Taqlid

Taqlid means following someone else's opinion or action without checking the proof yourself. It is like believing someone just because they said it, not because you know it is right.التعريفات (كتاب) The person who performs taqlid is called a muqallid.

In simple words, it is copying someone else without thinking carefully.

Islamic law on taqlid

In Islamic law, taqlid is taking someone else's opinion without knowing the proof. For example, following Abu Hanifa or Ahmad ibn Hanbal just because they said so, not because you see the reason.شرح المحلي على جمع الجوامع

Hanafi view
The Hanafi school of thought allows ordinary people who cannot do ijtihad (make independent legal judgments) to follow the teachings of a qualified scholar.

Following a scholar in practical matters like prayer, fasting, or transactions is permitted and recommended.

However, blind imitation is discouraged; one should follow scholars who have evidence for their rulings.الشافعي، الأم، تحقيق: أحمد فؤاد شمس، دار الكتب العلمية، بيروت، 1997.

Hanbali view
The Hanbali school emphasizes understanding the proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith.

Blindly following a scholar without knowing the evidence is generally disliked.

If someone cannot understand the proofs, they may follow a knowledgeable scholar, but the focus should remain on evidence, not just following people.الشافعي، الأم، تحقيق: أحمد فؤاد شمس، دار الكتب العلمية، بيروت، 1997.

Two types of taqlid

Good Taqlid: Following a scholar when one cannot do ijtihad, and doing so with understanding that it is based on knowledge.

Bad Taqlid:

 Following parents or leaders blindly.
 Following someone who is not knowledgeable.
 Following even when the proof shows otherwise.
 Scholars like Al-Shafi’i and Ibn Qayyim warned that taqlid without evidence is wrong and dangerous.ابن القيم، إعلام الموقعينالشافعي، الأم، تحقيق: أحمد فؤاد شمس، دار الكتب العلمية، بيروت، 1997.

References

Category:Islamic ethics
Category:Usul al-fiqh
Category:Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jamaah
Category:Arabic terms in Islamic law