Is reading books alone sufficient, or is it necessary to read to a Sheikh?

If a person is unlearned and lacks the tools of knowledge, they will not gain the desired benefit from reading books. They may make many errors in understanding religious texts unless they learn the principles that guide them to a correct understanding and associate with people of knowledge. Therefore, they should ask the people of knowledge, known for their uprightness and sound creed, about what is unclear to them. They should combine reading and comprehending books, pondering the Qur'an, and consulting scholars.