Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: Derived from the Arabic root ق ل د (Q-L-D), the term taqlid (تَقْلِيد) means “imitation” or “following.”
- Arabic: تَقْلِيد (taqlīd)
- Turkish: Taklit
Definition
Taqlid refers to the adherence to traditional legal precedents, behaviors, and doctrines within Islamic jurisprudence. It signifies the practice of following established interpretations and rulings rather than diverging into independent reasoning or new interpretations. Taqlid stands in contrast to ijtihad (اجْتِهَاد), which involves independent judgment and reasoning based on revelation and foundational texts of Islam.
Historical Context
In classical Islamic jurisprudence, taqlid was considered an essential mechanism for ensuring the consistency and continuity of legal interpretations across different regions and epochs. Scholars who were not qualified to perform ijtihad, known as mujtahids, adhered to the rulings of the established schools of thought without questioning their foundations.
Modern Interpretations and Criticisms
In contemporary discourse, taqlid has often been a point of contention, particularly among reformist movements. Modernism and fundamentalism have both critiqued taqlid, albeit from different perspectives:
- Modernist Perspective: Critics argue taqlid can lead to intellectual stagnation and hinder innovation. They call for a revival of ijtihad to allow for interpretations more aligned with contemporary circumstances.
- Fundamentalist Perspective: Some fundamentalists argue that taqlid has led to a dilution of authentic Islamic teachings, advocating a return to the original sources—Qur’an and Hadith—with literal and contextual interpretations.
Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective” by Alexander David Russell and Abdullah Saeed
- “The Principle of Ijtihad in Islam: An Advanced Study of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi
- “The Seeds of Modern Islamic Reform: Islamic Fundamentalist Christization” by Mansour Farhang
- “Dispelling the Myths of Taqlid: Independent Reasoning in Islamic Law” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Taqlid is the practice of following established legal precedents, contrasting with ijtihad, independent legal reasoning.
- It provides continuity and consistency in legal interpretations but faces criticism for promoting stasis.
- Reformist thought, both modernist and fundamentalist, has pushed for a reassessment of taqlid to respond more dynamically to contemporary issues.
In conclusion, understanding the concept of taqlid underscores its pivotal role in the balance between tradition and reform within Islamic law and jurisprudence. Its critique symbolizes ongoing debates regarding the evolution and application of Islamic teachings in a constantly changing world.
