A 10: The greatest and noblest book that I recommend is the Book of Allah (Qur'an) which falsehood cannot come to whether from before or behind it.

I advise every Da`i (caller to Islam), every person who enjoins good and forbids wrong, teacher or guide, male or female, to focus attention on the Book of Allah, reflect upon it and read it often. The Qur'an is the source of goodness and a teacher that guides to all good things. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: Verily, this Qur'ân guides to that which is most just and right

It guides by the Will of Allah to the straightest path ­ the way of guidance. It is obligatory on those who call to Allah, enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong to exert themselves in reading the Qur'an and reflect on its meaning. By doing so, they will reap great benefits and become qualified to undertake the task of Da`wah and teaching by the guidance of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). I also advise them to study the Sunnah to acquire the knowledge and guidance it contains. I advise every Da`i and teacher who enjoins right and forbids wrong to review the books of Hadith and the heritage of the scholars in this regard and benefit from them. The main and authentic books of Hadith include Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith of Al­Bukhary and Sahih Muslim. A Muslim should read them frequently and benefit from them along with the other books of Hadith such as the four Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), Musnad (Hadith compilation) of Al­Imam Ahmad, Muwatta' of Imam Malik, Sunan of Al­Darimi and other well­known books of Hadith.

I also recommend that a Da`i reads some useful books written by Muslim scholars, such as Al­Muntaqa by al­Majd Ibn Taymiyyah, Riyadh Al­Salihin, Bulugh Al­Maram, `Umdat Al­Hadith, Jami` Al­`Ilm wa Fadhlih by Ibn Abdul­Barr, Jami` Al­`Ulum wal­Hikam by Ibn Rajab, Zad

A l­Ma`ad fi Hadi Khair Al­`Ibad by the eminent scholar Ibn Al­Qayyim in addition to A`lam Al­Muwaqi`in, Tariq Al­Hijratayn, and Al­Turuq Al­Hukmiyah by Ibn Al­Qayyim as well.

In these books, Ibn Al­Qayyim (may Allah be merciful with him) illustrated many points of Da`wah and the rules of enjoining right and forbidding wrong.

A Muslim should benefit from these great books written by Imams and scholars who contributed greatly to this field and had sound beliefs, along with extensive experience.

Also, a Muslim is recommended to read the books written by Sheikh of Islam, Abu Al­`Abbas Ibn Taymiyyah on Al­Siyasah Al­Shar`iyyah (Shari`ah­based politics) and Hisbah (regulation of economic, commercial, and public matters) that are discussed in Al­Fatawa and Minhaj Al­Sunnah Al­Nabawiyah. Ibn Taymiyyah was one of the great scholars who professionally practiced Da'wa and through whom Allah benefited the Ummah and supported the truth and disgraced Bid`ah (innovation in Islam) and its proponents. May Allah reward him and all the scholars well for their patience and great striving ­ He is the Most Generous!

I advise every Muslim who teaches and guides people to carefully read these useful books, of course, after the Qur'an and Sunnah.

I also recommend the books written on this topic by the great scholars of the three schools of thought, namely, Al­Malikiyyah, A l­Shafi`iyyah and Al­Hanafiyyah, in addition to the books written by Al­Hanabilah known for their knowledge, guidance and sound creed.

In short, A Da`iy should read the books of scholars written on this topic, for they will teach him many things that he does not know. Allah (Exalted be He) states: And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At­Taqwa (piety, righteousness). Undoubtedly, learning and seeking enlightenment are aspects of Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared).