Taqleed : In the Quraan and Hadith

The Ghair Muqallids raise many questions so forcefully that the lay man becomes bewildered and confused.These are :-

1. Show me Taqleed in the Quraan ?Taqleed in the Quraan1. Allah says : “ Ask the people who know, if (when) you do not know.” (Nahl – 43/ambiyaa).

This is the general rule in every walk of life.

Moreover, when one is sick then one does not go to the mechanic, also when the car requires repairs one does not go to the doctor to have it attended to. There is a broad division of separation of responsibility.

These days we know that heart patients go to the cardiologist, whilst the orthopaedic surgeon attends to bone problems, while the paediatrician cares for the ailments of children. So in one field of medicine, there is also further specialisation.

Thus the cardiologist will not do the work of the orthopaedic surgeon and so on.

Similarly in the field of Deen one cannot go to anyone or every one. One cannot place reliance on the ignorant and blind to lead the way. Deen is more important, for it means either success or disaster in this world and the Aakhiraat.

The piety, righteousness, reliability, authoritive nature and Ilm of the Imams of Jurisprudence is acclaimed and proven beyond a shadow of doubt. We, Muqaleeds, have placed our confidence in the fields of Ilm, as per instruction of the Quraan ask the people of knowledge (who know), if you do not (know), i.e. the Imams of Jurisprudence.

2. Allah says : follow and obey Allaah and obey the Rasul, and those in authority amongst you. (Nisaa – 59)

The commentators of the Quraan state concerning Aand those in authority amongst you that:-

1. In the best of times the rulers of the Muslim empire were also the supreme authority in Deeni affairs also, like the rule of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (R.A), Hadhrat Umar (R.A), Hadhrat Uthmaan (R.A), Hadhrat Ali (R.A), Hadhrat Muawiya (R.A).

They ruled as political administrators of the empire and their decisions concerning Islaamic Deeni matters were decisive and conclusive.

2. However due to the rulers becoming less knowledgeable in Deen, two separate departments arose :-

a.) one for the rulers who controlled the political infra structure;

b.) one for Ulema who gave direction in every aspect of the empire and provided religious guidelines to the ruled and rulers.

3. Nevertheless, the authorities in Deen were held higher in status and position than the rulers. The decision of the Ulema will be final to all, the ruled and the rulers. (Vol. 2 p. 210 – Akaam ul Quraan Abu Bakr Jassass)

Allaah is ordering us to obey the authorities in Deen. In both ayats, Allaah is not ordering us to commit kufr, shirk and bidat. So the concept to follow anyone other than Allaah and His Rasul (S.A.W) is kufr, etc is definitely false.

2. Show me Taqleed in the Hadith ?Taqleed in the Ahaadith1. Nabi (S.A.W) when mentioning the group on Salvation stated Athat which I am upon and that which my Sahaabah (companions) are upon

(Maktubat -e- Imam-e- Rabbani vol.1 p. 102 ; Tirmidhi Vol2. P89 ; Mustadrak Vol1 P 129; Mishkaat Vol 1 P 20).

Here Nabi (S.A.W) is classifying the Acriterions for salvation in all the worlds as the Sahaabah (R.A). They should be followed. By following them no kufr, shirk, bidat is committed. Besides following only Allaah and His Rasul, adherence to others is proven.

2. Nabi (S.A.W) said to a woman who enquired that on his demise who should she follow. The blessed reply was Abu Bakr. (Mishkhat vol.2. p.555, Muslim vol.2 p. 273, Bhukhari vol. 1. p. 516) On further enquiry she was told to follow Umar after Abu Bakr.

3. A Follow Abu Bakr and Umar after me. said Rasulullaah (S.A.W) –

(Tirmidhi vol.2 p. 207, Ibn Maja p.10 , Mustadrak vol.3 p.75, Mishkaat Vol 2 p 50, Musnad Ahmed Vol 5 P 38)

4. I am pleased for you concerning that thing which Abdullaah bin Masood is pleased with stated Nabi (S.A.W). (Mustadrakh. Vol.2 p.319)

The Taqleed of Abdullaah bin Masood (R.A) is called for by Nabi (S.A.W). –

The basis of Hanafi Fiqh is Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Masood (R.A)Is Nabi (S.A.W) ordering his Ummat towards kufr, shirk, bidat.

(Allah forbid and save us from the ignorant ones….Ameen)