Is listening to religious tapes considered seeking knowledge, and what is its reward? Does it take precedence over reciting the Qur’an and Dhikr?

Whoever desires to seek knowledge must acquire it from reliable books, progressing gradually from concise to elaborate texts, and seeking assistance from specialized scholars to clarify difficulties. This is the correct and assured path. As for audio recordings, they should not be the sole means of seeking knowledge. Although listening to them brings benefit and reward, it does not elevate one to the level of those who follow the correct path. Regarding occupying one's time with them instead of reciting the Quran and engaging in dhikr, if the listened material contains a ruling one is ignorant of or an admonition whose impact one hopes for, then listening is more preferable. Otherwise, recitation and dhikr are better. This applies in cases of conflict; however, if it is possible to combine both, there is no issue.