Question: What is the ruling on people completing two- or three-year online courses and calling themselves scholars (alim)?
Answer: Online courses have benefited many people by spreading knowledge. However, it is incorrect for someone to call themselves a scholar (alim) after completing a two- or three-year short course. True Islamic knowledge is traditionally acquired by sitting with scholars and undergoing formal, rigorous training.
Completing an online course in two or three years may provide some benefit, but it does not qualify someone as a scholar of Islamic sciences. Additionally, many online programs do not require full-time commitment, and certificates are often awarded without proper examination.
For those serious about seeking knowledge, it is better to enroll in reputable institutions that offer a comprehensive education in Islamic sciences.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
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