Taqleed 12: [Taqleed in Quran] A common misconception is prevalent among some of our Muslims that the concept of taqleed is not present in the Qur’an. We will analyze some of the verses which prove that the concept of taqleed is mentioned in the Qur’an. “Guide us on the Straight Path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not the path of those who earned Your anger - nor of those who are astray” [Fatihah 1:5-7] “Ask the people of knowledge (those who know) when you do not know.” (Surah Nahl 16:43 ), “O people! Ask the men of knowledge if you have no knowledge”. [Surah Ambia 21:7] “These are those whom Allah had guided so you also follow their path.” (Surah Anaam 6:90) “Had they referred to the Rasool and those in command amongst them, then surely those with insight would have been able to verify the matter.” (Surah Nisa 4:83) “O you with Imaan! Obey Allah, Obey the Rasool and obey those in command amongst you.” (Surah Nisa 4:59) “Follow the path of the one who turns towards me.” (Surah Luqman 31:15 ) “O you who have Iman! Fear Allah and be with those who are true.” (Surah Taubah 9:119) “And leading everyone, the first are the Muhajirs * and the Ansar **, and those who followed them with virtue (good intention)- Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has kept ready for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in it forever and ever; this is the greatest success. (* The immigrants. **Those who helped the immigrants.) [Surah Taubah 9:100] Below we will analyze couple of verses such that the issue at hand becomes clear. And it is not possible for the Muslims that all of them go out; so it should be that a party from each group go forth in order to gain knowledge in religion, and upon returning warn their people in the hope that they may avoid [Surah Tauba 9:122] This verse teaches that everyone does not need to occupy in matters of Jihad. Instead one party should occupy in acquiring knowledge of the deen and then teaching it to others. Hence those who do not have the knowledge of Shariah are to listen and learn from the ‘ulema who have gained this knowledge. They have to rely on their opinion. This is nothing but taqleed. “Ask the people of knowledge (those who know) when you do not know.” (Surah Nahl 16:43 ) Allamah Aalusi (ra) in Ruh al Ma’ani states: “This verse is cited to prove that it is wajib to refer to the ulema for such things in which one lacks knowledge. Allamah Jalalauddin Suyuti (ra) wrote in Ikeel that it is deduced from this verse that taqleed is allowed to the common men for branch issues.” Some suggest that these verses are specific to the background in which they were revealed. The mushrikeens of Mecca used to object why an angel was not sent as a rasul. In answer this complete verse was revealed. Some mufassireen have said that Ahl ud-Dhikr in the verse refers to the scholars of people of the Book. Others say it refers to those of them who accepted Islam and became Muslims. And some have stated that it refers to the Muslims. The point here is that the principle of taqleed exists regardless of who one interprets the Ahl ud-dhikr to be. It is simply asking and relying on the opinion of the person who knows when you lack knowledge
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 10:50:06 +0000