What are genuine sources to learn about Islam on the internet ?

[Fatima]

Genuine sources to learn about Islam online include platforms backed by qualified scholars and authentic teachings based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. Trusted websites like Quran.com, Sunnah.com, IslamQA.info, SeekersGuidance.org, and institutes such as Al-Azhar or Darul Uloom offer accurate Islamic knowledge. Always ensure the source follows mainstream Islamic scholarship and avoids political or extremist views.

1. Tawheed (Oneness of Allah):
Belief in Allah as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler. He has no partners or equals.

2. Following the Sunnah:
Sunnah is the way and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

3. Four Sunni Madhabs (Schools of Jurisprudence):
Sunni Muslims follow one of the four well-established schools of Islamic law:
a. Hanafi (widespread in South Asia, Turkey, Balkans)
b. Shafi’i (East Africa, Southeast Asia, parts of Egypt)
c. Maliki (North and West Africa)
d. Hanbali jurisprudence is mainly practiced in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Gulf.

All four are valid and respected, and Muslims can learn from any of them.

4. Respect for the Companions:
Sunni Muslims hold all companions of the Prophet ﷺ in high esteem and consider them the best generation after the Prophet.

5. Rejection of Extremism:
Sunni Islam promotes moderation, avoids excess, and condemns extremism and terrorism.

What Are Reliable Sunni Learning Resources?

Trusted Sunni Institutions:
1. Al-Azhar University (Egypt):
A prestigious Sunni Islamic university known for its rich heritage of traditional learning.

2. Darul Uloom Deoband (India):
Major Sunni seminary following Hanafi jurisprudence.

3. Nadwatul Ulama (India):
Merges traditional and modern Islamic education.

4. Zaytuna College (USA):
Zaytuna College, established by Hamza Yusuf, is a prominent Sunni liberal arts college blending Islamic scholarship with liberal arts education.

Online Platforms:
SeekersGuidance.org – Free online courses by Sunni scholars.
Quran.com – Qur’an with tafsir and recitation.
Sunnah.com – Access to authentic Hadith books like Bukhari and Muslim.

YouTube Channels (Sunni-based scholars):
1. Mufti Menk – Simple, motivational teachings
2. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi – Advanced study in theology, fiqh, and seerah
3. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf – Classical Sunni perspectives
4. Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan – Deep Qur’anic reflections (not a jurist but follows Sunni principles)

How to Begin Learning?
1. Start with Aqeedah (Beliefs):
Understand the six pillars of Iman and basic theology (Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah is recommended in Sunni tradition).

2. Learn Fiqh (Practice):
Choose a madhab to follow practically. In South Asia, the Hanafi school is common.

3. Study Seerah (Life of Prophet ﷺ):
Knowing the biography of the Prophet deepens love and understanding for him.

4. Learn with a Teacher or Through Structured Courses:
Avoid trying to interpret Islamic texts without guidance. Islam is a preserved tradition passed from scholars to students.

Caution: Avoid These
a. Self-proclaimed scholars with no sanad (chain of learning)
b. Sectarian and takfiri websites
c. Political groups pretending to teach Islam
d. WhatsApp forwards with no Islamic source

Conclusion
Sunni Islam is a path of moderation, tradition, knowledge, and love for the Prophet ﷺ. Whether you're a beginner or someone wanting to go deeper, there are structured ways to learn, guided by scholars who preserve the religion as it was taught by the Prophet ﷺ and practiced by the following righteous generations.

Recommended First Steps for You
1. Download a beginner Aqeedah book (e.g., Aqeedah Tahawiyyah with explanation)
2. Follow a Sunni scholar online (Mufti Menk, Yasir Qadhi and many more.)
3. Join a free course at seekersguidance.org
4. Avoid debates — focus on learning