Question Summary:
Recommendations for distance learning Islamic education programs

Question Detail:

 
I live in the united states.  I want to formalize my islamic eduacation and geta degree in islamic studies.  I found a number of schools offering Islamic Distance & Online Education, but I am not really sure which one to join.  Do you have any recommandations?
 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.  
It is vital that one understands the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic scholars who do not hold views that are inconsistent with the traditional scholars and our pious predecessors. Even though there are a variety of highly qualified `Ulamā’ on the internet, there are also many who do not have sufficient knowledge or skills to correctly guide the masses. Merely having an academic background in Islam does not make one suitable to impart the knowledge of this Dīn. The great and renowned Tabi`ī Mumammad ibn Sirin (rahimahullāh) is reported to have said:
«إِنَّ هَذَا الْعِلْمَ دِينٌ، فَانْظُرُوا عَمَّنْ تَأْخُذُونَ دِينَكُمْ»
"Indeed this knowledge is faith, so carefully consider from whom you take your faith."[1]
As such, before signing up for any online course, it is imperative that you ensure that such a course is offered by reliable `Ulamā’ who are accepted by our traditional scholars.
Below are two distant learning programs that we recommend:
http://www.ealim.org
http://www.darululoomonline.org
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Bilal Mohammad
Student Darul Iftaa
New Jersey, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net