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Some books by Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah

Question:

What is your opinion on the two books “Minhaj Al-Sunnah” and “Sharh Hadith Al-Nuzul” written by the Shaykh of Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him)?

Answer:

These two books are among the best books available today. They provide authentic information, evidence, good presentation and are very powerful in terms of supporting truth, refuting falsehood and correctness and authenticity of ‘Aqidah (creed). As far as we know, “Minhaj Al-Sunnah” topped the list of the books that refute Rafidah (a Shi‘ah group denying the caliphates of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab and making accusations against them and many other Companions of the Prophet). Similarly, “Sharh Hadith Al-Nuzul” best explains the Hadith that speaks of Allah’s Descent to the Lowest Heaven [in a manner that befits Him].

Advice for those who wish to adopt a suitable methodology to study `Aqidah

Question:

I want to adopt a suitable methodology to study ‘Aqidah (creed), especially after I have learned about the Pillars of Islam, such as Salah (Prayer) and Sawm (Fast). I thank Allah for I also studied the books of “Tawhid” (Monotheism) by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab and “Al-Wasitiyyah” by the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. Would you recommend a proper methodology that would help me pursue a serious study?

Answer:

May Allah increase your deep insight and knowledge! We recommend reading the books of the Salaf (righteous predecessors) on ‘Aqidah, among which are what you have already mentioned in your question in addition to the explanatory books: “Sharh Al-‘Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah”, “Sharh Al-‘Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah”, the commentary on the book of Al-Tawhid titled “Fath Al-Majid” by Shaykh `Abdul-Rahman ibn Hasan and “Taysir Al-‘Aziz Al-Hamid” by Shaykh Sulayman ibn `Abdullah, the two books of “Al-Hamawiyyah” and “Al-Tadmuriyyah” by Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, and the book of “Al-Tawhid” by Ibn Khuzaymah.

Furthermore, we advise you to focus more on the Qur’an by reciting it and contemplating its meanings than any other book, because it is the most truthful, the most useful and the noblest of all books.

The best book on the true `Aqidah

Question:

What is the best book on Tawhid (monotheism) and ‘Aqidah (creed) and how can a person get that?

Answer:

The greatest and best book to clarify the sound ‘Aqidah (creed) is the Glorious Book of Allah, the Qur’an, then the Hadith of His Messenger (peace be upon him). The following is a list of some of the most beneficial books on this subject: Fathul-Majid, Al-‘Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah, Al-‘Uluw Lil-‘Aliy Al-Ghaffar, Al-Tawassul wal-Wasilah, Al-Sawa‘iq Al-Mursalah Abridged, Tathir Al-I‘tiqad and Sharh Al-Tahawiyyah.

Useful books for understanding `Aqidah

Question:

What are the useful books for understanding ‘Aqidah (creed)?

Answer:

Books that are useful for understanding ‘Aqidah and similar topics vary according to the readers’ understanding, cultures, and educational levels. Thus, each person seeking to read in this field should ask the advice of scholars who are aware of their status, aptitude and assimilation of knowledge.

Among the useful books on ‘Aqidah in general: “Al-‘Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah” and the commentaries written on it; “Sharh Al-‘Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah”; “Kitab Al-Tawhid” by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab and its commentaries “Sharh Al-Majid” and “Taysir Al-‘Aziz Al-Hamid”; “Kashf Al-Shubuhat and “Thalathat Al-Usul” both written by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab; “Al-Tadmuriyyah” and “Al-Hamawiyyah” by the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah; the book titled “Al-Tawhid” by by Ibn Khuzaymah and “Al-Qasidah Al-Nuniyyah” and its commentary.

It is worth mentioning that the greatest and noblest of all books is the Glorious Qur’an. The Qur’an is the best embodiment of the true ‘Aqidah and it shows the falsity of anything that contradicts it. We recommend its frequent recitation and contemplation of its meanings. Indeed, the Qur’an includes guidance, enlightenment, a call to doing all that is good and a warning against every evil. Allah (Exalted be He) says (what means): "Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most just and right ."

Some useful books for understanding religion

Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da'imah no. 7443

Question:

What are the useful books that Muslims should read to understand their religion?

Answer:

You should read the Noble Qur’an; the books of Sunnah such as: Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and the four Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Al-Tirmidhy and Al-Nasa’y); and books of ‘Aqidah (creed) such as “Kitab Al-Tawhid” (Book of Monotheism), “Fath Al-Majid” and “Zad Al-Mi‘ad” by Ibn Al-Qayyim, in addition to “Al-‘Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah”, “Sharh Al-Tahawiyyah” and such books written by Sunni scholars.

The most correct book of Fiqh

Question:

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)?

Answer:

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 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.

The book "Fatawa" by Shaykh-ul-Islam

Question:

Several years ago, I started reading the book "Fatawa Shaykh-ul-Islam" until I reached volume 15. Far be it for me to criticize this great scholar, but I found that it was characterized by repetition and prolixity, should I stop reading them? What is your advice for me?

Answer:

We advise you to continue reading the compiled book of the Fatawa (Legal opinions issued by qualified Muslim Scholar) by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) and to have patience and seek Allah's Reward in doing so, for this book is a great and a very useful one, it comprises many questions and topics that provide benefit for people in their life and in the Hereafter. It is a comprehensive, academic encyclopedia including all branches of knowledge, such as `Aqidah (creed), Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Usul-ul-Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith, Tafsir (explanation/ exegesis of the meanings of the Qur'an), in addition to astronomy, logic, arguments, sects and Madhahib (Schools of Jurisprudence), medicine, Arabic linguistics, geography, history, psychology, and many other branches of knowledge.

It is a great and significant book, by which Allah has revealed the truth and warded off many suspicions raised by some liars and many Bid`ahs (innovations in religion) introduced by some deviators. The author (may Allah be merciful to him) refuted such liars with both traditional and logical evidence. He refuted their claims by evidence existing in the essence of their Madh-hab, as he was more knowledgeable of their Madh-hab than they were. Therefore, he held them back, removed any doubts and supported the Salaf's (righteous predecessors) Madh-hab. He also clarified the truth of this Din (religion of Islam) and its `Aqidah, as he explained the consistency between sound logic and authentic tradition. All this comes with fine compilation and eloquent phrasing, classification and clarification.

Hence, whoever reads this great book will Insha'a Allah (if Allah wills) be safe from any suspicions and delusions. They will also have brilliant intellect, sound opinion, and great knowledge that can give them and others confirmed benefits.The repetition and prolixity in some issues in this book was not done in vain, but was intended for a certain benefit viewed by the author (may Allah be merciful to him), to give each issue its due consideration, to cover all its aspects and leave no room for objection or doubt, so that a novice knowledge seeker and a scholar can be able to acquire great benefit. Repetition may also be attributed to repeated questions.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah might mention an issue in a chapter then repeat it in detail, or briefly in another chapter, as necessary, for this issue may have an indirect relationship with the chapter so he briefly mentions it, then states it in detail afterwards in its specified location, due to it having a direct relationship with the chapter previously mentioned.