The book with which the student of Islamic jurisprudence begins, and the method of learning

Question:
He says: May Allah preserve you and reward you. If I want to begin seeking knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, with which book should I start? And if I cannot find a scholar to explain the book, is it sufficient for me to listen to the explanation via tapes and CDs from one of the scholars?

Answer:
This is not a method of learning. Listening to tapes is not a method of learning; it is a method of benefiting, even if the benefit is little. But do not rely on it. You must attend the lessons of the scholars and listen to their words, and attend the discussions. It is not sufficient to memorize the book without an explanation from a qualified scholar. I do not want anyone to explain it to you from among the beginners or students; that is not acceptable.
Now, a phenomenon has appeared among the youth. They say: What has been achieved in Islamic jurisprudence? They say: Islamic jurisprudence is the words of people, and we must take directly from the Book and the Sunnah. They want to be like the great Imams: Imam Ibn al-Mubarak, Imam Ishaq ibn Rahawayh, Imam Ahmad, al-Shafi'i, Malik, and Abu Hanifah. They want to be on the level of the Imams and they abandon Islamic jurisprudence entirely. This is arrogance and ignorance. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) said: . . And from that, knowledge is acquired through its doors, not from its top by the ignorant. Yes.