How does a young person begin seeking sacred knowledge, and what are the concise books that he should memorize in creed, fiqh, and hadith according to the Maliki school of thought?

One must be sincere in their intention to Allah and seek His help, adhere to a pious shaykh, and begin with concise texts in every discipline.

For Aqeedah (creed), it is recommended to refer to answer number 32186.

For Maliki Fiqh (jurisprudence), it is recommended to study "Mukhtasar al-Akhdari" and "Risalat Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani" or "Nazm al-Kafaf," while emphasizing the search for evidence and acting upon the preponderant opinions.

For Hadith (definition), it is recommended to study "al-Bayquniyyah" or "Nukhbat al-Fikar" in Hadith terminology, and "al-Umdah," "Bulugh al-Maram," or "Muntaqa al-Akhbar" in Hadith jurisprudence, as well as perusing the foundational books of Sunnah (definition) and memorizing as much as one can.

For Usul al-Fiqh (principles of jurisprudence), it is recommended to study "al-Waraqat" by Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni.

For Arabic sciences, it is recommended to study "al-Ajurrumiyyah" or "Mulhat al-Irab" and "Lamiyyat Ibn Malik" or "Alfiyyat Ibn Malik," and "al-Jawhar al-Maknun" in rhetoric.

Finally, the advice emphasizes piety towards Allah, memorizing the Noble Quran and mastering its recitation (tajweed (definition)) under a shaykh, and adhering to reliable books of Tafsir (definition) (exegesis).