What are the books you recommend reading to gain a deeper understanding of the religion and remain steadfast upon it, in order to confront trials and misconceptions, especially what is raised concerning figures like Ibn Taymiyyah and Ali ibn Abi Talib and the methodology of the Salaf?

Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah was subjected to many accusations and slanders from his opponents, including that he hated the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and forbade visiting him, and that he believed in the pre-eternity of the world and was an anthropomorphist, and other accusations that he refuted in his books. He defended the Ahl al-Sunnah (definition) wal-Jama'ah (Sunnis) and clarified that they are the people who most intensely love Ali and the Household of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt). Sheikh al-Islam emphasized that love for the Ahl al-Bayt is an obligatory duty, and that whoever hates them incurs the curse of Allah. He also stated that Ali ibn Abi Talib is among the best of the Ahl al-Bayt, and that praying for him (sending salutations upon him) is permissible, like other Companions, provided that it is not made a special slogan for him to the exclusion of the rest of the Companions. He further clarified that the virtue of Ali and his high status are established with certainty.