Is taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) permissible in the matter of 'aqidah (creed)?
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The questioner : Shaykh, is taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) permissible in the matters of 'aqidah (creed), or is it obligatory to rely on evidence?
The Shaykh : Taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) is permissible in matters of 'aqidah (creed) regarding what one is unable to know through evidence. For this reason, we see that all the common people today follow scholars. Indeed, Allah Blessed and Exalted is He said:[An-Nahl 16:43]. Asking the people of knowledge about these messengers means that we follow the one asked and accept his statement. Thus, taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) in matters of 'aqidah (creed) is exactly like taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) in practical matters, with no difference. Therefore, it is obligatory for the one who cannot reach the truth by himself to follow scholars: [An-Nahl 16:43].
As for the one who says that the faith of the muqallid (one who follows a scholar without knowing his evidence) is not valid, the implication of his statement is that the faith of the common people is not valid, because they based their faith on taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence). Their scholars said such and such, so they say such and such. Yes.
The Shaykh : Taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence) is permissible in matters of 'aqidah (creed) regarding what one is unable to know through evidence. For this reason, we see that all the common people today follow scholars. Indeed, Allah Blessed and Exalted is He said:
And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.
وما أرسلنا من قبلك إلاّ رجالًا نوحي إليهم فاسألوا أهل الذّكر إن كنتم لا تعلمونSo ask the people of the message if you do not know.
فاسألوا أهل الذّكر إن كنتم لا تعلمونAs for the one who says that the faith of the muqallid (one who follows a scholar without knowing his evidence) is not valid, the implication of his statement is that the faith of the common people is not valid, because they based their faith on taqlid (following a scholar without knowing his evidence). Their scholars said such and such, so they say such and such. Yes.