taqlidi

Taqlidi is an Arabic term that translates to "imitation" or "following." In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to the act of a Muslim following the opinions and rulings of a qualified Islamic scholar, known as a *mujtahid*, without necessarily understanding the detailed reasoning behind those rulings. This practice is contrasted with *ijtihad*, which is the independent reasoning and interpretation of Islamic texts by a scholar to derive legal rulings.

The concept of taqlidi is rooted in the necessity for ordinary Muslims, who may not possess the extensive knowledge of Islamic law required for ijtihad, to have guidance on religious matters. Islamic tradition generally permits taqlidi for those who are not scholars themselves, encouraging them to seek out knowledgeable individuals and adhere to their interpretations.

There are varying perspectives within Islamic scholarship regarding the extent and nature of taqlidi. Some scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the evidence for a ruling, even if one is performing taqlidi, while others accept a more direct form of imitation. The choice of which scholar or school of thought to follow is often a personal decision, though many Muslims tend to follow the madhhab (school of law) that their community or family has traditionally adhered to. The ultimate goal of taqlidi is to ensure that Muslims can practice their faith in accordance with Islamic teachings.