noted that scholars of the past relied heavily on ibn Hishaam's works. Therefore, caution should be exercised regarding this trend.
First level:
Second level:
Third level:
Relevant important additions:
I can suggest others to buy this:
أفنان الصياغة في حل ألفاظ دروس البلاغة
Somewhat related to the language but in connection with ‘aqeedah:
Importance of the language:
I can highly recommend others to buy this as this is a practical demonstration of the language used in the Shari’ah:
أثر العربية في استنباط الأحكام الفقهية من السنة النبوية
Necessary dictionary:
I also highly recommend others to buy this:
معجم لغة الشريعة: معجم في العربية ومفردات العقيدة والقرآن والحديث والفقه
One notable scholar who excels at imparting reminders is Muhammad Mukhtar ash-Shanqeeti (محمد المختار الشنقيطي).
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