What is Taqlid?
Taqlid means to follow someone who is an expert in the laws of Islam. These experts are called ‘Mujtahid’ or ‘‘Mujtahideen‘ (plural). They become experts in Islamic law by studying the Holy Quran, the Hadith, as well as historic references. Those experts who are followed by others are called ‘Marja‘ or ‘Marajaeen‘. Someone who does taqlid is called a ‘Muqallid’.
Taqlid in the Holy Quran
فَسۡـئَلُوۡۤا اَهۡلَ الذِّكۡرِ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ
“Ask the People of the Reminder if you do not know.” (21:7)
Why is Taqlid important?
Everyone cannot become an expert in every field, therefore we get help from professionals in that field. For example, a nurse refers to a doctor for guidance in a hospital. Similarly, someone who wishes for his actions and life to be in accordance with the laws of Islam will refer to the Marajaeen and follow the rulings that they have found.
Taqlid in Practice
Islam has a set of practices which a Muslim must perform. There are 3 ways to know about Islamic practices:
1. By being a Mujtahid
Being a Mujtahid means to study the laws of Islam and becoming an expert in such a way that you do no need to follow any other expert.
2. By being a Muhtaat
Being a Muhtaat means to be someone who follows precaution. This is usually someone who has gained sufficient knowledge of Islam and is able to make religious decisions for themselves without the need to follow a specific Marja.
3. Muqallid
If a person does not fall into the above two categories then they must do taqlid. You do taqlid of a Marja who is the most learned person alive.
A Marja must fulfill 8 conditions:
- Male
- Baligh (of age)
- Aqil (Sane)
- Shia Ithna Ahri
- Legitimate birth
- Alive
- Adil (Just)
- Alam (most learned)
(sistani.org)
How to do Taqlid?
Taqlid is the first action a Shia Muslim must do as soon as they turn baligh (following the laws of Islam becomes compulsory on them). It is done by making an intention: “I am doing taqlid of (Marja’s name) qurbatan ilallah”.
After this you follow the Marja-e-Taqlid in the practical laws of Islam.
You can learn the rules of a Mujtahid in 4 ways:
- Hearing the ruling directly from the Marja
- 2 fair (just) people quote the Marja
- From a person whose statement satisfies you
- By reading the Marja’s book of masails, known as Risala (Islamic laws).
