The Ash‘ari View on Taqlid and Its Impact on Iman

This article explores the theological perspectives of the Ash’ari school on the permissibility of taqlid in matters of Islamic creed, with a particular focus on whether a believer who relies on taqlid can retain their Iman blamelessly, if at all. It delves into the nuanced debates within Ash’ari theology regarding the obligation of intellectual inquiry (naẓar) as a foundational act of faith. The discussion highlights the divergence among Ash’ari scholars on whether naẓar constitutes the believer's first duty to achieve valid Iman, along with the broader implications of these differing views.

This article is a translation and consolidation of the three-part series (1, 2, 3) authored by Ustadh Ibrahim b. Muhammad Siddiq.

The article can be accessed here.