Taqlid: Can I Rely on Mujtahids’ Advice in Choosing the Most Learned Marji‘?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Taqlid: Can I Rely on Mujtahids’ Advice in Choosing the Most Learned Marji‘?

English:

Question #27

I asked several mujtahids about the most learned mujtahid. They told me that following so-and-so (may Allah, the Exalted, elevate his spiritual ranks) would discharge me of my obligation. May I rely on their opinion if I personally do not know whether or not he is the most learned or I doubt, or I am certain, that he is not the most learned mujtahid due to the existence of others with similar evidences in their favour?

Answer #27

If shar‘ī evidence is established that a qualified mujtahid is the most knowledgeable, it is binding proof upon which one may rely as long as there is no contradicting evidence, even if it does not induce certainty or confidence. In such a case, it is not necessary to search for opposing evidence and make sure that it does not exist.

- Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Rules of Taqlid, Methods to Know Who is Mujtahid