Understanding Taqlid – by Mufti Muhammad Sajaad
This is the 2nd edition of a short work on what precisely is Taqlid (following of qualified scholarship of the most highest rank) as explained on the basis of statements from the major sources of Islamic law (Shari’a) as well as a number of legal edicts (fatawa) from a host of major scholars (Ulama). The work was compiled by Mufti Muhammad Sajaad, who mentioned the following pertinent statements prior to the contents of the actual work at hand:
Almighty Allah says:
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“Whoever cuts himself off from the Messenger after the right path has become clear to him, and follows other than the way of the Believers, We shall let him have what he chooses, and We shall admit him to Jahannam, which is an evil place to return.” (4:115)
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“The consensus of the Muslims has been established upon the obligation (Wujub) of following one of the four Imams today.” Imam Ahmad al-Nafrawi (12th Century AH) in Al-Fawākih al- Dawāni
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The compiler stated in his forward:
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Whether a person should follow one of the four schools or not is an issue that has created much confusion amongst Muslims today. It is hoped this short treatise will serve to dispel much of the misinformation found about this issue and furnish the details for why the Four schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i and Hanbali) have such a central role in Sunni Islam.
Some key additions have been made to this second edition of the book. Several clear statements establishing Ijma (consensus) of the Umma upon the taqlīd of the four Imams have been now included. Similarly, a word has been added about our responsibility in the UK as ambassadors of Islam. Another addition is the appraisal of some of the texts often cited to argue against taqlīd.
Due to the importance of this subject, the booklet is being distributed freely and no copyright exists preventing those who wish to reprint it from doing so. May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala)accept this effort and reward all those who helped in any way in its production.
Ameen.
Muhammad Sajaad
17th Safar 1432
23/1/2011
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