(Part 12)
The Continuation;
The Second Topic: History of Taqlid (Imitation)
The Second Speech: Imitation in Islam
An example is the incident of the prayer at Banu Qurayza, where the Prophet instructed everyone to perform the Asr prayer at Banu Qurayza. The Companions exercised their ijtihad and interpreted the instruction based on their understanding, with some following the opinion of others. There are numerous examples of the Companions practicing ijtihad during the Prophet’s lifetime, both in his presence and absence.
These narrations clearly show that ijtihad was valid during the Prophet’s blessed life. Scholars, based on these hadiths, have accepted the ijtihad of the Companions in cases where no explicit verse or hadith existed. Therefore, anyone who follows the ijtihad of the Companions is considered a muqallid (follower). Regarding whether accepting the Prophet’s statement constitutes taqleed, there is a difference of opinion. (al-Zarkashi 1413 AH, 8/317)
The Second Article: Taqleed During the Era of the Companions
After the conquests and expansions during the golden age of the Rightly Guided Caliphs &, particularly under the first three caliphs &, the Companions encountered new issues. On one hand, people from conquered regions were embracing Islam. The Islamic civilization was intersecting with other civilizations in political, administrative, economic, and social realms. The issues faced by new Muslims, who previously followed different beliefs and systems, often lacked direct precedent in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The understanding of the Companions regarding these matters varied based on their knowledge and intelligence. One major reason for differences among them was their diverse responses to these new circumstances. (al-Qattan 1422 AH, p. 194) Following the conquests, the Companions & traveled across Islamic lands to teach the religion. People accepted them as role models and imitated their speech and behavior. The issue of ijtihad and taqleed emerged strongly in this era. The noble Companions & managed to solve many contemporary and future problems through ijtihad and consensus.
True taqleed began in the era of the Companions &. People, in adherence to Allah’s command, followed the Companions, as the Qur’an says:
[16:43] Al-Naḥl-النَّحْل
” فَسۡـَٔلُوۡۤا اَہۡلَ الذِّکۡرِ اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ ﴿ۙ۴۳﴾
{So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know} [An-Nahl: 43]
Undoubtedly, most people from the era of the Companions until now have lacked the capacity to fully understand religious rulings due to their occupations or limited knowledge. The general public is required to ask scholars and act upon their guidance because it is practically impossible for everyone to become a mujtahid. Thus, someone who cannot reach the truth independently and must consult scholars is considered a muqallid in every era.