Taqlid: What Is the Ruling on Past Taqlīd and Actions Done Before Validly Choosing a Marji‘?
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei
Taqlid: What Is the Ruling on Past Taqlīd and Actions Done Before Validly Choosing a Marji‘?
English:
Question #32
As a pious teenager I used to follow Imam Khomeini (q.). This was before I reached the age of shar‘ī puberty and my taqlīd was not based on religious proof but on the conviction that following Imam (q.) would discharge me of my obligations. After some time, I changed to another marji‘ but my changing was also invalid. Then I changed to you after the second marji‘ passed on. What is the rule concerning my taqlīd of that marji‘ and my acts during that period, in particular? What is my duty now?
Answer #32
Your past actions, which were performed based on the Imam’s (q.) fatwās during his blessed life or after his demise — in continuation of his taqlīd — are ruled as valid. Regarding those acts you performed on the basis of making taqlīd of another marji‘ — which had not been grounded on shar‘ī standards — if they are in accordance with the fatwās of the mujtahid you must follow now, they are ruled as correct and would absolve you of any further obligation. Otherwise it is obligatory to repeat those acts. At present, you have the choice either to continue following the late Imam (q.) or to change to someone you consider qualified to be followed based on shar‘ī criteria.
- Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Rules of Taqlid, To Change from One Marji’ to Another