What Are Some Recommended Scholars and Authors for a Beginner Sister Following the Salafi Methodology?
Question: Salam wa alakium, what are some reliable authors to take from for a sister whose new to the Salaf methodology and wants to increase her knowledge and understanding through books as there is no teacher around her. JazakAllahu Khairun
Summary:
The basic principle in seeking knowledge is that it should be taken from firmly grounded scholars, as they are best able to explain the texts and correct one's understanding. However, if a sister cannot find a trustworthy female teacher or shaykh in her country, then there is no harm in learning from the books of reliable scholars and their recorded explanations, while giving priority to the Quran and the Sunnah, beginning with concise works, and asking the people of knowledge about anything unclear whenever that becomes possible.
Answer:
Firstly: The Basic Principle Is That Knowledge Is Taken From Its People
From the Qur'an:
- (Surah al-Nahl 16:43)
"So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know."
- (Surah al-Tawbah 9:122)
"It is not for all the believers to go forth together. Rather, why should not a group from every section of them go forth to gain understanding of the religion and to warn their people when they return to them?"
From the Sunnah:
- Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih MuslimIt is also reported from Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan رضي الله عنهما that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion."
These texts show that knowledge should be taken from its qualified people, and that referring back to the scholars is the fundamental principle. Secondly: If There Is No Scholar or Female Teacher, Is It Permissible to Learn From Books? Yes, this is permissible when there is a need, provided one is careful not to rely solely upon personal reasoning and refers back to the scholars whenever something is unclear.
From the Scholars:
- Shaykh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz رحمه الله said:
"If a person is from the common people and does not possess the necessary tools of knowledge, then he will not attain complete benefit except by learning from the people of knowledge. However, if he cannot find them, then he should read beneficial books, reflect upon the Quran, read the hadith, and ask the people of knowledge about whatever is unclear to him whenever that becomes possible."
- Regarding the ruling on taking knowledge from books without referring back to scholars, he also said:
"The greatest and most beneficial book for the seeker of knowledge is the Noble Quran, then the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ, followed by concise books in aqidah, fiqh, hadith, and other subjects."
- When asked which books are recommended for the beginner seeking knowledge, he also said:
"It is obligatory to adhere to the Quran and the Sunnah and to benefit from the statements of the scholars, because they clarify and explain. Therefore, the seeker of truth should use their explanations to understand the Quran and the Sunnah."
Benefiting From the Books of the Scholars to Understand the Quran and the Sunnah Thirdly: Some Trustworthy Scholars and Authors Whose Books Are Recommended For a beginner sister, it is recommended to begin with the books and explanations of scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah who are known for sound belief, including: In Aqidah: Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab رحمه الله: The Three Fundamental Principles The Four Principles Kashf al-Shubuhat Kitab al-Tawhid Abd al-Rahman ibn Nasir al-Sadi رحمه الله: Taysir al-Karim al-Rahman Bahjat Qulub al-Abrar Al-Qawl al-Sadid Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz رحمه الله: Majmu al-Fatawa His recorded lessons and lectures Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin رحمه الله: Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles Explanation of The Four Principles Explanation of Kitab al-Tawhid Explanation of Al-Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan حفظه الله: Ianat al-Mustafid Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles Explanation of Kitab al-Tawhid In Tafsir: Tafsir al-Sadi Tafsir Ibn Kathir (to be read gradually alongside explanations) In Hadith: Riyad al-Salihin with the explanation of Ibn Uthaymin رحمه الله Al-Arbaun al-Nawawiyyah with the explanation of Ibn Uthaymin رحمه الله Bulugh al-Maram after establishing a good foundation In Fiqh: Al-Mulakhkhas al-Fiqhi by Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan حفظه الله Explanation of Zad al-Mustaqni by Ibn Uthaymin رحمه الله (after acquiring a solid foundation) Also recommended are all the books of the great hadith scholar Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani رحمه الله. Fourthly: An Important Reminder If a sister cannot find a female teacher in her country, she should also benefit from: Reliable recorded lessons. Official video explanations of the scholars. The official websites of the scholars. Asking the people of knowledge by telephone or through trustworthy websites whenever she encounters something unclear. She should not rely solely upon independent reading in difficult issues or newly arising matters. Rather, she should refer back to the people of knowledge whenever she is able. Conclusion: If a beginner sister cannot find a trustworthy female teacher or shaykh in her area, then she may learn from the books and explanations of the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah who are known for sound belief and correct methodology, such as Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab رحمه الله, Shaykh Abd al-Rahman al-Sadi رحمه الله, Shaykh Ibn Baz رحمه الله, Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin رحمه الله, the hadith scholar al-Albani رحمه الله, and Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan حفظه الله. She should give priority to the Noble Quran and the Sunnah, progress gradually in seeking knowledge, and refer back to the people of knowledge regarding whatever is unclear to her, acting upon the statement of Allah, the Most High: "So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know." (Surah al-Nahl 16:43)
And Allah knows best.
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