Taqleed is a very important and crucial issue related to understanding of deen. There are two opinions about Taqleed .First opinion says Taqleed is obligatory and 2nd opinion says that Taqleed should be avoided.Further there is another opinion which says that Taqleed is not necessary for scholars and knowledgeable persons but it is necessary for layman.Before going into detail of the issue we need to know that what exactly Taqleed means?
Definition of Taqleed:
Literal: Taqleed is a verbal noun of the root ‘Qa' 'la' 'da’ in the second form. The verb Qalada means to place, to gird or to adorn with a necklace It is many times used for animals like goat cow and camal who follow their owner blindly and have necklace in their neck . When used in conjunction with human beings, it refers to the wearing of a necklace, pendant or any other such similar ornament.
Technical: The acceptance of a statement of another without demanding proof or evidence on the belief that the statement is being made in accordance with fact and proof, is called Taqleed, or, for the purist, Taqleed-ush-shakhsi.
It is never applied on the following of Rasool salal lahoa liehi wasalam because the sayings of the Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam are part and parcel of deen and they are evidence in their self there for term itteba is used for following of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.It is applied to the sayings of scholar,Imam,mufti etc.
Basically there are four school of thoughts based on taqleed :
1 Hanafis
2 Malikis
3 Shafiis
4 Hanbalis
These four school of thoughts believe that four Imams of Jurisprudence i.e Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah,Imam Malik rahimahullah,Imam Shafi rahimahullah and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal rahimahullah were possessing such a great knowledge that they cannot be challenged in the matters of their deduction and interpretation of deen.They think that it is obligatory to follow any one of them and without following them no one can be successful in matters related to deen .
We need to check this claim against Quran and Sunnah.We should accept it if it is proved from Quran and Hadith and should reject it if it is not proved from Quran and Sunnah.
When we look into documents of Quran and Sunnah we come to know that in matters of deen there are only two commands which can be taken as authority:
1 Quran
2 Authentic hadiths
There are many verses which highlight the significance of commands of Allah swt and Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.Some of these are as follows:
1 O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Al-Hujurat 49:1)
2 Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh (i.e. Islâm), and oppose the Messenger ( SAW) (by standing against him and hurting him), after the guidance has been clearly shown to them, they will not hurt Allâh in the least, but He will make their deeds fruitless, (Muhammad 47:32)
3 O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and render not vain your deeds. (Muhammad 47:33)
4 They (hypocrites) say: "We have believed in Allâh and in the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and we obey," then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers. And when they are called to Allâh (i.e. His Words, the Qur'ân) and His Messenger (SAW), to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuse (to come) and turn away. (An-Nur 24:47-48)
5 The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allâh (His Words, the Qur'ân) and His Messenger (SAW), to judge between them, is that they say: "We hear and we obey." And such are the prosperous ones (who will live forever in Paradise). (An-Nur 24:51)
6 And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), fears Allâh, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful ones. (An-Nur 24:52)
7 Say: "Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad SAW) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)." (An-Nur 24:54)
8 And perform As¬Salât (Iqâmat¬as¬Salât), and give Zakât and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh). (An-Nur 24:56)
9 and whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. (An-Nisa 4:13)
10 And whosoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment. (An-Nisa 4:14)
11 Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW)." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers. (Aali Imran 3:32)
12 And many a town (population) revolted against the Command of its Lord and His Messengers, and We called it to a severe account (i.e. torment in this worldly life), and shall punish it with a horrible torment (in Hell, in the Hereafter). (At-Talaq 65:8)
13 But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. (An-Nisa 4:65)
14 Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much. (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
15 And let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad SAW) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. (An-Nur 24:63)
16 Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Aali Imran 3:31)
17 And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. (Al-Hashr 59:7)
There are many other verses of Holy Quran which highlight the importance of Quran and Sunnah.
Similarly there are many hadiths which highlight the importance of Quran and Sunnah as sets of commands.Some of them are as follows:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
That he heard 'Umar speaking while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet in the morning (following the death of the Prophet), when the people had sworn allegiance to Abu Bakr. He said the Tashah-hud before Abu Bakr, and said, "Amma Ba'du (then after) Allah has chosen for his Apostle what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world). This is that Book (Quran) with which Allah guided your Apostle, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the right path as Allah guided His Apostle with it." (Sahih Bukaree,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 374)
Narrated Ubaidullah:
Ibn 'Abbas said, "Why do you ask the people of the scripture about anything while your Book (Quran) which has been revealed to Allah's Apostle is newer and the latest? You read it pure, undistorted and unchanged, and Allah has told you that the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians) changed their scripture and distorted it, and wrote the scripture with their own hands and said, 'It is from Allah,' to sell it for a little gain. Does not the knowledge which has come to you prevent you from asking them about anything? No, by Allah, we have never seen any man from them asking you regarding what has been revealed to you!" (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 461)
Narrated Abal Minhal:
Abu Barza said, "(O people!) Allah makes you self-sufficient or has raised you high with Islam and with Muhammad (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 376)
Narrated Abdullah bin Dinar:
'Abdullah Bin 'Umar wrote to 'Abdul Malik bin Marwan, swearing allegiance to him: 'I swear allegiance to you in that I will listen and obey what is in accordance with the Laws of Allah and the Tradition of His Apostle as much as I can.' (Sahih Bukahree,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 377)
Narrated Hudhaifa:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said to us, "Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt it from the Sunna." Both Quran and Sunna strengthened their (the faithful believers') honesty. (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 381)
Narrated 'Abdullah:
The best talk (speech) is Allah's Book 'Quran), and the best way is the way of Muhammad, and the worst matters are the heresies (those new things which are introduced into the religion); and whatever you have been promised will surely come to pass, and you cannot escape (it). (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 382)
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "All my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who will refuse?" He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 384)
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
Some angels came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam while he was sleeping. Some of them said, "He is sleeping." Others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "There is an example for this companion of yours." One of them said, "Then set forth an example for him." Some of them said, "He is sleeping." The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "His example is that of a man who has built a house and then offered therein a banquet and sent an inviter (messenger) to invite the people. So whoever accepted the invitation of the inviter, entered the house and ate of the banquet, and whoever did not accept the invitation of the inviter, did not enter the house, nor did he eat of the banquet." Then the angels said, "Interpret this example to him so that he may understand it." Some of them said, "He is sleeping.'' The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." And then they said, "The houses stands for Paradise and the call maker is Muhammad; and whoever obeys Muhammad, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad, disobeys Allah. Muhammad separated the people (i.e., through his message, the good is distinguished from the bad, and the believers from the disbelievers)." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 385)
Narrated Abu Musa:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "My example and the example of what I have been sent with is that of a man who came to some people and said, 'O people! I have seen the enemy's army with my own eyes, and I am the naked warner; so protect yourselves!' Then a group of his people obeyed him and fled at night proceeding stealthily till they were safe, while another group of them disbelieved him and stayed at their places till morning when the army came upon them, and killed and ruined them completely So this is the example of that person who obeys me and follows what I have brought (the Quran and the Sunna), and the example of the one who disobeys me and disbelieves the truth I have brought."(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 387)
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam did something as it was allowed from the religious point of view but some people refrained from it. When the Prophet heard of that, he, after glorifying and praising Allah, said, "Why do some people refrain from doing something which I do? By Allah, I know Allah more than they." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 404)
Narrated Ibn Abi Mulaika:
Once the two righteous men, i.e., Abu Bakr and 'Umar were on the verge of destruction (and that was because): When the delegate of Bani Tamim came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam , one of them (either Abu Bakr or 'Umar) recommended Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamimi Al-Hanzali, the brother of Bani Majashi (to be appointed as their chief), while the other recommended somebody else. Abu Bakr said to 'Umar, "You intended only to oppose me." 'Umar said, "I did not intend to oppose you!" Then their voices grew louder in front of the Prophet whereupon there was revealed: 'O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet..a great reward.' (49.2-3) Ibn Az-Zubair said, 'Thence forward when 'Umar talked to the Prophet, he would talk like one who whispered a secret and would even fail to make the Prophet hear him, in which case the Prophet would ask him (to repeat his words)."(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 405)
Narrated Humaid:
I heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan delivering a sermon. He said, "I heard the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam saying, "If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him, the gift of understanding the Quran and Sunna. I am but a distributor, and Allah is the Giver. The state of this nation will remain good till the Hour is established, or till Allah's Order comes." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 415)
Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "Do not wish to be like anybody except in two cases: The case of a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and that of a man whom Allah has given religious wisdom (i.e., Qur'an and Sunna) and he gives his verdicts according to it and teaches it." (to others i.e., religious knowledge of Qur'an and Sunna (Prophet's Traditions)). "(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 419)
Zaid bin Arqam narrated :
that Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam said: "Indeed, I am leaving among you, that which if you hold fast to them, you shall not be misguided after me. One of then is greater than the other: (First is) The book of Allah is a rope extended from the sky to the earth, and (the second is) my family, the people of my house (ahlul bait), and they shall not split until they meet me at the hawd, so look at how you deal with them after me." (Sahih). (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Volume 6, Chapter 31, Number 3788)
Companions of Rasool salal lahoa aliehi wasalam strictly followed Quran and Sunnah in all affairs of life.Some of the incidents quoted in authentic hadiths are as follows:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas:
Uyaina bin Hisn bin Hudhaifa bin Badr came and stayed (at Medina) with his nephew Al-Hurr bin Qais bin Hisn who has one of those whom 'Umar used to keep near him, as the Qurra' (learned men knowing Quran by heart) were the people of Umar's meetings and his advisors whether they were old or young. 'Uyaina said to his nephew, "O my nephew! Have you an approach to this chief so as to get for me the permission to see him?" His nephew said, "I will get the permission for you to see him." (Ibn 'Abbas added: ) So he took the permission for 'Uyaina, and when the latter entered, he said, "O the son of Al-Khattab! By Allah, you neither give us sufficient provision nor judge among us with justice." On that 'Umar became so furious that he intended to harm him. Al-Hurr, said, "O Chief of the Believers!" Allah said to His Apostle 'Hold to forgiveness, command what is good (right), and leave the foolish (i.e. do not punish them).' (7.199) and this person is among the foolish." By Allah, 'Umar did not overlook that Verse when Al-Hurr recited it before him, and 'Umar said to observe (the orders of) Allah's Book strictly." (See Hadith No. 166, Vol. 6) (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 389)
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam wore a gold ring and then the people followed him and wore gold rings too. Then the Prophet said, "I had this golden ring made for myself. He then threw it away and said, "I shall never put it on." Thereupon the people also threw their rings away.( Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 401)
Narrated Ata:
I heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah in a gathering saying, "We, the companions of Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam assumed the state of Ihram to perform only Hajj without 'Umra." Jabir added, "The Prophet arrived (at Mecca) on the fourth of Dhul-Hijja. And when we arrived (in Mecca) the Prophet ordered us to finish the state of Ihram, saying, "Finish your lhram and go to your wives (for sexual relation)." Jabir added, "The Prophet did not oblige us (to go to our wives) but he only made that legal for us. Then he heard that we were saying, "When there remains only five days between us and the Day of Arafat he orders us to finish our Ihram by sleeping with our wives in which case we will proceed to 'Arafat with our male organs dribbling with semen?' (Jabir pointed out with his hand illustrating what he was saying). Allah's Apostle stood up and said, 'You (People) know that I am the most Allah-fearing, the most truthful and the best doer of good deeds (pious) from among you. If I had not brought the Hadi with me, I would have finished my Ihram as you will do, so finish your Ihram. If I had formerly known what I came to know lately, I would not have brought the Hadi with me.' So we finished our Ihram and listened to the Prophet and obeyed him." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 464)
All the above mentioned verses of Quran and authentic hadiths clearly indicate that Islam is based fundamentally on two commands :
1 Quran
2 Authentic Hadiths
Why blindly follow others besides prophet salal laho aliehi waslaam????
Now question is raised that why should we blindly follow others?Supporters of Taqleed say that we should blindly follow Imams and ulemas because they have more knowledge than us.It is a matter of fact that Imams and ulemas have more knowledge than common man but the important thing is that how can we blindly follow them due to their superior knowledge .Indeed we can ask and consult them in matters in which we are ignorant as Allas swt has said in the Holy Quran:
So ask of those who know the Scripture , if you know not. (An-Nahl 16:43)
The two things are mentioned in the above mentioned verse:
1 We can ask and consult people of knowledge
2 We should ask if we donot know
It means we should ask but we cannot blindly follow any alim or Imam.Second thing is that if we have authentic knowledge of some thing we can act on it without asking any alim.
Those people who stress on the importance of Taqleed should also bear this thing in mind that when we say Taqleed is obligatory or recommended we mean to say:
1 Scholar or Imam is flawless
2 He has complete knowledge of Quran and Sunnah
3 He does not make any mistake in deduction and interpretation
4 He does not forget any thing from Quran and Sunnah
5 His opinion is the best and any opinion against his opinion should be rejected
If any of the above mentioned attribute is missing in scholar than indeed he cannot be followed blindly and he can be asked for evidence from Quran and Sunnah.And a minute observation can make it clear that no one except Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was having all the above mentioned traits .So we have to follow only Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam in all the matters related to the deen.
Here are some of the hadiths which make it clear that opinion should not be give preference on Quran and Sunnah:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
I heard the Prophet saying, "Allah will not deprive you of knowledge after he has given it to you, but it will be taken away through the death of the religious learned men with their knowledge. Then there will remain ignorant people who, when consulted, will give verdicts according to their opinions whereby they will mislead others and go astray." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 410)
Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba:
'Umar bin Al-Khattab asked (the people) about the Imlas of a woman, i.e., a woman who has an abortion because of having been beaten on her abdomen, saying, "Who among you has heard anything about it from the Prophet?" I said, "I did.'' He said, "What is that?" I said, "I heard the Prophet saying, "Its Diya (blood money) is either a male or a female slave.' " 'Umar said, "Do not leave till you present witness in support of your statement." So I went out, and found Muhammad bin Maslama. I brought him, and he bore witness with me that he had heard the Prophet saying, "Its Diya (blood money) is either a male slave or a female slave." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 420)
This hadith makes it clear that Umar radi Allahu anhu was not ready to accept the opinions of even trustworthy sahaba without evidence .
Narrated 'Ubai bin 'Umar:
Abu Musa asked permission to enter upon 'Umar, but seeing that he was busy, he went away. 'Umar then said, "Didn't I hear the voice of 'Abdullah bin Qais? Allow him to come in." He was called in and 'Umar said to him, "What made you do what you did." He replied, "We have been instructed thus by the Prophet" 'Umar said, "Bring proof (witness) for this, other wise I will do so-and-so to you." Then 'Abdullah bin Qais went to a gathering of the Ansar who then said, "None but the youngest of us will give the witness for it." So Abu Said Al-Khudri got up and said, "We used to be instructed thus (by the Prophet)." 'Umar said, "This tradition of the Prophet remained hidden from me. Business in the market kept me busy." (Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 451)
Once again thiis hadith makes it clear that Umar radi Allahu anhu was not ready to accept the opinions of even trustworthy sahaba without evidence.
Similarly the misconception that some scholars donot make mistake in deduction and interpretation has been rejected in the following hadiths:
Narrated 'Amr bin Al-'As:
That he heard Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam saying, "If a judge gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct (i.e. agrees with Allah and His Apostle's verdict) he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, (i.e. against that of Allah and His Apostle) even then he will get a reward ." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 450)
Indeed when an alim or judge makes a mistake he will be getting rewards but duty of Muslims is to follow the right opinion in that case.
What Sahabas used to do when they found the opinion of some one as invalid????
We can also see that Sahabas use to follow seniors among them only when there was evidence from Quran and Sunnah and when there was no evidence they refuted each other.Some of the incidences are quoted below:
Saalim ibn 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar said:
"I was sitting with Ibn 'Umar (radi Allaahu 'anhu) in the mosque once, when a man from the people of Syria came to him and asked him about continuing the 'Umrah onto the Hajj (known as Hajj Tamattu'). Ibn 'Umar replied, 'It is a good and beautiful thing.' The man said, 'But your father (i.e. 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab) used to forbid it!' So he said, 'Woe to you! If my father used to forbid something which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) practised and commanded, would you accept my father's view, or the order of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ?' He replied, 'The order of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam).' He said, 'So go away from me.' (Ahmad Number 5700 , Tirmidhi ,Number 2/82)
This hadith indicates that Abdullah bin Umer radi Allahu anhu was not even ready to accept the sayings of his great father when he thought that it was not supported with evidence from sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam
The wife has complete right over his Mahr/alimony, her husband can only use it if she willingly and happily allows it. Verse 4 Allah swt says:
“Give women their bridal gift upon marriage, though if they are happy to give up some of it for you, you may enjoy it with a clear conscience.”
During theCaliphate of Umar Farooq (RA), people were giving an excessive amount for Mahr/alimony. He (RA) wanted to control this activity by limiting it to a certain amount. A lady questioned him in a public gathering and told him that he had no right to limit the amount as the Holy Quran has not set any limit on it. Umar (RA) was never reluctant to accept the truth so he corrected himself and exclaimed: “ A woman uttered the truth and Umer made the mistake. Every person of Madinah is a better jurist than Umar.” (Tafseer ibn-e-Kaseer)
This incidence is an eye opening incident for those who think Taqleed is obligatory at least for a lay man.
Narrated 'Ikrima:
Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"( Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 84, Number 57)
The above mentioned hadith makes this thing clear that no one can be followed without evidence from Quran and sunnah.
If we will blindly follow an alim indeed we are thinking that either he is an innocent person or he has been appointed by Allah swt and in many cases it may lead to shirk .Allah swt has mentioned in Holy Quran :
They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh)( (At-Tawbah 9:31)
If Jews and Christians made their rabbis and monks as lords by blindly following them what will be the status of those Muslims who will make blindly follow their religious leaders.
So all those people who think that Taqleed of Four Imams is compulsory should rectify their thinking against Quran,authentic hadiths and traditions of great companions of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.They should also concentrate on the saying of Hod aliehis salam mentioned in Quran.
Allah swt says:
(Hûd) said: "Torment and wrath have already fallen on you from your Lord. Dispute you with me over names which you have named - you and your fathers, with no authority from Allâh? Then wait, I am with you among those who wait." (Al-A'raf 7:71)
And they should concentrate on following hadith:
Muhammad Ibn al-Alâ' told us that Ibn Numayr reported from Mujâlid from Ibn Aamir from Jâbir that Umar Ibn al-Khattâb brought a copy of the Torah to the Prophet salal laho alehi wasalamand said: "O Apostle of God, this is a copy of the Torah." But [the Prophet] kept silent. Then cUmar started reading and the face of the Prophet kept changing. So, Abu Bakr interrupted him violently: "Don't you see the face of the Prophet(P)?" cUmar looked at the Prophet's face and said "May God preserve me from His anger and from the anger of his Apostle(P), we accepted God as Lord and Islâm as religion and Muhammad as prophet." Then the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said: "By the One Who owns Muhammad's soul, if Moses aliehis salam appeared to you and you followed him and left me, you would go astray from the right path and if he were alive and reached [the time of] my prophethood he would have followed me.(Sunan Darmee, Number436)
Lets think that status of Moses aliehis salam is higher or status of four Imams .If blind follower of Moses aliehis salam is not on straight path how can be blind follower of four Imams be on right track.We can follow any one with evidence but cannot follow any one blindly. And why should we follow some one blindly when Allah swt has given us eyes,sense organs and brain .
Allah swt says in the Holy Quran:
Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? And a tongue and a pair of lips? And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? (Al-Balad 90:8-10)
I donot agree with some Arab scholars who think Taqleed is obligatory or recommended .It means they are snatching the right to know from the common man. Moreover practically none of them are doing Taqleed in reality and they refute each other on different issues.
For instance I give an example if Taqleed is essential for a common man and common man starts doing taqleed of Shiekh albani rahima hullah and starts following his opinion on matters of Hijab and recitation of Surah Fatihah in Jehree salah. Will we guide that common man or will allow him to keep on doing Taqleed .
I also want to add opinions of some of the great scholars of the past on this issue . So all brothers and sisters should wait for the while.May Allah guide us all to the right path Ameen.
Definition of Taqleed:
Literal: Taqleed is a verbal noun of the root ‘Qa' 'la' 'da’ in the second form. The verb Qalada means to place, to gird or to adorn with a necklace It is many times used for animals like goat cow and camal who follow their owner blindly and have necklace in their neck . When used in conjunction with human beings, it refers to the wearing of a necklace, pendant or any other such similar ornament.
Technical: The acceptance of a statement of another without demanding proof or evidence on the belief that the statement is being made in accordance with fact and proof, is called Taqleed, or, for the purist, Taqleed-ush-shakhsi.
It is never applied on the following of Rasool salal lahoa liehi wasalam because the sayings of the Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam are part and parcel of deen and they are evidence in their self there for term itteba is used for following of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.It is applied to the sayings of scholar,Imam,mufti etc.
Basically there are four school of thoughts based on taqleed :
1 Hanafis
2 Malikis
3 Shafiis
4 Hanbalis
These four school of thoughts believe that four Imams of Jurisprudence i.e Imam Abu Hanifah rahimahullah,Imam Malik rahimahullah,Imam Shafi rahimahullah and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal rahimahullah were possessing such a great knowledge that they cannot be challenged in the matters of their deduction and interpretation of deen.They think that it is obligatory to follow any one of them and without following them no one can be successful in matters related to deen .
We need to check this claim against Quran and Sunnah.We should accept it if it is proved from Quran and Hadith and should reject it if it is not proved from Quran and Sunnah.
When we look into documents of Quran and Sunnah we come to know that in matters of deen there are only two commands which can be taken as authority:
1 Quran
2 Authentic hadiths
There are many verses which highlight the significance of commands of Allah swt and Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.Some of these are as follows:
1 O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Al-Hujurat 49:1)
2 Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh (i.e. Islâm), and oppose the Messenger ( SAW) (by standing against him and hurting him), after the guidance has been clearly shown to them, they will not hurt Allâh in the least, but He will make their deeds fruitless, (Muhammad 47:32)
3 O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and render not vain your deeds. (Muhammad 47:33)
4 They (hypocrites) say: "We have believed in Allâh and in the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and we obey," then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers. And when they are called to Allâh (i.e. His Words, the Qur'ân) and His Messenger (SAW), to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuse (to come) and turn away. (An-Nur 24:47-48)
5 The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allâh (His Words, the Qur'ân) and His Messenger (SAW), to judge between them, is that they say: "We hear and we obey." And such are the prosperous ones (who will live forever in Paradise). (An-Nur 24:51)
6 And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), fears Allâh, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful ones. (An-Nur 24:52)
7 Say: "Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad SAW) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)." (An-Nur 24:54)
8 And perform As¬Salât (Iqâmat¬as¬Salât), and give Zakât and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh). (An-Nur 24:56)
9 and whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. (An-Nisa 4:13)
10 And whosoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment. (An-Nisa 4:14)
11 Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW)." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers. (Aali Imran 3:32)
12 And many a town (population) revolted against the Command of its Lord and His Messengers, and We called it to a severe account (i.e. torment in this worldly life), and shall punish it with a horrible torment (in Hell, in the Hereafter). (At-Talaq 65:8)
13 But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. (An-Nisa 4:65)
14 Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much. (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
15 And let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad SAW) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. (An-Nur 24:63)
16 Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Aali Imran 3:31)
17 And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. (Al-Hashr 59:7)
There are many other verses of Holy Quran which highlight the importance of Quran and Sunnah.
Similarly there are many hadiths which highlight the importance of Quran and Sunnah as sets of commands.Some of them are as follows:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
That he heard 'Umar speaking while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet in the morning (following the death of the Prophet), when the people had sworn allegiance to Abu Bakr. He said the Tashah-hud before Abu Bakr, and said, "Amma Ba'du (then after) Allah has chosen for his Apostle what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world). This is that Book (Quran) with which Allah guided your Apostle, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the right path as Allah guided His Apostle with it." (Sahih Bukaree,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 374)
Narrated Ubaidullah:
Ibn 'Abbas said, "Why do you ask the people of the scripture about anything while your Book (Quran) which has been revealed to Allah's Apostle is newer and the latest? You read it pure, undistorted and unchanged, and Allah has told you that the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians) changed their scripture and distorted it, and wrote the scripture with their own hands and said, 'It is from Allah,' to sell it for a little gain. Does not the knowledge which has come to you prevent you from asking them about anything? No, by Allah, we have never seen any man from them asking you regarding what has been revealed to you!" (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 461)
Narrated Abal Minhal:
Abu Barza said, "(O people!) Allah makes you self-sufficient or has raised you high with Islam and with Muhammad (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 376)
Narrated Abdullah bin Dinar:
'Abdullah Bin 'Umar wrote to 'Abdul Malik bin Marwan, swearing allegiance to him: 'I swear allegiance to you in that I will listen and obey what is in accordance with the Laws of Allah and the Tradition of His Apostle as much as I can.' (Sahih Bukahree,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 377)
Narrated Hudhaifa:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said to us, "Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt it from the Sunna." Both Quran and Sunna strengthened their (the faithful believers') honesty. (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 381)
Narrated 'Abdullah:
The best talk (speech) is Allah's Book 'Quran), and the best way is the way of Muhammad, and the worst matters are the heresies (those new things which are introduced into the religion); and whatever you have been promised will surely come to pass, and you cannot escape (it). (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 382)
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "All my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who will refuse?" He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 384)
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
Some angels came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam while he was sleeping. Some of them said, "He is sleeping." Others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "There is an example for this companion of yours." One of them said, "Then set forth an example for him." Some of them said, "He is sleeping." The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "His example is that of a man who has built a house and then offered therein a banquet and sent an inviter (messenger) to invite the people. So whoever accepted the invitation of the inviter, entered the house and ate of the banquet, and whoever did not accept the invitation of the inviter, did not enter the house, nor did he eat of the banquet." Then the angels said, "Interpret this example to him so that he may understand it." Some of them said, "He is sleeping.'' The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." And then they said, "The houses stands for Paradise and the call maker is Muhammad; and whoever obeys Muhammad, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad, disobeys Allah. Muhammad separated the people (i.e., through his message, the good is distinguished from the bad, and the believers from the disbelievers)." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 385)
Narrated Abu Musa:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "My example and the example of what I have been sent with is that of a man who came to some people and said, 'O people! I have seen the enemy's army with my own eyes, and I am the naked warner; so protect yourselves!' Then a group of his people obeyed him and fled at night proceeding stealthily till they were safe, while another group of them disbelieved him and stayed at their places till morning when the army came upon them, and killed and ruined them completely So this is the example of that person who obeys me and follows what I have brought (the Quran and the Sunna), and the example of the one who disobeys me and disbelieves the truth I have brought."(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 387)
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam did something as it was allowed from the religious point of view but some people refrained from it. When the Prophet heard of that, he, after glorifying and praising Allah, said, "Why do some people refrain from doing something which I do? By Allah, I know Allah more than they." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 404)
Narrated Ibn Abi Mulaika:
Once the two righteous men, i.e., Abu Bakr and 'Umar were on the verge of destruction (and that was because): When the delegate of Bani Tamim came to the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam , one of them (either Abu Bakr or 'Umar) recommended Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamimi Al-Hanzali, the brother of Bani Majashi (to be appointed as their chief), while the other recommended somebody else. Abu Bakr said to 'Umar, "You intended only to oppose me." 'Umar said, "I did not intend to oppose you!" Then their voices grew louder in front of the Prophet whereupon there was revealed: 'O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet..a great reward.' (49.2-3) Ibn Az-Zubair said, 'Thence forward when 'Umar talked to the Prophet, he would talk like one who whispered a secret and would even fail to make the Prophet hear him, in which case the Prophet would ask him (to repeat his words)."(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 405)
Narrated Humaid:
I heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan delivering a sermon. He said, "I heard the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam saying, "If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him, the gift of understanding the Quran and Sunna. I am but a distributor, and Allah is the Giver. The state of this nation will remain good till the Hour is established, or till Allah's Order comes." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 415)
Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam said, "Do not wish to be like anybody except in two cases: The case of a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and that of a man whom Allah has given religious wisdom (i.e., Qur'an and Sunna) and he gives his verdicts according to it and teaches it." (to others i.e., religious knowledge of Qur'an and Sunna (Prophet's Traditions)). "(Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 419)
Zaid bin Arqam narrated :
that Muhammad salal laho aliehi wasalam said: "Indeed, I am leaving among you, that which if you hold fast to them, you shall not be misguided after me. One of then is greater than the other: (First is) The book of Allah is a rope extended from the sky to the earth, and (the second is) my family, the people of my house (ahlul bait), and they shall not split until they meet me at the hawd, so look at how you deal with them after me." (Sahih). (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Volume 6, Chapter 31, Number 3788)
Companions of Rasool salal lahoa aliehi wasalam strictly followed Quran and Sunnah in all affairs of life.Some of the incidents quoted in authentic hadiths are as follows:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas:
Uyaina bin Hisn bin Hudhaifa bin Badr came and stayed (at Medina) with his nephew Al-Hurr bin Qais bin Hisn who has one of those whom 'Umar used to keep near him, as the Qurra' (learned men knowing Quran by heart) were the people of Umar's meetings and his advisors whether they were old or young. 'Uyaina said to his nephew, "O my nephew! Have you an approach to this chief so as to get for me the permission to see him?" His nephew said, "I will get the permission for you to see him." (Ibn 'Abbas added: ) So he took the permission for 'Uyaina, and when the latter entered, he said, "O the son of Al-Khattab! By Allah, you neither give us sufficient provision nor judge among us with justice." On that 'Umar became so furious that he intended to harm him. Al-Hurr, said, "O Chief of the Believers!" Allah said to His Apostle 'Hold to forgiveness, command what is good (right), and leave the foolish (i.e. do not punish them).' (7.199) and this person is among the foolish." By Allah, 'Umar did not overlook that Verse when Al-Hurr recited it before him, and 'Umar said to observe (the orders of) Allah's Book strictly." (See Hadith No. 166, Vol. 6) (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 389)
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam wore a gold ring and then the people followed him and wore gold rings too. Then the Prophet said, "I had this golden ring made for myself. He then threw it away and said, "I shall never put it on." Thereupon the people also threw their rings away.( Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 401)
Narrated Ata:
I heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah in a gathering saying, "We, the companions of Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam assumed the state of Ihram to perform only Hajj without 'Umra." Jabir added, "The Prophet arrived (at Mecca) on the fourth of Dhul-Hijja. And when we arrived (in Mecca) the Prophet ordered us to finish the state of Ihram, saying, "Finish your lhram and go to your wives (for sexual relation)." Jabir added, "The Prophet did not oblige us (to go to our wives) but he only made that legal for us. Then he heard that we were saying, "When there remains only five days between us and the Day of Arafat he orders us to finish our Ihram by sleeping with our wives in which case we will proceed to 'Arafat with our male organs dribbling with semen?' (Jabir pointed out with his hand illustrating what he was saying). Allah's Apostle stood up and said, 'You (People) know that I am the most Allah-fearing, the most truthful and the best doer of good deeds (pious) from among you. If I had not brought the Hadi with me, I would have finished my Ihram as you will do, so finish your Ihram. If I had formerly known what I came to know lately, I would not have brought the Hadi with me.' So we finished our Ihram and listened to the Prophet and obeyed him." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 464)
All the above mentioned verses of Quran and authentic hadiths clearly indicate that Islam is based fundamentally on two commands :
1 Quran
2 Authentic Hadiths
Why blindly follow others besides prophet salal laho aliehi waslaam????
Now question is raised that why should we blindly follow others?Supporters of Taqleed say that we should blindly follow Imams and ulemas because they have more knowledge than us.It is a matter of fact that Imams and ulemas have more knowledge than common man but the important thing is that how can we blindly follow them due to their superior knowledge .Indeed we can ask and consult them in matters in which we are ignorant as Allas swt has said in the Holy Quran:
So ask of those who know the Scripture , if you know not. (An-Nahl 16:43)
The two things are mentioned in the above mentioned verse:
1 We can ask and consult people of knowledge
2 We should ask if we donot know
It means we should ask but we cannot blindly follow any alim or Imam.Second thing is that if we have authentic knowledge of some thing we can act on it without asking any alim.
Those people who stress on the importance of Taqleed should also bear this thing in mind that when we say Taqleed is obligatory or recommended we mean to say:
1 Scholar or Imam is flawless
2 He has complete knowledge of Quran and Sunnah
3 He does not make any mistake in deduction and interpretation
4 He does not forget any thing from Quran and Sunnah
5 His opinion is the best and any opinion against his opinion should be rejected
If any of the above mentioned attribute is missing in scholar than indeed he cannot be followed blindly and he can be asked for evidence from Quran and Sunnah.And a minute observation can make it clear that no one except Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam was having all the above mentioned traits .So we have to follow only Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam in all the matters related to the deen.
Here are some of the hadiths which make it clear that opinion should not be give preference on Quran and Sunnah:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
I heard the Prophet saying, "Allah will not deprive you of knowledge after he has given it to you, but it will be taken away through the death of the religious learned men with their knowledge. Then there will remain ignorant people who, when consulted, will give verdicts according to their opinions whereby they will mislead others and go astray." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 410)
Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba:
'Umar bin Al-Khattab asked (the people) about the Imlas of a woman, i.e., a woman who has an abortion because of having been beaten on her abdomen, saying, "Who among you has heard anything about it from the Prophet?" I said, "I did.'' He said, "What is that?" I said, "I heard the Prophet saying, "Its Diya (blood money) is either a male or a female slave.' " 'Umar said, "Do not leave till you present witness in support of your statement." So I went out, and found Muhammad bin Maslama. I brought him, and he bore witness with me that he had heard the Prophet saying, "Its Diya (blood money) is either a male slave or a female slave." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 420)
This hadith makes it clear that Umar radi Allahu anhu was not ready to accept the opinions of even trustworthy sahaba without evidence .
Narrated 'Ubai bin 'Umar:
Abu Musa asked permission to enter upon 'Umar, but seeing that he was busy, he went away. 'Umar then said, "Didn't I hear the voice of 'Abdullah bin Qais? Allow him to come in." He was called in and 'Umar said to him, "What made you do what you did." He replied, "We have been instructed thus by the Prophet" 'Umar said, "Bring proof (witness) for this, other wise I will do so-and-so to you." Then 'Abdullah bin Qais went to a gathering of the Ansar who then said, "None but the youngest of us will give the witness for it." So Abu Said Al-Khudri got up and said, "We used to be instructed thus (by the Prophet)." 'Umar said, "This tradition of the Prophet remained hidden from me. Business in the market kept me busy." (Sahih Bukharee Volume 9, Book 92, Number 451)
Once again thiis hadith makes it clear that Umar radi Allahu anhu was not ready to accept the opinions of even trustworthy sahaba without evidence.
Similarly the misconception that some scholars donot make mistake in deduction and interpretation has been rejected in the following hadiths:
Narrated 'Amr bin Al-'As:
That he heard Allah's Apostle salal laho aliehi wasalam saying, "If a judge gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct (i.e. agrees with Allah and His Apostle's verdict) he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, (i.e. against that of Allah and His Apostle) even then he will get a reward ." (Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 92, Number 450)
Indeed when an alim or judge makes a mistake he will be getting rewards but duty of Muslims is to follow the right opinion in that case.
What Sahabas used to do when they found the opinion of some one as invalid????
We can also see that Sahabas use to follow seniors among them only when there was evidence from Quran and Sunnah and when there was no evidence they refuted each other.Some of the incidences are quoted below:
Saalim ibn 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar said:
"I was sitting with Ibn 'Umar (radi Allaahu 'anhu) in the mosque once, when a man from the people of Syria came to him and asked him about continuing the 'Umrah onto the Hajj (known as Hajj Tamattu'). Ibn 'Umar replied, 'It is a good and beautiful thing.' The man said, 'But your father (i.e. 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab) used to forbid it!' So he said, 'Woe to you! If my father used to forbid something which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) practised and commanded, would you accept my father's view, or the order of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ?' He replied, 'The order of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam).' He said, 'So go away from me.' (Ahmad Number 5700 , Tirmidhi ,Number 2/82)
This hadith indicates that Abdullah bin Umer radi Allahu anhu was not even ready to accept the sayings of his great father when he thought that it was not supported with evidence from sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam
The wife has complete right over his Mahr/alimony, her husband can only use it if she willingly and happily allows it. Verse 4 Allah swt says:
“Give women their bridal gift upon marriage, though if they are happy to give up some of it for you, you may enjoy it with a clear conscience.”
During theCaliphate of Umar Farooq (RA), people were giving an excessive amount for Mahr/alimony. He (RA) wanted to control this activity by limiting it to a certain amount. A lady questioned him in a public gathering and told him that he had no right to limit the amount as the Holy Quran has not set any limit on it. Umar (RA) was never reluctant to accept the truth so he corrected himself and exclaimed: “ A woman uttered the truth and Umer made the mistake. Every person of Madinah is a better jurist than Umar.” (Tafseer ibn-e-Kaseer)
This incidence is an eye opening incident for those who think Taqleed is obligatory at least for a lay man.
Narrated 'Ikrima:
Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"( Sahih Bukharee,Volume 9, Book 84, Number 57)
The above mentioned hadith makes this thing clear that no one can be followed without evidence from Quran and sunnah.
If we will blindly follow an alim indeed we are thinking that either he is an innocent person or he has been appointed by Allah swt and in many cases it may lead to shirk .Allah swt has mentioned in Holy Quran :
They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh)( (At-Tawbah 9:31)
If Jews and Christians made their rabbis and monks as lords by blindly following them what will be the status of those Muslims who will make blindly follow their religious leaders.
So all those people who think that Taqleed of Four Imams is compulsory should rectify their thinking against Quran,authentic hadiths and traditions of great companions of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.They should also concentrate on the saying of Hod aliehis salam mentioned in Quran.
Allah swt says:
(Hûd) said: "Torment and wrath have already fallen on you from your Lord. Dispute you with me over names which you have named - you and your fathers, with no authority from Allâh? Then wait, I am with you among those who wait." (Al-A'raf 7:71)
And they should concentrate on following hadith:
Muhammad Ibn al-Alâ' told us that Ibn Numayr reported from Mujâlid from Ibn Aamir from Jâbir that Umar Ibn al-Khattâb brought a copy of the Torah to the Prophet salal laho alehi wasalamand said: "O Apostle of God, this is a copy of the Torah." But [the Prophet] kept silent. Then cUmar started reading and the face of the Prophet kept changing. So, Abu Bakr interrupted him violently: "Don't you see the face of the Prophet(P)?" cUmar looked at the Prophet's face and said "May God preserve me from His anger and from the anger of his Apostle(P), we accepted God as Lord and Islâm as religion and Muhammad as prophet." Then the Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam said: "By the One Who owns Muhammad's soul, if Moses aliehis salam appeared to you and you followed him and left me, you would go astray from the right path and if he were alive and reached [the time of] my prophethood he would have followed me.(Sunan Darmee, Number436)
Lets think that status of Moses aliehis salam is higher or status of four Imams .If blind follower of Moses aliehis salam is not on straight path how can be blind follower of four Imams be on right track.We can follow any one with evidence but cannot follow any one blindly. And why should we follow some one blindly when Allah swt has given us eyes,sense organs and brain .
Allah swt says in the Holy Quran:
Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? And a tongue and a pair of lips? And shown him the two ways (good and evil)? (Al-Balad 90:8-10)
I donot agree with some Arab scholars who think Taqleed is obligatory or recommended .It means they are snatching the right to know from the common man. Moreover practically none of them are doing Taqleed in reality and they refute each other on different issues.
For instance I give an example if Taqleed is essential for a common man and common man starts doing taqleed of Shiekh albani rahima hullah and starts following his opinion on matters of Hijab and recitation of Surah Fatihah in Jehree salah. Will we guide that common man or will allow him to keep on doing Taqleed .
I also want to add opinions of some of the great scholars of the past on this issue . So all brothers and sisters should wait for the while.May Allah guide us all to the right path Ameen.