When choosing a book, it is important to consider both the quality of the tahqiq and the printing. The word tahqiq covers different kinds of work: verifying the text by comparing manuscripts and noting variants, tracing narrations and grading them (takhrij), or adding brief explanatory notes. It is worth checking which of these an edition actually offers, which manuscripts were used, and whether the notes are the scholar’s own or compiled by someone else.

Some books have excellent tahqiq but suffer from poor printing quality. One example is Kitab as-Sunnah by Ibn Abi ‘Asim, with the notes and hadith gradings of Shaykh al-Albani. Its value lies mainly in his takhrij and gradings, but unfortunately the printing in certain parts of the book is quite poor, with some pages having a blurry, almost 3D-like effect, which can negatively affect the reading experience.

Personally, I would still choose this edition because of the value of its tahqiq. Of course, printing quality is something to take into consideration, especially in relation to the price you are paying. However, when a book contains valuable tahqiq by a knowledgeable and respected Shaykh, I believe that should take priority over the quality of the printing. After all, the scholarly benefit of the book is ultimately more important than its physical appearance.

When a student of knowledge or a Shaykh recommends a specific edition of a book, that is also a good indication that the edition is worth purchasing, especially if the recommendation is based on the quality of its tahqiq, accuracy, or overall scholarly benefit.

Furthermore, some books are only available from a particular publishing house. One example is Silsilah al-Ahadith as-Sahihah by Shaykh al-Albani, which was published by Maktabah al-Ma’arif from Riyad. This particular edition is no longer being printed by the publishing house (from my knowledge), making it quite difficult to find and purchase.

Therefore, I would recommend obtaining such books whenever the opportunity arises, especially when they are no longer in print or are only available in one particular edition. In these cases, it is worth prioritising the purchase, as finding another copy later on may prove to be difficult. The rarity of the edition, combined with its scholarly value, makes it even more worthwhile to acquire.

Not all factors carry the same weight. The following is the order of priority I would generally recommend:

1. Tahqiq (Highest Priority): The quality and reliability of the tahqiq should generally come first. A book with excellent scholarly verification, accurate references, and beneficial annotations is often worth purchasing, even if the printing quality is not the best. The scholarly benefit of the book should take precedence over its physical appearance.
2. Recommendations from Students of Knowledge or Scholars: If a trustworthy student of knowledge or a knowledgeable Shaykh recommends a specific edition, this should carry considerable weight, especially when the recommendation is based on the quality of its tahqiq, accuracy, or completeness. Such recommendations can help distinguish between editions and prevent purchasing an inferior one.
3. Rarity and Availability: If a valuable edition is out of print, difficult to find, or only available from a particular publishing house, it may be wise to prioritise purchasing it while it is available. In certain cases, rarity can even take priority over the other factors when deciding which book to purchase first. However, rarity alone does not make an edition valuable; its scholarly benefit must also be considered.
4. Printing Quality (Lowest Priority): Clear printing, good paper quality, and readable text contribute significantly to the reading experience. However, printing quality should generally be a secondary consideration when compared to the scholarly value of an edition. If two editions have equally reliable tahqiq, the one with better printing should be preferred, especially when considering the price.

General Principle: Prioritise scholarly benefit over physical appearance, while taking rarity and availability into account when deciding which books to purchase first. A rare edition with excellent tahqiq may be worth purchasing immediately, even if its printing is poor, whereas a beautifully printed book with weak or unreliable tahqiq should not be preferred merely because of its appearance.

Book Hunting While Travelling

When it comes to books that are particularly difficult to find, travelling to Arab countries to search for them can be a worthwhile option, provided that the circumstances are suitable and it is safe to do so. Such trips can offer an opportunity to combine relaxation, travelling, and the pursuit of beneficial knowledge.

For example, one could consider travelling to Madinah in Saudi Arabia to find some peace of mind, take a break from the stresses of daily life, and visit local bookstores in search of rare and valuable works, such as Majmu’ al-Fatawa of Shaykh Rabi’ al-Madkhali.

I personally intended to travel there this summer, but unfortunately, due to the escalation of the war and the uncertainty surrounding the situation, I decided not to proceed with my plans.

Likewise, countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt may offer opportunities for those interested in what I like to call “book hunting.” These countries have rich Islamic scholarly traditions and bookstores where one might come across valuable works, older editions, or books that are difficult to obtain elsewhere.

However, I would not recommend travelling solely for the purpose of purchasing books without first considering the circumstances. It is important to check the current safety situation, official travel advisories, local conditions.

Therefore, if you are already planning to visit one of these countries and the circumstances are safe and suitable, setting aside some time to explore its bookstores can be a beneficial addition to your trip.

The general principle is to take advantage of suitable opportunities to acquire rare and beneficial books, without unnecessarily exposing yourself to danger, financial hardship, or other difficulties. After all, acquiring knowledge should be approached with wisdom, patience, and careful consideration.

And Allah knows best.