Seven Matters That Are Not Considered True Blind Following

Seven Matters That Are Not Considered True Blind Following:

  1. Acting in accordance to the statement of Allaah because it is an action that is based upon the proof. It is the evidence that has indicated the obligation of belief in Allaah, His angels, His books and His messengers.
  2. Acting in accordance to the statement of the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). For indeed it is based upon the clear cut proof and it is the commandment of Allaah to follow His messenger and act in accordance to that which he came with.
  3. Acting in accordance to the statement of the people of consensus. For indeed it is an action that is established upon the proof. It is that which has been indicated by the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His messenger that it is obligatory to act in accordance to their statement.
  4. The judge acting in accordance to the testimony of witnesses and judging according to that. Indeed it is based upon that which has come in the Book and Sunnah and the consensus that it is obligatory to judge by that when the pillars and conditions are fulfilled.
  5. The common person acting in accordance to the statement of the Muftee. Indeed it is based upon a proof. It is that which has been indicated by the consensus regarding it being obligatory for the common folk to return back to the Muftee in that which he is in need of and to act in accordance to it (the fatwaa of the Muftee).
  6. Acting in accordance to the narration of the narrator. That’s because acting in accordance to it is based upon an evidence. It is the evidence that indicates the obligation of acting in accordance to the authentic narration. Like the Hadeeth: “Convey on me even if it is one matter.” Also the Hadeeth: “Let the one who is present convey to the one who is absent.”
  7. Acting in accordance to the statement of a Sahaabee when it is not opposed by other than it. That is because the statement of a Sahaabee is a proof according to the strongest position.

Taken from: at-Taqleed wal-Iftaa wal-Istiftaa, pg 11-12 by Shaykh ‘Abdul-Azeez ar-Raajihee (may Allaah preserve him).

Translated by Abu Yusuf Khaleefah, NYC, USA
On the 6th of Rabee’ al-Awwal, 1435 H
(January 7th, 2014)