Is merely listening to audio recordings of scholars' lessons sufficient for acquiring knowledge and does it qualify the one who does so as a student of knowledge, and does that affect his belief?

If a student of knowledge is unable to attend the gatherings of scholars, listening to tapes containing their lessons and lectures is sufficient, although direct attendance is better for closer understanding and the possibility of discussion. A person can become a student of knowledge or a scholar by relying on tapes and books, but receiving knowledge directly from scholars is easier to acquire. As for the effect of relying solely on tapes on one's belief, it will be negative if the tapes contain innovations (bid'ah), and positive if they are from trusted scholars, as they increase faith and solidify the correct belief.