What are the correct books and methodology for reading them, the number of times each book should be read, and the appropriate duration for completing it, for someone who wishes to become a scholar in Hanbali jurisprudence?

The Hanbali jurisprudential wealth is vast, containing many books and abridgments that serve beginners in seeking knowledge. Among the most famous are two books:

1. Daleel al-Talib li Nayl al-Ma'arib (Guide for the Seeker to Attain Objectives): It is characterized by its simple language and has many commentaries, such as "Manar al-Sabeel Sharh al-Daleel" (The Lighthouse of the Path: Commentary on the Guide), which mentions the evidence and Ibn Taymiyyah's choices. 2. Zad al-Mustaqni' (Provisions for the Contented): It has become a fundamental text in studying the Madhhab and has numerous commentaries, including "Al-Rawd al-Murbi'" by Al-Buhooti and the marginalia by Abdul Rahman ibn Qasim. Among the well-known audio commentaries are those by Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen and Sheikh Muhammad Ba Jabir, which is concise and beneficial for beginners.

It is recommended for a beginner to read a summarized text with a proficient Sheikh, focusing in the first reading on conceptualizing the issues, memorizing the text, and repeating it. Then, one can move on to expanding knowledge of the evidence and the differences among jurists, as Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen's commentary is beneficial at this stage. For further study, "Al-Madkhal al-Mufassal ila Fiqh al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal wa Takhreejat al-Ashab" (The Detailed Introduction to the Jurisprudence of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and the Deductions of the Companions) by the scholar Bakr Abu Zayd is recommended.