What are the books and academic texts recommended for study in the Hanbali school of thought, first for beginners and then for intermediate students?

A beginner student of knowledge who wishes to specialize in the Maliki madhhab should start by studying one of the matn books, such as "Akhsar al-Mukhtasarat," "Umdat al-Fiqh," "Kafi al-Mubtadi," "Dalil al-Talib," or "Zad al-Mustaqni'." It is preferable to study them under a proficient shaykh. Then, the student moves on to memorizing or mastering one of the last two books (Dalil al-Talib or Zad al-Mustaqni') and paying close attention to its study and explanation. Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymin chose "Zad al-Mustaqni'" for his شرح (explanation) because it has concise wording with abundant meanings, focusing only on the preferred opinions within the madhhab, and is considered appealing to beginners. After that, the student progresses to "Al-Rawd al-Murbi'" by Al-Buhuti, while emphasizing the importance of not being fanatical about a specific madhhab, and the necessity of acting upon knowledge and self-purification (tazkiyah).