It is a lengthy hadith and only part of it is quoted in support of ‘Taqleed’...

It is a lengthy hadith and only part of it is quoted in support of ‘Taqleed’, upon reading the complete hadith, one would realise that these meanings in support of ‘Taqleed’ are derived totally out of context, primarily, all those who issue fatwa do not qualify the merits [20] laid out by Imam -asws , secondarily, no one is obliged to follow a non-masoom without asking for a proof-which is the condition imposed by the Mujtahid on his ‘Muqallid’ (complete hadith is given in the Appendix I).

Here, instead of disputing the authenticity of the above hadith, we present the following traditions from Masomeen -asws which provide us guidelines for making use of their teachings in all aspects of our lives: Initially, we analyse the situation when there are conflicting traditions from Masomeen -asws (God forbid). It is narrated Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq -asws [21] : ‘When a person asked what shall we do when we hear conflicting Ahadith from those who are your -asws trustworthy (followers)?

Imam -asws said if a hadith is in agreement with the book of Allah -azwj and sayings of Rasol Allah -saw , then accept it otherwise leave it alone’.

Let analyse other ahadith related to ‘Ghaibat-e-Imam -asws ’: Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq -asws said : “Whenever it occurs, everyone should stick to what was conveyed to them by the Aimma -asws before, till you find out who is the Imam (Reappearance of Imam -asws )” [22] Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq -asws said : “When such a time comes and you cannot meet your Imam-e-Zamana -asws , you should continue to follow the orders from Aimma -asws which you already have until the reappearance of Imam -asws is announced or proven.” [23] In another hadith for the ‘Ghaibat-e-Imam -asws ’ Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq -asws said: ”They must seek out one of you who narrates our traditions , who is versed in what is permissible and what is forbidden, who is well-acquainted with our laws and ordinances, and accept him as judge and arbiter, for I appoint him as judge over you.