Taqlid: A mukallaf must act cautiously or follow a mujtahid; if the most learned isn’t available, the next may be followed.

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani

Ruling 10

If a mukallaf comes across a matter for which he does not know the Islamic ruling, it is necessary for him to act with caution or to follow a mujtahid according to the aforementioned conditions. However, in the event that a person does not have access to the fatwa of the most learned mujtahid, it is permitted (jāʾiz) for him to follow the next most learned mujtahid.

- Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Following a Jurist (Taqlid)