Taqlid 101

Taqlid basically means to follow.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"Ask the learned if you do not know". (6:43)

Since our knowledge is limited in Shari'ah (Qur'an and Hadith), we are obliged to follow the learned Ulama i.e. to make Taqlid and be a Muqallid.

Note the following example:

A surgeon performing an operation has a choice to use several methods to perform the operation e.g. using Dr. John, Dr. Hamilton or Dr. Conner's methods. All these methods are correct. When applied, each method (individually) have to be carried out in its entirety - the operation cannot be done by applying a little of the method of Dr. John's and a little of Dr. Conner's and a little of Dr. Hamilton's.

Despite all being correct applications, only one method of application may be used for a particular operation each time. Similarly, a Muslim is required to follow one Madhab at a time so as not to confuse the various applications. It must be understood that the knowledge of the Sahabah RA possessed is in no comparison to ours. Hence, our understanding of the interpretations to the variations of each matter could cause immeasurable confusion.

We do taqlid to be safe.