Taqlid
Islamic term for conformity to another's teaching.
Taqlid (Arabic: تقليد, romanized: Taqlīd) is a term in Islamic jurisprudence denoting conformity of one person to the teaching of another. The person who performs taqlid is termed muqallid, while one who rejects it is called ghair-muqallid. Its meaning varies by context and age, with differing classical usage between Sunni and Shia Islam.
- 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 denotes following the dictates of a mujtahid. Since the 19th century, Shia ulama taught believers to turn to 'a source of taqlid' (marja' at-taqlid) for guidance. Shia who are not experts in Islamic jurisprudence are legally required to follow the instructions of a mujtahid in matters of sharia, but are forbidden to do so in matters of belief.
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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