How can a university student, living in an area where no scholars or sheikhs are available to seek religious knowledge, acquire this knowledge through books and audio and written explanations, taking into account their inability to travel? And is it better for them to focus on the Qur’an and its sciences (memorization, tajweed, tafsir, and recitations), or to diversify into other Islamic sciences such as Aqeedah (creed), Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Hadith (prophetic traditions)? And what are the best books for a beginner in both the field of the Qur’an and its sciences, and other Islamic sciences?

Receiving knowledge through easy-to-understand books and recorded explanations is permissible, especially the explanations of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen. You must begin by learning what is obligatory upon you, as detailed in Fatwas 42561 and 122272. After that, choose what suits you and what you are inclined towards. As for the methodology for studying Islamic sciences, it has been elaborated upon in Fatwas 135853, 135959, and 63874. For the sciences of the Quran, begin with "Mabahith fi Ulum al-Quran" by Manna' al-Qattan, or "Al-Muharrar fi Ulum al-Quran" by Musa'id al-Tayyar, and "Muqaddimah fi Usul al-Tafsir" by Ibn Taymiyyah. Then, progress to "Al-Burhan" by Al-Zarkashi and "Al-Itqan" by Al-Suyuti. In Tajweed, begin with "Tuhfat al-Atfal" then "Al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah" then "Al-Shatibiyyah," bearing in mind that Tajweed cannot be acquired except through direct reception from shaykhs.