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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 1 Lesson 18 : Taklif and Taqleed Once a person reaches the age of Taklif (estimated at completion of 15 years for boys and 9 years for girls) he is called a MUKKALAF. This means that that individual has reached a point where he has become answerable to Allah (S.W.T.) for all the obligatory actions and duties prescribed by Him.

When a Muslim becomes a Mukkalaf, he must learn all his wajibat, which include Salaat, Sawm, Hajj and Zakat amongst others. A Mukkalaf must also avoid doing anything Haram (forbidden) such as lying and stealing. Those who do not avoid that which is forbidden, will suffer Allah (S.W.T.)'s wrath and punishment. Disobedience to the Almighty who has created us all is a grave sin. Ahkam and Ebadah thus form the core of Islam.

Allah (S.W.T.) expects human beings to attain happiness in the eternal abode by seeking His pleasure in this world. However, every human being must try to utilize his Aql (Reasoning) in his beliefs. He must spend time searching for the philosophy behind the religious duties and not perform them blindly. This will deepen the effect of the action and strengthen his faith in Allah (S.W.T.) the Creator. Logical proofs are a necessary ingredient in the quest for the true path.

One has to fully understand his beliefs and cannot follow another persons' ideas in this matter. This is the reason why Islam does not allow Taqlid (acting according to the verdict of another) in Usool - e - Deen. Coming to the Branches or the laws, how can one learn the practical laws of Islam? How can we derive the Haram (Prohibited) and Halal (Lawful) actions from the Qur'an and the Sunnah? Is it possible for everyone or just anyone to teach this important issue?

Can all pursue higher studies to the point of Ijtihad i.e. learning, analyzing and understanding all the Ahkams? Such a great task is not possible for everyone. The majority of us cannot attain the highest stage of Ijtihad and so the question is what should we do in order to ensure that our actions are according to the command of Allah (S.W.T.)? Thus, we can see the need to follow a Marja'e Taqleed. It is therefore necessary for every Mukkalaf to follow the present A'alam in the laws of Islam.

SOME OF THE MASA'ILS CONCERNING TAQLEED Taqleed in religious laws means acting according to the verdict of a Mujtahid.