What are the scholarly books recommended for reading for one who wishes to become a student of knowledge, and is reading them sufficient, or must they be memorized, and how can a woman become a student of knowledge?

The questioner : The questioner says: What are the scholarly books you recommend I read for one who wishes to become a student of knowledge? Is reading them sufficient, or must they be memorized? And how can a woman become a student of knowledge given that she is not taught or does not study under scholars or female students?

The Shaykh : This question was raised in a previous session, and we clarified that the most important book that requires care, understanding of its meaning, and acting upon it is the Book of Allah the Exalted, followed by what is authentic from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), then the books of tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and creed, then the books of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and what has been authored on that. As for whether a woman can learn knowledge by reviewing these books or if a specific teacher is required, we say: Praise be to Allah, now the tapes have filled the world from the gatherings of trusted scholars whose knowledge and trustworthiness are relied upon. Therefore, she can deal with one of the recordings by securing for herself what she wishes to listen to from the scholars' gatherings.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.