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Fatwa CenterLayman may follow scholars in matters of Aqeedah
Question
Is it permissible for a layman (who does not know Arabic) to do Taqleed (blind following) of a scholar with regards to Aqeedah (creed) (like where Allaah is, whether Allaah has hands/feet, and so on)?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Yes, it is permissible for a layman who does not know Arabic to do Taqleed of the reliable scholars with regards to Aqeedah, regardless of whether that be related to Allah, the Almighty; His Names; Attributes; Actions; or any other issue related to belief. This is because people are either Mujtahids (competent scholars who have adequate knowledge to practice personal reasoning themselves) or Muqallids (followers; laymen who lack such qualifications and accordingly follow the views of competent scholars). Whoever is incompetent to practice Ijtihaad (independent reasoning) is obliged to do Taqleed. Allah, The Exalted, says (what means): {So, ask the people of the message if you do not know.} [Quran 16:43]
There is no difference between issues related to Fiqh and those related to Aqeedah in this regard. However, it is incumbent on this layman to be careful in choosing the scholar that he will follow. He should follow the scholar known for his knowledge, piety, and adherence to the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaa‘ah in beliefs and actions.
Allah knows best.
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