What Is the Best Way to Study Traditional Islam without Traveling Overseas?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

I would love to learn traditionally with Mashayikh (scholars), sitting on the ground, learning fiqh, tarbiya, ‘aqida, etc.; however, I am now 28 years old, living in Germany, marry soon, and have to work to provide for myself.

I punctually studied in Islamic countries, but it was only for a limited time. I need to learn how to continue my traditional Islam studies. I am not convinced of studying online or with teachers here in Germany. And more is required to reach the high goals I preserved for myself and my community. What can you recommend?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Aside from the methods of study that you excluded as an option in your question – namely, studying overseas, online, or with local scholars – there is no other way to study.

The only thing left is self-study which is highly discouraged and potentially more detrimental than it may seem beneficial.

Rethinking

In reality, learning from the scholars in one’s area has always been seen as a priority before traveling to seek knowledge.

Studying with Local Scholars

If traditional scholars in your area have a chain of transmission back to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace), this should be your starting point for Islamic studies.

Online Studies

It may be a good option to take online classes and couple that with active mentorship. Perhaps this could be in addition to occasional visits to study with teachers overseas.

Consider asking through SeekersGuidance. Both private classes and in-person study may be made available for you.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch teaches Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he completed four years at the Darul Uloom Seminary in New York, where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences.

He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he studied for three years in Dar al-Mustafa under some of the most outstanding scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib.

In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Quran and studied beliefs, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Quranic exegesis, Islamic history, and several texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.