For a new Muslim we would advise him/her that it is from the very essentials of the Religion that they seek knowledge. It is obligatory for all Muslims to know a certain amount of the details of the Religion in terms of Beliefs, how to pray properly, as well as the laws pertaining to Fasting, Hajj, Zakah, Marriage, trade. Thus clearly a serious study of the Religion is part and parcel of being Muslim. But where should a person start? Well, the correct manner to embark on this voyage of learning is to first to offer two Rakaahs of Salat al-Haajah (or the Prayer of Need) with the intention of asking Allah taala to make this journey beneficial, blessed and free from any pitfalls. After this, the ideal situation would be for this person to find a qualified teacher in the sacred sciences. This is very important because as you have mentioned there are many impostors in the community. Thus qualified means: a person who has spent many years in the company of the recognised scholars of the Ummah and received Ijazah from them. If one succeeds in this then one should begin studying, on a part time basis or whatever is appropriate, the Arabic language so that one is able to read the Holy Qur'an and offer his/her Salah. One should prioritise basic texts on the rituals of worship at this stage such as; Ma la budda minhu. In any case the teacher will be able to guide you more on this as you progress. I am not aware where you are writing from, but if you can attend our courses at As-Suffah Institute it will be very helpful, as they are all based on classical texts, are taught in English by qualified teachers. Finally, because this method of learning takes time, I would suggest that in the meantime, and through out your studies until you are not proficient in Arabic, you should read books in English on Islam written by recognised Muslim scholars. For example, the following books should be on every Muslim's bookshelf and should be easily available: 1. Maarif al-Qur'an, by Mufti Mohammad Shafi. A unique commentary of the Holy Qur'an in the English language. 2. Essential Islamic Knowledge, by Imam Thanaullah Pani pati, an excellent short text on the basic rituals. 3. Al-Adab al-Mufrad, by Imam al-Bukhari, a collection of those hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that relate to manners and etiquettes. 4. Riyad al-Salihin, by Imam Nawawi, a famous collection of hadith found in nearly every house in the Muslim world.