(b) that this is a requirement that stems from reason...

(b) that this is a requirement that stems from reason, and not one that we must accept the religion (i.e. such knowledge is not only to be gained from religious texts, even if, as we have seen, it is confirmed there, but it is also to be obtained through the exercise of the intellect). The meaning of a requirement that stems from reason is that reason enjoins us to acquire such knowledge and to examine these matters for ourselves. 2.

Doctrine of the Necessity for Imitation (taqlid) in the Various Branches of the Religion (furu' ad-din) By the branches of the religion we mean those religious laws which govern our actions (shari'ah), but concerning which not everyone is required to exercise juristic reasoning (ijtihad).

However, it is the duty of everyone to take one of the three following ways in regard to them: (a) he should exert himself in study until he becomes a mujtahid, (b)he should exercise juristic precaution (ihtiyat) if he is able to, (c) he should follow one who is a recognized mujtahid, who must be a man of wisdom and justice, "who keeps himself from sin, not following the dictates of his own desires, but obeying the commands of Allah" It follows that one who is neither a mujtahid, nor exercise ihtiyat, nor follows a mujtahid, does all the actions of his din in vain, and that neither his prayer nor his fasting will be accepted by Allah, even though he has carried out his duties in these matters for the whole of his life;unless he begins to follow a mujtahid, in which case, those of his actions prior to his following the mujtahid which were done for the sake of Allah will be accepted.

they must give all their encouragement to one of their number to attain this position. If no-one living holds the position of mujtahid, it is not permissible to follow a dead mujtahid.