Bro. Abbas, there are many reasons why we might disagree with scholars, and it is important to analyze each one:

1. Our nafs. We simply have desires that go against what the scholars have prescribed. In this case, of course, one should follow the scholar.
2. Our understanding. We might not understand the reasons behind the scholar’s ruling. In this case, we should study and try to find out the reasons for such a ruling.
3. Time-space considerations. A certain ruling might not apply to you. This is particularly important when one is dealing with a mujtahid who lives in a completely different environment that you.
4. The mujtahid is simply wrong. This is rare, and for one to be able to prove it, you’d have to undergo quite a bit of research and consultation with other mujtahids. In that case, you could follow the ruling of another mujtahid, or, if it’s so obvious (i.e. it’s a complete contradiction of the Qur’an), then Allah’s book always comes first.
5. Following the ruling might be too difficult. Now, in some cases, this can be a sin, but in others, there might be legitimate hardship that would prevent one from following a ruling. Often times, asking the mujtahid to consider your specific case will resolve such an issue.

There is a certain science to following scholars, and I think many people get turned off by it when they’ve been taught to follow the scholars blindly, without trying to find out the reasoning behind various rulings. Being followers does not excuse us from being seekers of knowledge.

Great post brother. Keep it up.

“It is important that we apply our own understanding to both revelation and to knowledge presented to us by learned people.”

Can you give us an example? What if we do not agree with the learned people after our understanding?

wa salaam,
Abbas

Traditional Islam…. well and 12er shi’ism specifically, I don’t think it’s quite as concrete or rooted specific scholars as in some other schools of thought. There’s been so many movements and developments over time in light of fique, the concept of taqlid, jurisprudence, and theory of government, that even though it’d be easy to say that 12er ithna asheri usuli 20th century whatnot really is the “same thing” as how 12er shi;ism was viewed, say, centuries ago… (u know what I mean, vern?)

Leila

I do agree with your understanding of doctors, and that’s why I was careful to use the word “advice” when referring to jurists as oppose to “dictation.” It is important that we apply our own understanding to both revelation and to knowledge presented to us by learned people. Actually, someone who does taqlid properly does not just blindly follow. They research, study, and come to conclusions based on scholarly views. The wise among them, do not even limit themselves to just one scholar, but are able to discern truth by studying many rulings and views on issues.

I was once told that you really have to know yourself even to go to a doctor. Know your body and how to explain what is really wrong with you. If you tell the doctor the wrong thing, they’re more likely to give the wrong diagnosis (not saying they’re not to blame, because they don’t take the time to get to know you). The same is true with religion. “He who knows himself, knows his Lord.”

Interesting…. but so do so many of the conservatives, too, just using different vocabulary…

As for the Doctor reference, I’ve never really found that to be such a hot analogy due to doctors also being just as likely to make a poor diagnosis as a marja. Hence, I still think there’s something to be said about one’s intuition and own aql as well. I think there’s got to be a balance of our own judgement inserted into the picture as well, don’t you think? Curious to hear your response…

Assalaamu’alaikum,

Very beautiful and insightful post. Masha’Allah, it was very good. May Allah reward you for sharing such knowledge with us all. Love ya