Who is the student of knowledge, and is it obligatory to attend before scholars for that purpose, and what should one do if there are few trustworthy people of knowledge in his country, and is it sufficient to listen to the lessons of the shaykhs and refer to them concerning what is unclear?

A student of knowledge is one who desires knowledge and strives to attain it. The ranks of students vary between beginner, intermediate, and advanced scholar. Listening to lessons, reading books, and presenting difficulties to scholars are among the most important means of learning. However, these do not suffice without seeking the help of a shaykh and accompanying him at the beginning of one's quest for knowledge, or joining an educational institution. This is to avoid the errors that many students fall into when they do not rely on a shaykh. It was said long ago: "Whoever takes his book as his shaykh, his errors will outweigh his correct understanding." If you cannot find the scholar you seek, you can seek help from those below him, and engage in discussions with other students of knowledge, while avoiding any errors or violations of the Sunnah they may have.