Q: I seek to obtain knowledge and Iman (Faith) that please Allah (Exalted be He) and His Messenger (peace be upon him); what are your wise guidelines for me regarding reading Islamic books that can help to correctly form the character of a Muslim? Your answer is very much needed especially nowadays when many doubtful matters and untrue issues are spread in the name of Din (religion)?

A: You have to focus on the Qur'an. You have to recite and contemplate it a great deal, for the Qur'an is the source of all goodness and is the greatest and most honorable Book. Then, you have to focus on the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him). Regarding Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah), you may read the book of Sharh Al-`Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah by Ibn Abu Al-`Izz, Tat-hir Al-I`tiqad by Al-San‘any, Al-Tawhid by Ibn Khuzaymah, Mukhtasar Al-Sawa`iq Al-Mursalah by Al-Mawsily. Kashf Al-Shubuhat and Al-Tawhid by Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Abdul-Wahhab, Fath-ul-Majid by the latter's grandson `Abdul-Rahman ibn Hasan, Al-`Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah with its commentaries by Ibn Taymiyyah, and the two books of Al-Hamawiyyah and Al-Tadmuriyyah by Ibn Taymiyyah as well. Regarding Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), you may read the book of Al-Muhadhdhab by Abu Is-haq Al-Shirazy, Zad Al-Ma`ad and I`lam Al-Muwaqqi`in by Ibn Al-Qayyim (Part No. 12; Page No. 123) Al-Jawziyyah, `Umdat Al-Fiqh by Al-Muwaffaq ibn Qudamah. Regarding the books of Hadith, you may read the book of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Riyad Al-Salihin, Muntaqa Al-Akhbar, and Bulugh Al-Maram. Regarding the books of exhortations, you may read the book of Al-Da' Wal-Dawa' by Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah which is called as well Al-Jawab Al-Kafi Liman Sa'ala `An Al-Dawa' Al-Shafi, Al-Adab Al-Shar`iyyah by Ibn Muflih, and Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib by Ibn Al-Qayyim. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.