Written by: Sahibzada Altaf ur Rehman al-Jauhar
The kind of Taqleed (blind following) that is being vigorously propagated today, where its opponents are labeled by innovators as heretics, disrespectful to the Imams, polytheists, disbelievers, innovators, Qadianis, Mirzais, unfortunate, Wahhabis, and non-followers, is explained in the following manner by the Hanafi leader, Hanafi Imam Qazi Ubaidullah Abu Zaid al-Dabusi Hanafi (d. 430 AH) in his renowned book “Taqweem al-Adillah fi Usool al-Fiqh” (p. 390):
(Taqweem al-Adillah, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon)
The essence of Taqleed is that a Muqallid (follower) aligns himself with animals (cattle) in following their mothers without any distinction, just as animals' offspring follow their mothers blindly. If a Muqallid makes himself an animal due to his lack of reasoning ability, then he should be excused and treated (in a mental hospital). However, if he does so despite having reasoning ability, then the sword is the proper remedy until he turns to reason.
A Muqallid is Mentally Ill:
al-Dabusi further writes: If a Muqallid makes himself an animal because he lacks intellect and consciousness, then he should be treated (in a mental hospital).
A Muqallid is Not Permitted to Debate:
Abu Zaid al-Dabusi Hanafi offers valuable advice to these innovative followers of Taqleed who indulge in debates day and night: “ولا یناظر” meaning a mentally deranged Muqallid cannot be debated with because he lacks reason.
Note:
Al-Suyuti writes that Al-Ghazali mentioned in 'Kitab al-Tafriqah' that: The task of a Muqallid is to remain silent (Al-Hawi lil Fatawi 1/116, Al-Fatawa al-Usuliyyah ad-Diniyyah).
The Remedy for a Muqallid is the Sword:
He writes that if, despite having intellect and consciousness, he is still obsessed with Taqleed, then the remedy for such a stubborn, fanatical Muqallid is the sword (of the Islamic state) until his mind is set right. Abandoning human dignity and making oneself an animal based on prejudice and stubbornness is akin to slaughtering human greatness without a knife. We request the staunch and fanatic Muqallideen who engage in the farce of Taqleed, Imam worship, and Madhab worship, to ponder over the advice of their foundational leader and Hanafi Imam and rid themselves of the disease of Taqleed forever. Otherwise, lifelong humiliation and disgrace, along with regret on the Day of Judgment, will be inevitable.
"وَاَنّٰی لَہُ الذِّکْرٰی ط" (الفجر :۲۳)
And that day, the regret will be of no avail.
And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon our leader Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
The kind of Taqleed (blind following) that is being vigorously propagated today, where its opponents are labeled by innovators as heretics, disrespectful to the Imams, polytheists, disbelievers, innovators, Qadianis, Mirzais, unfortunate, Wahhabis, and non-followers, is explained in the following manner by the Hanafi leader, Hanafi Imam Qazi Ubaidullah Abu Zaid al-Dabusi Hanafi (d. 430 AH) in his renowned book “Taqweem al-Adillah fi Usool al-Fiqh” (p. 390):
"فالمقلد فی حاصل أمرہ ملحق نفسہ بالبھائم فی اتباع الأولاد الأمھات علی مناھجھا بلا تمییز فإن ألحق نفسہ بھا لفقدہ آلۃ التمییز فمعذور فید اویٰ ولا یناظر، وإن ألحقہ بھا ومعہ آلۃ التمییز فالسیف أولیٰ بہ حتی یقبل علی الألۃ"
(Taqweem al-Adillah, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon)
The essence of Taqleed is that a Muqallid (follower) aligns himself with animals (cattle) in following their mothers without any distinction, just as animals' offspring follow their mothers blindly. If a Muqallid makes himself an animal due to his lack of reasoning ability, then he should be excused and treated (in a mental hospital). However, if he does so despite having reasoning ability, then the sword is the proper remedy until he turns to reason.
A Muqallid is Mentally Ill:
al-Dabusi further writes: If a Muqallid makes himself an animal because he lacks intellect and consciousness, then he should be treated (in a mental hospital).
A Muqallid is Not Permitted to Debate:
Abu Zaid al-Dabusi Hanafi offers valuable advice to these innovative followers of Taqleed who indulge in debates day and night: “ولا یناظر” meaning a mentally deranged Muqallid cannot be debated with because he lacks reason.
Note:
Al-Suyuti writes that Al-Ghazali mentioned in 'Kitab al-Tafriqah' that: The task of a Muqallid is to remain silent (Al-Hawi lil Fatawi 1/116, Al-Fatawa al-Usuliyyah ad-Diniyyah).
The Remedy for a Muqallid is the Sword:
He writes that if, despite having intellect and consciousness, he is still obsessed with Taqleed, then the remedy for such a stubborn, fanatical Muqallid is the sword (of the Islamic state) until his mind is set right. Abandoning human dignity and making oneself an animal based on prejudice and stubbornness is akin to slaughtering human greatness without a knife. We request the staunch and fanatic Muqallideen who engage in the farce of Taqleed, Imam worship, and Madhab worship, to ponder over the advice of their foundational leader and Hanafi Imam and rid themselves of the disease of Taqleed forever. Otherwise, lifelong humiliation and disgrace, along with regret on the Day of Judgment, will be inevitable.
"وَاَنّٰی لَہُ الذِّکْرٰی ط" (الفجر :۲۳)
And that day, the regret will be of no avail.
And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon our leader Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
