As mentioned in the previous posts, following is a continuation of points that should be taken into consideration before, during and even after one has read the book.

5. One's mind should be free worries, stress and troubles during the time of reading.

People usually pick up a book in order to relax and free one's mind from tension. However, to derive maximum benefit from the book, it is advised that the book be read in such a time where one is free from all worries. The reason being is that when one's mind is pre-occupied with other worries it will be hard for him to concentrate on the material that he is reading. Furthermore, it will be harder for him to memorise and keep in mind what has been read.

6. One should seek Allah's forgiveness for the sins which he has committed.

To explain this point, the best quote which I can think of is that of Imaan Shafi'ee Rahimahullah. He states:

"I complained to my teacher, Wakee, regarding my weak memory, so he advised me to refrain from sinning. For indeed Knowledge is a Divine Light (Nur) from Allah, and the Nur of Allah is not bestowed upon a sinner."

When one seeks sincere forgiveness for his sins before reading a book, his heart is removed from all the dirt and darkness of sins; thereafter it is much easier for him to understand what is being said and easier to implement it in his life.

7. During one's reading time, one should always keep a pen and paper at hand.

It is important for any student of Knowledge to keep a pen and paper at hand, not only whilst reading, but at all times. Whilst one is reading he can make many uses of his pen and paper:

(I) Anything which one does not understand or has a doubt about should be written down and then he should refer to an Alim (Scholar) regarding that point.

(ii) If a point is mentioned within the book which one needs to implement in his life then a note should also be made of this. The notes will aid one to refer quickly to what needs to be implemented in one's life and can also act like a check list to aid one in becoming closer to Allah.

(iii) If one wanted to generally make points from which he could benefit, by reading it from time to time, or any points that may help another person then one can also do that.

(IV) Finally, one can make corrections within the book if any mistakes are found. It is not advised to generally write in books if there is no need for it. However, if notes are made in a respectable manner then there is no harm in this.

8. The Knowledge gained from the books should be spread to as many people as possible and others should also be encouraged to read the book.

One of the greatest and easiest methods of gaining reward is by having someone performing an act of worship whilst we receive the equal reward for that act whilst sitting. The guidance of a person ensures that one receives the reward for that act as long as the other person performs this. Therefore, spreading the Knowledge will reap many rewards Insha Allah.

9. Dua should be made for the author and all those whose efforts made the publishing of the book possible.

It is vital that we make Dua for the author and those who made the publishing of the book possible. This should at least be done before and after one has read that book if not every time one reads it and in his general Duas.

10. Any mistakes should be notified.

As a final point, any mistakes that are noticed in the books should be made known to either the publishers or the author; many books have a contact mentioned for this purpose. The intention that one should have is that no other person gets confused or mislead by the mistakes and that the next edition is printed with corrections. One should always refrain from feeling that the author has not put in his ultimate effort or that the author is inferior to us, the readers.

May Allah grant us the ability to read the books of Knowledge and give us the right understanding so that we can derive maximum benefits and rewards from these books. Aameen.