In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful all praise is due to Allah, lord of all the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon

the most honorable prophet and messenger, Mohammad, and his pure progeny in

particular the remainder of Allah on the earth and may perpetual curse be on all their

enemies

ری د و آله الطاه ن المعصومین سیما بقیة هللا فیالحمد هلل رب العالمین و صل هللا علی محم

م اجمعین االرضین و اللعنة الدائمة الباقیة علی اعدائه

Five topics in Taqlid (Following)

1. The definition of Taqlid (Following)

2. The qualifications of a Mujtahid to be a Marja’

3. How to identify the qualified Mujtahid

4. How to acquire the verdict (Fatwa) of a Mujtahid

5. Miscellaneous issues

1. Definition:

Taqlid (following) means

“to follow a qualified Mujtahid in

practical laws of the religion”

- We cannot follow anybody in the principles of the religion

- We have no choice but to be a

Notes:

Mujtahid

Follower (Muqallid)

Cautious (Muhtat)

2. Qualifications of the Mujtahid

Your Marja’ must be a twelver shi’a Mujtahid who is:

• Male

• Sane

• Of legitimate birth

• Alive

• Just

• Baliq (adult)

• The most knowledgeable

Question!

Who is a “just” person?

1. Performs all the obligated (wajib) acts

2. Abstains from all the forbidden acts

How to know?

*He is of a good character*

3. How to identify the Mujtahid

Asking some experts

4. Ways to acquire a verdict (Fatwa)

a. To hear from his own mouth

b. To be informed by two just persons

c. To be informed by the one you can trust

d. To read in his book

5. Some miscellaneous questions:

1. What are verdict (fatwa), obligatory precaution, and recommended

precaution?

Verdict (Fatwa) you cannot disobey it

Obligatory Precaution observe it or refer to

another mujtahid

Recommended Precaution observe or forgo

5. Some miscellaneous questions:

2. What if your Marja’ passes away?

Refer to an alive mujtahid:

If the alive one is more knowledgeable, follow the alive one

If the late mujtahid was more knowledgeable, keep following him

5. Some miscellaneous questions:

3. Is it obligatory to learn all the Islamic laws?

We must learn all those Islamic laws which are related to our

daily life

5. Some miscellaneous questions:

4. What if we make a mistake in relating the verdict of a

Mujtahid?

a change in verdict Not necessary to inform

A mistake in relating Necessary to inform

5. Some miscellaneous questions:

5. What if one does not follow any mujtahid for a period of

time?

If his actions were in agreement with the verdicts of the most

knowledgeable mujtahid, his actions are valid

و امحلد هلل رب العاملنی و صل هللا عیل محمد و آ هل الطاهرین

Praise be to Allah, lord of the worlds

And may Allah send His blessings on Mohammad and his family, the purified

And

Thank youfor your patience