What are the optimal methods for studying the knowledge of the Qur'an and tawhid (the oneness of Allah), and what are the books that aid in this?

Question:
May Allah reward you with good and do you good. Tell us about studying the Qur'an, interpreting the Qur'an, interpreting tawhid (the oneness of Allah), and the books that aid in this. What are the optimal methods for studying these sciences? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
These sciences require teachers. One should choose a precise reciter to study the Qur'an from, receiving the recitation from him. One should choose scholars and specialists in tawhid (the oneness of Allah), hadith, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Arabic to receive these sciences from, learning from them. This is the method. This is the method. If a person relies on himself, does not go to teachers or scholars, and limits himself to reading the Qur'an and learning knowledge on his own, this is a wrong method, and its harm may be greater than its benefit. If a person does not have anyone from whom to receive the recitation or the knowledge, he should read from reliable, good books. He should read the Qur'an according to his ability, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "And the one who reads the Qur'an and it is difficult for him, ." He should read the Qur'an according to his ability until Allah makes it easy for him to find someone to read it to him well. Similarly, he should read whatever is available to him from reliable books and summaries to benefit from them. He should also listen to authentic tapes issued by reliable scholars, listening to their words to gain some benefit. However, he should not rely on his own understanding, but rather benefit from them according to his ability. If Allah makes it easy for him to find someone who guides him and clarifies things for him, he must turn to the people of knowledge.