Q: First: I would like first of all that you advise me so I might learn from you, as the saying goes, "Knowledge should be taken from the mouths of men." I would like, for example, that you advise me as to how to strengthen my faith. Second: I want to learn but there is a scarcity of books in Algeria except those in the possession of few Muslim brothers, may Allah reward them well for learning!Third: I work as a mason. My coworkers' `Aqidah (creed) is weak and their idle talk is about nothing but obscenity.Fourth: I have a friend who is of unsound `Aqidah and whose speech is always nothing but backbiting righteous faithful brothers. I feel sick for not being able to abandon him. I hope that you will give me a remedy for this problem.

A: First: We advise you to be diligent in reciting and listening to the Qur'an and to reflect on the meanings of what you recite and listen as much as possible. Moreover, if you do not understand something you read, you may consult knowledgeable people of your country. You are also advised to remember Allah reciting such utterances of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) as authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) such as saying: La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah), Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah), Al-Hamdulil-Lah (Praise be to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) and the like. To do so, you may consult such books as (Part No. 12; Page No. 368) Al-Kalimul-Tayyib by Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Wabilul-Sayyib by Ibn Al-Qayyim, Riadul-Salihin, Al-Adhkarul-Nawawiyyah both by Al-Nawawy and the like. Dhikr increases faith and hearts find rest therein. Allah (Exalted be He) said: ...verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest. Furthermore, you have to be consistent in punctually performing Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fast) and other pillars of Islam. Moreover, you should be hopeful of Allah's Mercy and rely on Allah in all your affairs. Allah (Exalted be He) stated: The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’ân) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise). Second: Islamic books can be found in large numbers in all Muslim countries both in state-owned and individually-owned bookstores easily for those who search for them. You are advised to consult knowledgeable people in your country to know what books are appropriate for you to read, to borrow from public libraries, or to buy from commercial bookstores. You are also advised to ask scholars known for their comprehensive knowledge and sound `Aqidah. We also never mind answering your questions regarding (Part No. 12; Page No. 369) issues relating to the sacred Shari`ah (Islamic law). We ask Allah to help us remain steadfast upon the truth. Third and fourth: You must only be in the company of good people and sit with the righteous that you may benefit from their knowledge and conduct which will help you in obeying Allah. Beware of bad company and sitting with evil persons for fear that they might affect your conduct negatively, weaken your determination to perform religious rites or fulfill family duties or defame you. In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised his Ummah to sit with the righteous and warned them against sitting with evil ones giving the following similitude: The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one blowing bellows. As for the owner of musk, you would buy from, or he would offer you free of charge, or you would smell its pleasant odor. So far as one who blows the bellows is concerned, he would either burn your clothes or you shall have to smell its repugnant smell. (Related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Abu Musa) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.