Islamic obligations are performed based on one of two methodologies Ijtihad or Taqlid. These principles provide a framework for Muslims to adhere to the commandments of Allah in accordance with their capacity for knowledge and intellectual reasoning.
1. What is Ijtihad?
Ijtihad is the intellectual effort and struggle required to derive Islamic laws from their original sources, such as:
- The Qur’an
- Ahadith of the Masumin (peace be upon them).
A person engaging in Ijtihad must master the necessary Islamic sciences to analyze and interpret these sources. This rigorous process requires extensive study, critical thinking, and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the true rulings of Islam.
A person qualified to perform Ijtihad is known as a Mujtahid. The Mujtahid has the intellectual power and scholarly acumen to extract Islamic rulings independently and is considered an authority in Islamic jurisprudence.
2. What is Taqlid?
Taqlid means “to follow” or “to emulate.” In Islamic practice, it refers to a person adhering to the rulings of a Mujtahid. Those who follow a Mujtahid in their religious obligations are known as Muqallids.
A Mujtahid whose rulings are followed is called a Marja’ Taqlid (source of emulation). This relationship simplifies the practice of Islam for individuals who lack the expertise to derive rulings themselves.
3. When is Taqlid Necessary?
Individuals who are not qualified to engage in Ijtihad must choose one of the following paths:
- Taqlid: Following the rulings (fatawa) of a Mujtahid.
- Ihtiyat (Precaution): Performing actions in such a way that ensures one fulfills their religious obligations without falling into sin.
4. What is Ihtiyat?
Ihtiyat involves taking a precautionary approach to religious obligations, ensuring certainty in fulfilling one’s duties. For example:
- If some Mujtahids consider an action haram (prohibited) while others do not, one avoids performing that action.
- If some Mujtahids consider an action wajib (obligatory) and others consider it mustahab (recommended), one performs the action.
Ihtiyat requires advanced knowledge and understanding of Islamic law and is therefore not practical for most individuals.
5. The Majority Path: Taqlid
For the majority of Muslims, Taqlid is the preferred and practical path, as only a few individuals attain the level of knowledge required for Ijtihad or can consistently act on Ihtiyat.
6. Conditions for Choosing a Mujtahid
A Mujtahid who is followed in Taqlid must meet specific criteria:
- Just (Adil): Demonstrating moral uprightness and fairness.
- Male: Being a man, as per Islamic jurisprudential requirements.
- Living: The Mujtahid must be alive at the time of initiating Taqlid.
- Baligh: Attaining maturity according to Islamic law.
- Shi’a Ithna-Asheri: Belonging to the Twelver Shi’a school of thought.
- Most Knowledgeable (A’lam): In cases where there are differences of opinion, the Mujtahid must be the most knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
Ijtihad and Taqlid represent essential mechanisms for practicing Islam in a structured and authentic manner. While Ijtihad is the domain of highly qualified scholars, Taqlid provides a practical means for the general Muslim population to fulfill their religious obligations. Together, these principles ensure that the Islamic legal system remains dynamic, accessible, and aligned with the divine will.