Question: What are the books you recommend a young person that is starting out in his Islaamic studies to read?

Answer: If he is a novice, then from the books of Fiqh, we advise him to read ” Fiqh As-Sunnah” of Sayyid Saabiq, while seeking assistance from some of its references, such as ” Subul-us-Salaam” (of Imaam As-Sana’aanee, rahimahullaah). And if he looks into ” Tamaam-ul-Mannah” (of Al-Albaanee) then that will be stronger for him. And I advise him to read ” Ar-Rawdat-un-Nadiyyah” (of Sideeq Hasan Khaan).

As for the subject of Tafseer, then he should habitually read from the book ” Tafseer Al-Qur’aan-ul-‘Adheem” of Ibn Katheer – even though it is somewhat long – for it is the most authentic from the books of Tafseer today.

Then, on the subject of religious exhortation and heart-softening narrations, he should read the book “Riyaad-us-Saaliheen” of Imaam An-Nawawee.

Then, with regard to the books related to Creed, I advise him to read the book ” Sharh Al-‘Aqeedat-ut-Tahaawiyyah” of Ibn Abee Al-‘Izz Al-Hanafee. And he should seek assistance, also, from my comments and explanations to it.

Then, he should make it his customary practice to study from the books of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah and his student Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah, may Allaah have mercy on them. For I hold them to be from the rare and unique Muslim scholars that have treaded upon the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors) in their understanding, while having Taqwaa and righteousness. And we do not purify anyone over Allaah.

Shaykh al-Albaanee (may Allaah have mercy on him)
[Al-Asaalah, Issue #5]