The Dangers of Blind following (At-Taqleed): Returning to Qur’an and Sunnah

Blind following (At-Taqleed), a major challenge facing Muslims today. Blindly following others without questioning or seeking knowledge is a significant issue in the Muslim community. Islam, rooted in divine revelation(Waḥy) and rational inquiry, encourages Muslims to think critically and make informed decisions guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah. By returning to these foundational sources, we can revive a culture of thoughtful engagement with knowledge and foster a more discerning and enlightened community.

While respecting and learning from scholars is crucial, it’s equally vital to maintain our independence in thought and decision-making. We should aim to understand and apply Islamic teachings with thoughtfulness and discernment.

In this article, we’ll delve into the risks of blind following, explore the Quran’s and Prophet Muhammad’s  ﷺ guidance on the matter, and discuss how to cultivate a more mindful and engaged approach to our faith.

1. The Qur’anic Condemnation of Blind Following

The Qur’an strongly criticizes those who reject divine truth due to their blind adherence to tradition or the practices of their ancestors.” Allah ﷻ says:

“And when it is said to them: ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say: ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers upon.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?” (Al-Baqorah:170)

This verse highlights the danger of preferring inherited customs over revealed guidance. Similarly, Allah says:

“And likewise, we did not send before you into any city a warner except that its affluent said: ‘Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are following in their footsteps”
(Az-Zukhruf: 23)

These verses demonstrate how blind tradition can lead people to reject the truth, even when it’s clear. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to think rationally, reflect, and follow Allah’s commands based on knowledge.

2. The Prophetic Warning Against Following Leaders Blindly

The Prophet ﷺ warned against following leaders or scholars blindly when they deviate from the truth. He said: “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator.”
(Al-Bukhārī 7257, Muslim 1840)

This Hadith establishes that obedience is conditional: a Muslim cannot obey anyone, whether a ruler, scholar, or parent if it contradicts Allah’s law.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also foretold that misguided leaders would emerge, and instructed Muslims to hold firmly to revelation:

“You must adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs after me. Hold on to it with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, for every innovation is misguidance.” (Abu Dawud, 4067)

This guidance stresses that true safety and guidance come from following the Qur’an and Sunnah, rather than blindly obeying individuals.

3. The Balance Between Respect for Scholars and Avoiding Blind Following

Islam recognizes the crucial role of scholars (Ulamaa) in interpreting revelation, deriving rulings, and guiding the Ummah. The Qur’an commands:

“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (An-Nahl:43)

Getting guidance from scholars is not the same as blindly following them. As Muslims, we should:

• Seek evidence for their opinions
• Understand the reasons behind their rulings
• Make sure their teachings align with the Quran and Sunnah

Simply following scholars without questioning, even when the evidence disagrees with them, can lead to division and straying from the right path.”

The great Imams themselves forbade blind following. Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله) said: “It is not permissible for anyone to accept our views if they do not know from where we got them.” Similarly, Imām Mālik (رحمه الله) stated: “Everyone’s statement can be accepted or rejected, except the one in this grave,” pointing to the grave of the Prophet ﷺ.

The best way to show respect for scholars is by learning from their expertise, while always considering the Qur’an and Sunnah as the highest authority. We should let their knowledge guide us, remembering that Allah’s Commandment is the ultimate.

The Consequences of At-Taqleed on the Ummah

Blindly following others can cause serious problems in the community:

• Lack of progress: When we stop asking questions and seeking answers, we stop learning and growing. Knowledge becomes stagnant, and innovation replaces true Islamic teachings.
• Division and conflict: When we prioritize following certain leaders or groups over following the Quran and Sunnah, it can lead to arguments and splits within the community. The division in the Ummah today is mostly as a result of excessive loyalty to certain scholars.
• Straying from the right path: When we blindly follow leaders who prioritize worldly gains over Islamic values, we risk being led astray and committing sins. Deviation from the truth because of the love or loyalty one have for certain scholars will not only prone one to errors, but sins if it is against The Qur’an and Sunnah. This practice is against Islamic teachings.

Allah warns of this in the Qur’an:

“They took their rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah, and (also) the Messiah, son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God.” (At-Tawbah:31)

The Remedy for Blind Following

To avoid blind following, we must consciously return to the Quran and Sunnah, seeking a deeper understanding. This approach doesn’t reject scholarly insights but rather examines them through the lens of divine guidance.

As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized,

“I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Al-Muwaṭṭa’ 1661)

By grounding our beliefs and practices in the Qur’an and Sunnah, we can avoid the dangers of blind imitation and ensure our worship is genuine and heartfelt.

In conclusion, blind following (At-Taqleed) has long obscured the truth. The Qur’an condemns it, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against it, and early scholars rejected it. While respecting scholars is essential, ultimate authority rests solely with Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ.  The Muslim community must revive its culture of seeking evidence, reflecting on revelation, and practicing Islam based on knowledge.

True success lies in returning to the Qur’an and Sunnah, not in uncritical imitation of personalities. As Allah ﷻ reminds us:

“And this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow other ways, lest they divert you from His way. This He has instructed you, that you may become righteous.”  (Al-an’am:153).

May Allah grant us istiqāmah, and overlook our shortcomings.