Contradictory Quotes
In this section, we review hadiths that contradict what people are taught in taqlid:
- Imam Ali (p): "Do not feel lonely on the path of guidance because of the fewness of its followers."
According to the fatwas at the beginning of the practical treatises, muqallids must follow the most learned marja' (a'lam), but no practical way to identify the most learned is introduced except the testimony of two just scholars or a group of knowledgeable people. Naturally, when two just scholars can be found for most marja's, people unconsciously turn to someone for whom more scholars testify to his a'lamiyyah and the correctness of his fatwas. This culture is exactly opposite to what Imam Ali (p) taught. According to his words, one must recognize the path of guidance, even if few walk on it. Therefore, if someone speaks the truth and the truthfulness of his words is proven by evidence, following him is preferable even if no one supports him.
A similar theme is found in Quranic verses, where prophets and their followers are commanded to be the first to submit to the truth:
Say: 'Shall I take to me a protector other than God, the Originator of the heavens and earth, who feeds and is not fed?' Say: 'I have been commanded to be the first of them that submit. "Be not of the idolaters."' (6:14)
Martyr Mutahhari also criticized taqlid while mentioning this hadith.
The next hadith clearly contradicts the foundations of taqlid:
- Imam Ali (p): "Truth is not known by persons; know the truth, and you will know its people."
While in taqlid, knowing learned and just persons and then identifying the most learned is the basis for distinguishing true rulings from false, this famous hadith of Imam Ali (p) recommends exactly the opposite: first recognize true and false rulings, then you can recognize their people. The three hadiths below also contradict the person-oriented approach promoted in taqlid:
- The Prophet (p): "Two things are strange: a word of wisdom from a foolish person — accept it; and a foolish word from a wise person — forgive it."
- Imam Ali (p): "Take wisdom even from polytheists."
- Jesus (p): "O apostles! The stench of tar does not harm you when its lamp gives you light; take knowledge from whoever has it, and do not look at his deeds."
We present this as a challenge: if in the lessons and curriculum of "ijtihad and taqlid" by any scholar, there is any reference to the above hadiths and their indication against taqlid has been discussed and examined, please share it with us.
To be completed.
Parent page: Taqlid Is Negated in Narrations
Back to: Table of Contents