Question:

Some seekers of knowledge suffice with listenting to the cassettes of the Scholars in the course of their studies (lessons), so is this sufficient for acquiring knowledge? And are they considered students of knowledge? And does this have an effect upon their belief?

The Shaykh answered this question:

There is no doubt that these cassettes will suffice them from being present (directly) with the people of knowledge when it is not possible for them to attend. Otherwise, attending with the Scholars is superior, better and is closer to (gaining) understanding and (being able to) discuss (matters). However, when they are not able to attend, then this suffices them.

Question:

Then is it possible for them to be students of knowledge whilst they limit themselves to this (medium of study)?

The Shaykh answered:

We say: Yes, it is possible when a person strives with a great deal of striving, just as it is possible for a person to be a scholar when he takes knowledge from books. However, the difference between taking knowledge from books and cassettes and between taking directly from the scholars (in person) is that seeking knowledge directly from the scholars is closer to acquisition of knowledge because it is an easier route wherein discussion is possible, as opposed to the one who listens or reads (from the scholars), for he requires (to go through) a great deal of hardship in bringing together the various aspects of knowledge and acquiring it.

Question:

And what about the saying of the questioner, does sufficing with cassettes affect their belief?

The Shaykh answered:

Then the answer is: Yes, it does affect their belief if they listen to cassettes of innovation and follow them. As for when they listen to cassettes of trusted scholars, then that does not affect their belief. Rather, it increases them in eemaan, in being firmly-grounded and in following the correct creed.

Question:

Is it permissible to learn knowledge from books only without scholars, especially when it is difficult to learn knowledge from scholars due to them being scarce? And what is your view regarding the saying of a person, "Whoever's shaykh is the book, his error(s) will be more than what he is correct in"?

The Shaykh answered:

There is no doubt that knowledge is acquired through seeking it from the Scholars and seeking it from books because the book of the scholar is the scholar himself, for he is speaking to you through his book. So when seeking (knowledge) is not possible from the people of knowledge, then he seeks knowledge from books. However, acquiring knowledge through the route of the scholars is closer to its acquisition than through the route of books because the one who seeks it through books will toil (struggle) more and requires a great deal of striving. And alongside this some affairs might be hidden from him such as Sharee'ah principles and rules that the people of knowledge have laid down. So it is necessary that he has a reference point from the people of knowledge (to return back to) in accordance with ability. As for his saying, "Whosoever's guide is his book then his error(s) will be more than what he is correct in" then this is not correct unrestrictedly and nor corrupt unrestrictedly. As for the person who takes knowledge from any book he sees, then no doubt he will err abundantly. And as for the one who in his learning depends upon the books of men known for trustworthiness, reliability and knowledge then this person's errors will not be many and he will be correct in the majority of what he says.