The book consists of two separate but related treatises. In the first one, Essential Questions and Answers About the Foundations of Īmān (Faith), al-Saʿdī poses and answers 22 questions about īmān and its related affairs. He begins by introducing tawḥīd and its categories, and then he deals with īmān and its pillars. He includes questions on shirk, hypocrisy, and innovation. Also discussed are the rights of the Muslims over us, including the rights of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), his Companions, and the Muslim leaders. He then completes the first treatise by describing the Straight Path and those who are upon it. After clarifying the affairs of īmān, the author then goes on to explain why the majority of the people have turned away from it in the second treatise, Obstacles in the Path of Imān (Faith). He discusses ten things that prevent many people from embracing true faith, mentioning proofs and examples from the Book of Allāh for each.