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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Your Questions Answered (volume 3) Q31: Why Difference Between Mujtahids? Why Mujtahideen differ in the same subject? For instance, some Mujtahideen say that Namaze Jum'a is Wajib while others say that it is "Wajibe-Takhiri" or Sunnah? A. There are many reasons, most important of them being the difference in the interpretation of some crucial words or phrases in Ayat or Hadith.

Q32: MUJTAHID AND TAQLID We would appreciate any information you could give us on Taqleed. A. In every sphere of life we have to heed the advice of the experts in that field. Likewise, in the matter of Islamic Laws, we must obey the rulings of the experts of that Law. Those experts are called Mujtahids; and the act of obeying their rulings is called Taqlid. Here are some of the conditions which govern our choice of the Mujtahid: (a) He must be Baligh (i.e. adult), (b) 'Aqil (i.e.

sane), (c) man, (d) alive at the time of beginning the Taqlid. (e) Ithna-ashari, (f) 'Adil, (g) Mujtahid, (h) A'lam, (i) Legitimate child, (j) Having good memory, (k) Not involved in worldly affairs so as to hinder his scholarly persuits. 'Adil means a person who does not commit big sins even unintentionally; and if he commits small sins (not intentionally) he repents at once. Only an 'Adil can lead in prayers, be accepted as reliable witness and appointed as Qadi.

A'lam means one who is the most learned of all. Q 33: CALIBRE OF IJTIHAD Nowadays "Ijtihad" has become a child's play. Without mentioning the name of our Mujtahids, "AWAKE" published by Young Muslim Association of South Africa condomned those who claim Ijtihad but do not have deep knowledge. A. I did not see the said article; South African publications are banned in Tanzania. But you should not be too much worried about it. There is no room of "Inferiority complex" on our part.

Even admitting that the word "Mujtahid' has been misused especially in India and Pakistan, the calibre and character of our scholars is far better than any other sect. Q34: HOW TO REFORM ISLAMIC WORLD? How can we reform the Islamic world today in the light of the Prophecy of the Holy Prophet that in the period nearing Qiyamat people will go astray? A. By telling them of those prophecies and warning them to abstain from evil deeds. Forewarned is fore-armed.