This document discusses five topics related to taqlid (following) in Shi'a Islam: 1. It defines taqlid as following a qualified jurist (mujtahid) in matters of practical religious law. 2. It outlines the qualifications one must have to be considered a marja' (source of emulation), including being male, sane, just, and the most knowledgeable. 3. It discusses how to identify a qualified mujtahid, such as by asking experts. 4. It describes ways to acquire a religious verdict (fatwa) from one's marja', like hearing it directly or reading it in their books. 5. It addresses some additional

1. الحَمد لله رَبِّّ العالَمینَ وَ صَلّ الله عَلی مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِّهِّ الطّاهِّرینَ المَعصومینَ سیّما بَقیَّةِّ الله فِّی
الاَرَضینَ وَ اللّعنةُ الدّائِّمَةُ الباقیةُ عَلی اَعدائِّهِّم اَجمَعینَ
In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful
all praise is due to Allah, lord of all the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon
the most honorable prophet and messenger, Mohammad, and his pure progeny in
particular the remainder of Allah on the earth and may perpetual curse be on all their
enemies

4. Five topics in Taqlid (Following)
1. The definition of Taqlid (Following)
2. The qualifications of a Mujtahid to be a Marja’
3. How to identify the qualified Mujtahid
4. How to acquire the verdict (Fatwa) of a Mujtahid
5. Miscellaneous issues

5. 1. Definition:
Taqlid (following) means
“to follow a qualified Mujtahid in
practical laws of the religion”

6. 
Notes:
- We cannot follow anybody in the principles of the religion
-We have no choice but to be a
Mujtahid
Follower (Muqallid)
Cautious (Muhtat)

7. 2. Qualifications of the Mujtahid
Your Marja’ must be a twelver shi’a Mujtahid who is:
• Male
• Sane
• Of legitimate birth
• Alive
• Just
• Baliq (adult)
• The most knowledgeable

8. Question!

9. Who is a “just” person?
1. Performs all the obligated (wajib) acts
2. Abstains from all the forbidden acts
How to know?
*He is of a good character*

10. 3. How to identify the Mujtahid
Asking some experts

11. 4. Ways to acquire a verdict (Fatwa)
a. To hear from his own mouth
b. To be informed by two just persons
c. To be informed by the one you can trust
d. To read in his book

12. 5. Some miscellaneous questions:
1. What are verdict (fatwa), obligatory precaution, and recommended
precaution?
Verdict (Fatwa) you cannot disobey it
Obligatory Precaution observe it or refer to
another mujtahid
Recommended Precaution observe or forgo

13. 5. Some miscellaneous questions:
2. What if your Marja’ passes away?
Refer to an alive mujtahid:
If the alive one is more knowledgeable, follow the alive one
If the late mujtahid was more knowledgeable, keep following him

14. 5. Some miscellaneous questions:
3. Is it obligatory to learn all the Islamic laws?
We must learn all those Islamic laws which are related to our
daily life

15. 5. Some miscellaneous questions:
4. What if we make a mistake in relating the verdict of a
Mujtahid?
a change in verdict Not necessary to inform
A mistake in relating Necessary to inform

16. 5. Some miscellaneous questions:
5. What if one does not follow any mujtahid for a period of
time?
If his actions were in agreement with the verdicts of the most
knowledgeable mujtahid, his actions are valid

17. و الحمد لله رب العالمین و صل الله علی محمد و آ له الطاهرین
Praise be to Allah, lord of the worlds
And may Allah send His blessings on Mohammad and his family, the purified
And
Thank you
for your patience