Taqlid

Taqlid is a term used in Islamic jurisprudence to describe conformity. It occurs when one person follows the teachings of another person. The word comes from the Arabic root Q-L-D, which means to imitate. Some believe the term originally described being led by a collar. A person who practices this conformity is called a muqallid. Conversely, someone who rejects this practice is called a ghair-muqallid. This concept is central to how different groups approach religious law and authority.

The mechanism of taqlid depends on a person's level of expertise. In Islamic law, there are experts known as mujtahids. A mujtahid is a person qualified for independent reasoning. These experts use a process called ijtihad to reach conclusions. Most people are not trained to be mujtahids. Therefore, they perform taqlid by following the instructions of an expert. This creates a relationship where the mujtahid provides guidance and the muqallid follows it.

Different Islamic traditions view the nature of taqlid in distinct ways. In Sunni Islam, the term can have different meanings depending on the context. Traditionally, Sunni scholars view taqlid as lawful and even obligatory for laypeople. This applies to those who are not qualified as mujtahids. However, some Sunni contexts use the term to describe unjustified conformity. This is different from the justified following of a mujtahid. In contrast, Shia Islamic usage does not carry a negative connotation. It simply denotes the general following of a mujtahid's dictates.

History shows how these views evolved through specific events and people. For Twelver Shia, taqlid became a requirement following the greater occultation in 941 CE. This event, known as al-ghaybatu 'l-kubra, changed how followers approached religious affairs. Since that time, they have been obliged to follow a jurist or faqih. By the 19th century, Shia ulama taught believers to seek a specific source. This source is called a marja' at-taqlid. It serves as a model for imitation and a source of guidance.

Specific groups have also used taqlid to define their own religious stances. Salafi and Wahhabi scholars often view taqlid through a critical lens. They frequently translate the term as "blind imitation." They argue that taqlid causes stagnation by stopping independent effort. These scholars encourage ijtihad instead of following traditional religious interpretations. Some Salafi scholars, such as Sanaullah Amritsari, have taken very strong positions. Amritsari even declared taqlid to be kufr, which means disbelief. Other Salafi scholars have even regarded it as shirk, or polytheism.

Sunni scholars provide specific religious evidence to support the practice of taqlid. They rely on two verses from the Qur'an regarding authority. These verses order people to ask those with knowledge if they do not know. They also point to several hadiths, which are recorded sayings of Muhammad. One hadith tells of a companion with a fractured skull. The companion tried to perform dry purification but died after using water. Muhammad told his companions that the only remedy for not knowing is to inquire. This story is used to show why seeking expert knowledge is vital.

Taqlid connects to broader discussions about authority and independent thought. It sits at the intersection of religious law, known as sharia, and personal belief. In Shia Islam, there is a clear distinction in how taqlid is applied. Followers use taqlid for matters of sharia, which are legal rules. However, they are forbidden from using it for matters of usul al-din. Usul al-din refers to the fundamental matters of belief. This distinction ensures that while law is followed through experts, core beliefs remain personal. This complex system shows how different groups balance tradition with individual understanding.