How can I seek sacred knowledge, memorize the Qur'an, learn Tajweed, and determine the appropriate books to begin with, given the conflict between class times and working hours? And what is the best book for stories of the Companions and the Tabi'in?

Learning to memorize the Book of Allah and master Tajweed cannot be achieved without referring to specialists, for knowledge is received from the mouths of scholars, not from mere books. You must fear Allah, be patient and persistent, safeguard the obligatory prayers, frequently seek Allah's forgiveness, stay away from forbidden acts, and beware of wasting time. There is no contradiction between formal education and seeking religious knowledge. Therefore, accompany a pious shaykh, establish a strict program for memorization and revision, seek assistance from serious students for studying, avoid bad company, and purify your intention for Allah. Among the recommended books on the virtues of the Companions and the Tabi'in are: "Siyar A'lam an-Nubala'" by al-Dhahabi, "Mashahir 'Ulama' al-Amsar" by Abu Hatim al-Busti, and "Hilyat al-Awliya'" by al-Hafiz Abu Nu'aym.