Taqlid (Following a School of Law)
The practice of following a qualified scholar's legal opinions without necessarily knowing the evidence.
Taqlid literally means "imitation" and refers to the practice of following a qualified scholar's or school of law's legal opinions without necessarily knowing the detailed evidence behind each rule. For the vast majority of Muslims, taqlid is the practical way to live according to Islamic law.
In Sunni Islam, there is broad agreement that one who has not reached the level of ijtihad should follow one of the four recognized schools of law in practical matters such as prayer, fasting, and purification. Imam al-Nawawi and the majority of Sunni scholars consider taqlid necessary for laypeople.
In practice, taqlid means that a Hanafi Muslim prays with arms folded below the navel, while a Shafi'i Muslim prays with arms on the chest — both following their respective school's guidance. The four schools' imams, however, warned against blind taqlid and encouraged seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Abu Hanifah said: "It is not permissible for anyone to follow our opinion if they do not know where we took it from."
Related terms
Nahj al-Balagha (The Peak of Eloquence)
Imam Ali's collection of sermons and wise sayings, central to Shia prayer tradition.
Husayniyyah (Shia Assembly Hall)
A Shia Muslim assembly hall, named after Imam Husayn.
Irsal (Arm Position in Prayer)
The Shia practice of letting the arms hang at the sides during prayer.
Raf' al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
The practice of raising the hands to the shoulders or ears at specific points in the prayer.
Hayya ala Khayr al-Amal (Come to the Best of Deeds)
The third exhortation in the Shia adhan: "Come to the best of deeds".
Khalifah (Caliph/Successor)
The political and religious leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet's passing.