Definition of Taqlid

Literal: Taqlid is the verbal noun derived from the Arabic root q-l-d,
which means to place, gird, or adorn with a necklace.

Technical: The acceptance of another's statement without demanding
proof or evidence, on the belief that the statement is being made in
accordance with fact and proof.

Taqlid in General

The faculty of taqlid is inherently existent in us. If we had refrained
from the taqlid of our parents and teachers, then today we would be
deprived of even the basic and preliminary needs of humanity. By
nature, man is endowed with the ability to imitate and follow others.
If this was not the case, we would not have been able to learn our
mother tongue. If we had refused to accept unquestioningly (without
demanding proof) every command, beck, and call of our teachers,
we would have been ignorant of even the alphabet of the languages
we speak, let alone the study and writing of books in those languages.
Our whole life - every facet of it; eating, drinking, wearing garments,
walking, earning, and so forth-is connected with this very concept
of taqlid. Our intellectual and cultural development is the result of
taqlid of our parents, teachers, and others.

If the technical terminology of every branch of knowledge were not
acquired on the basis of taqlid (i.e. without questioning the authority
of that terminology), then proficiency in such knowledge could not
have been attained. If the meanings of words and their idiomatic
usages were not acquired through taqlid of linguists and the norms
of our linguistic discourses, we would not become conversant in any
language.

Sometimes man learns the harmful effect of poison as well as the
remedial effects of medicines by virtue of taqlid. In war, if an army
does not accept unquestioningly every order ofits commander, victory
may not be attained. If the various agencies of government do not obey
the laws promulgated by the law makers, then law and order cannot
be maintained in the land. In short, the progress and perfection of
our physical, spiritual, intellectual, academic, moral and social life is
firmly rooted in taqlid - to accept and obey professional authority.

» Posted by Seifeddine-M on 3rd November 2010

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