📜 Understanding TAQLĪD (تقليد‎): Tradition vs Independent Reasoning in Islam

Comprehensive Definition

Taqlīd (تقليد‎)

Taqlīd (تقليد‎) is an Islamic term that literally means “imitating” or “winding round.” In the context of Islamic law and theology, it refers to the practice of following the legal or religious opinions of a learned scholar or religious leader without an independent inquiry into the evidence or reasoning, essentially venerated in the role of authority.

Etymology and Background

• Etymology: The word “Taqlīd” is derived from the Arabic root “qalada” (قلد), which means “to bind” or “to imitate.” Historically, taqlīd had additional meanings like girding with a sword or putting a wreath around an animal destined for sacrifice, indicating various forms of symbolic binding.
• Historical Context: Historically, taqlīd appeared in discussions around the authority of earlier scholars (mujtahids). During the formative period of Islamic jurisprudence, taqlīd involved adopting the methodologies and opinions of these scholars to maintain continuity and stability within the jurisprudential corpus.
• Contemporary Usage: Nowadays, taqlīd is often discussed in the dichotomy with “ijtihad,” which signifies independent reasoning. The debate centers around whether contemporary scholars should engage in taqlīd or use ijtihad to meet the evolving needs of modern society.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Sunni vs Shia: In Sunni Islam, taqlīd generally supports following established schools of jurisprudence (madhabs) like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. In Shia Islam, it specifically refers to following a marja (source of emulation), who are regarded as highly knowledgeable jurists.
• Western Critique: From an external viewpoint, taqlīd might be seen as hindering progress and encouraging intellectual stagnation. However, within Islamic tradition, it is appreciated for preserving religious integrity and continuity.

Synonyms

• Imitation
• Emulation
• Adherence

Antonyms

• Ijtihad (independent reasoning)
• Innovation

Related Terms with Definitions

• Ijtihad: The process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the legal sources (the Quran and the Sunnah).
• Muqallid: A person who practices taqlīd, i.e., follows the decisions of a qualified scholar.
• Madhab: A school of thought within Islamic jurisprudence.

Exciting Facts

• Preservation of Knowledge: Taqlīd enabled the preservation of complex legal and theological systems by ensuring medieval scholars’ accumulated wisdom and views.
• Dynamic Resolution: Although often seemingly static, taqlīd allowed for dynamic resolution within the traditional frameworks.
• Margin of Flexibility: Classical scholars acknowledged a margin of flexibility within taqlīd, allowing adaptation within prescribed limits of tradition.

Quotations from Notable Writers

1. Al-Ghazali: “Taqlīd, far from being a blind following, is an utmost devotion to the purveying wisdom of our learned forbearers.”
2. Iqbal: “Taqlīd for the sake of unity with ancient virtue, yes; but when it impedes movement, we must render new solutions.”

Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies

• Books:
  • “Islamic Jurisprudence: A Sourcebook” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
  • “Islamic Legal Interpretation: Muftis and Their Fatwas” by Mahmood Ibrahim and David Powers
  • “Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance” by Mustafa Akyol
• Academic Articles:
  • Taqlīd and its Study in Islamic Law by Ali Arsalan, Journal of Islamic Studies.
  • Traditional Authority in Islam: Continuity and Change by Fatimah Nassir, Islamic Law Review.

Quizzes

Farewell Thought

“In the intersection of tradition and reason, we find the evolving tapestry of human understanding and faith. To study Taqlīd is to honor wisdom while contemplating progress.” — Mustafa Al-Hakim, October 12, 2023