A Critique of the Ruling of al-Taqlid

Synopsis

Al-Taqlid, a concept in Islamic jurisprudence, refers to the practice of following a particular madhhab (school of thought) or scholar without questioning or critically evaluating their opinions. In “A Critique of the Ruling of Al-Taqlid,” Muhammad ibn Ali al-Shawkani, a renowned 18th-century Islamic scholar, presents a critical analysis of this practice.

Key Points:

• Al-Shawkani argues that blind adherence to a particular madhhab or scholar is not justified, as it can lead to stagnation and a lack of intellectual growth.
• He emphasises the importance of independent reasoning (ijtihad) and critical evaluation of evidence, rather than mere conformity to a particular school of thought.
• Al-Shawkani cites the hadith of Abu Dawud, where Ahmad ibn Hanbal advises against making taqlid of himself or other prominent scholars, instead encouraging students to seek knowledge from the original sources.
• He highlights the excellence of Imam Shawkani himself, who was known for his exceptional knowledge, piety, and ability to clarify complex issues in Islamic law.

This book is used and in excellent condition