In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Taqlid and Types of Actions in Islam (for teens)
All the actions of a Muslim who is baligh(ah) have to be based on the correct teachings of Islam as taught in the Quran and by the Holy Prophet [PBUH].
In order to find out the correct teachings of the Quran and the Holy Prophet [PBUH], we can either study these in depth and become experts in Islamic law, or follow a mujtahid.
A mujtahid is an expert in Islamic law. Following the rulings of a mujtahid who is most learned in Islamic law is called taqlid.
A mujtahid studies Islamic law for many years and understands the verses of the Quran and all the teachings of the Holy Prophet [PBUH] and the A’immah [AS]. The Aʾimmah [AS] have explained the true meanings of the verses of the Quran and the words and practices of the Holy Prophet [PBUH].
The words and practices of Holy Prophet [PBUH] are known as his Sunnah. The mujtahidin (plural of mujtahid) derive Islamic laws from two main sources: The Quran and the Sunnah.
The rulings of a mujtahid are called fatawa (plural of fatwa). They can be found in his risalah (book of Islamic Laws).
How to do Taqlid?
It is very important to make the correct niyyah (intention). Before you become baligh(ah), you should find out who is the most learned mujtahid that others follow and you should make your niyyah to follow him once you become baligh(ah).
Every mujtahid who allows others to follow him usually has a risalah. These laws are from the Quran and Sunnah, based on his research. We can find out about the laws of Islam either by reading the book of our mujtahid or by asking him directly. For example, if he has a website, we can send him an email and ask him our questions.
In Islam, ignorance is not an excuse. If we do not pray correctly or perform wudu correctly, we cannot say to Allah [SWT] on the Day of Judgement that we did not know how to do it properly or we could not read Arabic. The A’immah [AS] have instructed us to follow those who are learned in Islamic Law when we ourselves don’t know the correct rulings. If we do not follow a mujtahid, we will not know the correct Islamic rulings relating to our daily actions. That is why taqlid is wajib!
If the mujtahid tells us that something is wajib, we must do it. If he says it is haram, we must keep away from it.
Let’s learn about wajib, haram and other types of actions in Islam:
5 Types of Actions in Islam
Islam divides every action into five groups:
Wajib Mustahab Mubah Makruh Haram
It is necessary to follow a mujtahid because he can tell us which group every action belongs to. As mentioned, If he tells us that something is wajib, we must do it. If he says it is haram, we must keep away from it.
WAJIB
This action is compulsory on every Muslim who is baligh. Not performing a wajib action is a sin. Such as:
- Five daily prayers
- Fasting in the month of Ramadan
- Loyalty to the covenant
- Being honest
MUSTAHAB
This is a recommended action. It is not a must to do it, but whoever does it will be rewarded by Allah [SWT]. Such as:
- Reciting the Holy Quran
- Being in wudu all the time
- Giving charity
- Helping others
MUBAH
These are actions which are allowed. They are neither compulsory nor forbidden. They are not discouraged nor recommended. If done with the correct intention, mubah actions can often become counted as mustahab. Be careful! Mubah things must be used in a way that do not prevent others from using it or persecute someone.
Mubah actions are such as:
- Playing football
- Playing computer and video games
- Walking
MAKRUH
This is the opposite of mustahab. It is a discouraged action but not a sin. Such as:
- Overeating
- Sleeping too much
- Sleeping on stomach
- Not praying on time
HARAM
This is the opposite of wajib. It is an act which has been forbidden in Islam. Anyone who does a haram act will be punished for it. Such as:
- Murdering an innocent person
- Lying
- Stealing
- Annoying the animals
Key points of this text:
1- When we become baligh(ah), we must follow a mujtahid.
2- A mujtahid is an expert in Islamic Law. He derives law mainly from the Quran and the Sunnah.
3- Following a mujtahid is known as taqlid.
4- We can find the fatawa (rulings) of a mujtahid from his risalah or by asking him directly.
5- Islam divides every action into five groups and the mujtahid tells us which action would fall into which group.
6- Wajib actions are compulsory on every muslim who is baligh(ah).
7- Mustahab are actions that are recommended.
8- Mubah actions are those allowed, neither compulsory nor forbidden. These actions are not discouraged nor are they recommended.
9- Makruh is the opposite of Mustahab, these are actions which are discouraged but not sins.
10- Haram is the opposite of wajib. These are acts forbidden in Islam.
