What is the appropriate way to learn the sciences of Qur'anic exegesis (Tafsir), Sunnah, and Prophetic biography (Seerah) after being unable to complete an institute for Sharia sciences? And is summarizing the core points from various exegetical works for each verse, then summarizing them for sisters, an effective method given the limited time and numerous tasks? And what is the opinion regarding the book "Nathm al-Durar" for learning Tafsir and Seerah?
A student of knowledge should begin with simplified books of Tafsir, such as Al-Jalalayn and Zubdat al-Tafsir. Then, they should move to intermediate ones, like Al-Baghawi and Ibn Sa'di, before proceeding to extensive works such as Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi.
In Hadith, one should start with Al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyyah, then Umdat al-Ahkam and Riyad al-Salihin. After that, they can move to Al-Muntaqa fi al-Ahkam, Nayl al-Awtar, and Al-Targhib by Al-Mundhiri, before delving into the major collections like the two Sahihs.
For Sira (Prophetic Biography), it is preferable to begin with Nur al-Yaqin by Al-Khudari, Tahdhib Sirat Ibn Hisham, Al-Rahiq al-Makhtum, and Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah by Al-Sallabi.
As for the book Nazm al-Durar by Al-Biqa'i, it is magnificent in its field. Al-Shawkani praised it, describing it as a book by one of the proficient imams, deeply versed in all branches of knowledge, combining both rational and transmitted sciences.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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