Taqleed And Ijtihad

Question 1

Literally taqleed means to follow, but what is its meaning in shariah?

Answer 1

It is to act according to the word of an individual whose word is not a source of the sharia.

And then not to ask for evidence from him.

Question 2

Ijtihad is derived from the word جهد, meaning to strive with full exertion.
What is ijtihad?

Answer 2

Serious effort by a jurist to infer (assume/conclude) a religious ruling from its detailed evidences in the authentic religious sources.

Question 3

The one performing ijtihad is?

Answer 3

Mujtahid.

Question 4

What are the 2 kinds of legal commands?

Answer 4

1. Essential part of religion e.g. Salah x 5, zakah, fasting, hajj, consumption of wine, adultery.
   Everyone knows about these so taqleed is not necessary.
2. The things which cannot be known without concentration and deduction. E.g. Branch issues of worship, mutual dealings.

Question 5

What has Allah swt said about taqleed? Is it permissible?

Answer 5

So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know. (16:43)

If taqleed is disallowed then everyone will have to seek knoweldge regarding these issues then people will not have time for daily jobs.

Question 6

Who is a mukallaf مكلَّف?

Answer 6

A person who is mature, competent and im full possession of his faculties.

Question 7

What is fardh?

Answer 7

The command of which is communicated by a definite (qat’i) and clear text. In which there is no speculation or ambiguity.

It is obligatory to believe and act upon it.

Question 8

What are the 2 types fiqh? And what are the differences?

Answer 8

1. Fardhul ain: obligation on every individual e.g. Salah and zakah
2. Fardhul kifayah: communal obligation, obligation which is binding upon all without specifying those who should perform it.

Its obligation upon all is lifted if fulfilled by a few.

E.g. Funeral prayer, enjoin good, forbid evil.