Imitation in The Present Age
The First Topic:
Definition of Taqlid (Imitation), Muqallid (Imitator) and Mujtahid (Islamic Jurisprudent Striver)
In This topic we intend to discusses the lexical and idiomatic definitions of Taqlid(imitation), Muqallid (Imitator)and Mujtahid (Islamic Jurisprudent Striver), each of which has synonymous words. These synonymous words are also worth pondering in order to clearly recognize their differences from each other. The issue of Taqlid (imitation), Muqllid (Imitator) and Mujtahid is one of the issues of the principles of jurisprudence. Taqlid (Imitation), is the opposite of ijtihad (Striving in the Area of Islamic Jurisprudent), and Muqllid (Imitator)is literally the opposite of Mujtahid, because someone who is a Muqllid is not a Mujtahid, and someone who is a Mujtahid (Jurisprudent Independent Striver) is not a Muqlid. A Mujtahid is an innovator and an originative, but a Muqlid is only a follower.
The First Speech
Definition of Taqlid
Taglid(Immitation) in Terms of Lexical Analysis:
Taqlid literally means a necklace that hangs around the neck. Hanging a sign on the neck of a camel for example, to make it known that it is for sacrifice (Al-Razi 1420 AH, 560), (Ban Manzur 1414 AH, 3/325)
Imitation:
Imitation means following someone in speech and actions, while believing in its truth without considering or reflecting an idea on it, as if a follower were to hang the speech or actions of someone else around his neck. (Al-Jarjani 1405 AH, 90) Imitating religion or law is figuratively applied. Sometimes the word taqlid is also applied to copying someone’s work. When in industrial work, if a product similar to the original is made in another company, it is said to have imitated his work.
Imitating in the terms of Sharia is used in four meanings: imitating a judge and a ruler, imitating a sacrifice, imitating a talisman, and imitating religion. (Majma’ al-Ulamaa 1404 AH, 13/155)
Imitating is divided into two types: permissible imitating and impermissible imitating. inappropriate imitation is not approved by religion and does not have social benefits. For example: imitation of fathers and ancestors, if it is against religious matters. Imitation from an unknown person who does not know the imitator, whether he is worthy of being followed or not. Fanatic imitation, when the truth is clear and the definitive evidence is known. Imitation of a mujtahid who is himself capable of ijtihad. Imitation of someone who opposes the words of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). (Al-Jizani 1419, 73) Imitation in such cases is incorrect and rejected. However, acceptable imitation is when a layperson does not have knowledge of the evidence for the rulings and is forced to imitate a mujtahid and a pious and a virtuous scholar.