Al Iqtisad fi al Taqlid wa al Ijtihad: A Guide by Ashraf Ali Thanwi - الاقتصاد في التقليد والاجتهاد

"Al-Iqtisad fi al-Taqlid wa al-Ijtihad" by Allama Ashraf Ali Thanwi
This book, authored by Allama Ashraf Ali Thanwi (d. 1362 AH), is one of the most significant contemporary treatises that provides a balanced methodology regarding the relationship between following a school of jurisprudence (Taqlid) and independent legal reasoning (Ijtihad).

 

Clarification of Terms: Thanwi distinguishes between "obligatory," "permissible," and "prohibited" Taqlid. He differentiates between following a specific school of thought and "following one's whims" under the guise of Ijtihad.

Levels of Individuals: He categorizes people into the Absolute Mujtahid, the Muttabi (one who understands evidence but hasn't reached Ijtihad), and the Layperson (Ami). He argues that a layperson's Taqlid is, in essence, "obedience to the Prophet ﷺ" through a qualified intermediary.

The Concept of "Iqtisad" (Moderation): The title refers to balance. Thanwi proves that the four schools do not deviate from the Quran and Sunnah. He argues that adhering to one school protects religion from "cherry-picking" (seeking easy dispensations), which could lead to the dilution of Sharia obligations.

Refuting Misconceptions: A large portion of the book responds to those who label Taqlid as "Shirk" (polytheism) or "Bid'ah" (innovation), clarifying the difference between sanctifying individuals and relying on the expertise of scholars to understand revelation.