Through the grace of Allahعزوجل , I have comprehensively written about the issue of Taqleed in the beginning of this book, which has remained unanswered by Wahabi Ghair-Muqallids even until today. In continuing with this topic, we briefly explain the need and benefits of Taqleed as well as the harms and ills of not following it.
The Sahaaba were the Imams of the entire world. Which Imam would they follow?!
In the Ummah of the Holy Prophetصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم there are some fortunate people who gained the companionship of Rasoolullahصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and saw his miraculous beauty with their very own eyes. These people are stars on the sky of prophethood and are the guides and Imams of the entire Ummah. Regarding them, Rasoolultah himself said, "My Sahaaba are like stars. Whichever one you follow, you will attain guidance."
Allahعزوجل saved and protected the Sahaaba from deviance and transgression through the blessings of His Messenger’s صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم companionship. He also made necessary statements regarding their piety which they are surely worthy of, "(O Sahaaba) Allahعزوجل has put hate in your hearts for infidelity (kufr), transgression and sins," (Surah Hujaraat, Verse 7) and has promised every Sahaabi to be a Jannati, "Allahعزوجل has promised Jannat to all the Companions." - Surah Nisaa, Verse 95
In fact, Allahعزوجل even classified the Sahaaba to be the benchmark of the entire world's Imaan! Whoever has lmaan like them is a Mu'rnin, and whoever's Imaan is contrary to theirs is out of the deen, "If those people brought Imaan like yours, they would be on the path of salvation (hidaayat)." - Surah Baqarah, Verse 137
Through the blessings of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah’s صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم companionship, the hearts of the Sahaaba were illuminated and they possessed characteristics of the angels (such as obedience and virtue) even though they were earthly creation. There were no deeni conflicts, groupings, religious disputes or fitnas prevalent amongst them, and so there was no need for formal Taq1eed during this period. The Sahaaba were the Imams of the entire world. Which Imam would they follow?!