Taqlid
Islamic term for conformity to another's teaching.
**Taqlid** (Arabic: تقليد, *Taqlīd*) is a concept in Islamic jurisprudence that refers to one person following the teachings of another. A person who practices taqlid is called a *muqallid*, while someone who rejects it is a *ghair-muqallid*. The term’s meaning shifts depending on the historical period and the branch of Islam.
The Arabic word comes from the root Q-L-D, which means “to imitate.” It is thought to originate from the idea of being led “by the collar.”
In classical Sunni Islam, taqlid generally carries a negative connotation, describing unjustified conformity to another’s teaching—as opposed to the justified following of a qualified independent reasoner (*mujtahid*) by a layperson. Traditional Sunni scholars consider taqlid lawful and even obligatory for those who are not themselves *mujtahids*, citing Qur’anic verses that instruct people to ask those with knowledge and to obey God, the Prophet, and those in authority. They also point to a hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad rebuked companions who gave incorrect advice to an injured man, saying, “If one does not know what to do, the only remedy is to inquire.” Salafi and Wahhabi movements, however, reject taqlid of the four established legal schools and instead promote independent reasoning (*ijtihad*). Some Salafi scholars have gone so far as to label taqlid as *shirk* (polytheism) or even *kufr* (disbelief). In contemporary Salafi usage, taqlid is often translated negatively as “blind imitation,” implying a stagnation of independent effort and uncritical acceptance of traditional interpretations by the religious establishment.
In Shia Islam, the term has no negative connotation. It refers generally to a layperson’s conformity to the teachings of a *mujtahid*. After the greater occultation in 941 CE, Twelver Shia are required to follow a *mujtahid* or jurist (*faqih*) in religious legal matters. Since the 19th century, Shia scholars have instructed believers to turn to a “source of taqlid” (*marja‘ at-taqlid*) for guidance. Shia who are not experts in Islamic jurisprudence are legally obligated to follow a *mujtahid*’s instructions on matters of sharia, but not on matters of belief (*usul al-din*).
The difference between Sunni and Shia classical usage reflects their distinct views on the Shia Imamate and Sunni imams.
- field
- Islamic jurisprudence
- known_for
- Conformity to the teaching of another; central to debates on ijtihad and imitation
- related_terms
- Muqallid, ghair-muqallid, mujtahid, ijtihad
Lore & Background
In Shia Islam, taqlid refers to the practice of following or imitating the legal rulings of a qualified jurist (mujtahid). This concept became particularly significant after the year 941 CE, following the beginning of the Greater Occultation in Twelver Shia belief. From the 19th century onward, Shia religious scholars instructed believers to seek out a "source of taqlid" (marja' at-taqlid) for advice, guidance, and as a model for emulation. For Shia Muslims who are not themselves experts in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), it is legally obligatory to follow the instructions of a mujtahid in all matters of sharia law. However, this requirement does not extend to core matters of belief (usul al-din), where taqlid is forbidden. Unlike the classical Sunni usage, which often carried a negative connotation of unjustified conformity, the Shia usage of taqlid carries no such negative implication. This difference in connotation stems from the distinct theological views regarding the Shia Imamate and Sunni imams. The term itself is derived from the Arabic root Q-L-D, meaning to imitate, and is thought to originate from the idea of being led "by the collar." A person who performs taqlid is called a muqallid.
Reader's Guide
Taqlid is a key concept in Islamic jurisprudence, reflecting tensions between independent reasoning (ijtihad) and adherence to established authority. In Sunni Islam, classical usage designates unjustified conformity, while Shia usage carries no negative connotation and denotes general conformity to a mujtahid. This discrepancy corresponds to differing views on the Shia Imamate and Sunni imams. In contemporary Salafi usage, taqlid is often portrayed negatively as 'blind imitation', associated with perceived stagnation of ijtihad and uncritical imitation of traditional interpretation. Salafi and Wahhabi scholars reject taqlid of the four Sunni schools, with some regarding it as shirk or even kufr. The term thus encapsulates enduring debates about religious authority, interpretation, and the role of the layperson in Islamic law.
Did You Know?
- The term taqlid is derived from the Arabic root Q-L-D, meaning to imitate, and originates from the idea of being led 'by the collar'.
- In Sunni Islam, taqlid is traditionally lawful and obligatory when one is not qualified as a mujtahid, by consensus of all Sunni Muslims.
- Salafi and Wahhabi scholars reject taqlid of the four schools and encourage ijtihad; some have declared taqlid as shirk or kufr.
- In Shia Islam, taqlid is required for laypersons in jurisprudential affairs but forbidden in matters of belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Taqlid mean in Islam?
Taqlid is an Islamic legal term describing the act of conforming to the scholarly rulings of another person rather than deriving one's own legal conclusions from primary sources. It is the mechanism by which ordinary Muslims navigate religious law without each needing to be an independent jurist.
What's the difference between a muqallid and a ghair-muqallid?
A muqallid is someone who accepts and follows the legal opinions of a qualified scholar, while a ghair-muqallid is one who declines to do so and instead reasons independently. These two labels frame much of the classical debate over who is obligated to perform independent legal derivation.
How does Taqlid relate to ijtihad?
Taqlid and ijtihad represent two complementary yet sometimes opposed approaches within Islamic jurisprudence: following established rulings versus performing fresh independent legal reasoning. The tension between them has shaped centuries of theological and legal discourse across both Sunni and Shia traditions.
Is Taqlid used the same way in Sunni and Shia Islam?
Both traditions employ the term, but its precise scope and classical application differ between them. Shia jurisprudence often ties taqlid to following a living marja, whereas Sunni usage more commonly refers to adherence to one of the four established legal schools (madhabs).
Why is Taqlid considered important in Islamic law?
It offers a practical pathway for the general Muslim community to observe religious obligations without each individual mastering the Quran, hadith, and legal methodology. Without such a mechanism, the tradition holds, the vast majority of believers would struggle to fulfill their religious duties in a coherent manner.
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