Question:Here, in the Indian subcontinent, many people do not follow any particular religious authority. Their main arguments are: (1) Why should we follow someone who is not infallible, when only the infallible should be followed?(2) If Islamic law has one answer for each issue, why do religious authorities (marājiʿ) differ on so many matters?

Answer:In the name of Allah, we ask those who claim they do not follow anyone: if they pray and fast, how did they learn to perform these acts when they were born knowing nothing? Allah Almighty says: "And Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing". Whoever they learned prayer from, they are following that person. And who made their parents’ marriage lawful, making them legitimate children? Whoever gave that ruling, their parents followed that authority. As for differences among scholars, they arise from variations in interpreting religious texts, verses, and narrations, or the foundations of legal rulings. Don’t you see that several doctors may graduate from the same university with the same degree and specialization, yet differ in prescribing medicine for the same patient? Allah is the Guide.

Question:Some Shiite people say: Taqleed is not obligatory in Husseini rituals. What is your opinion?

Answer:In the name of Allah, Taqleed is obligatory in every act whether obligator, recommended, permissible, disliked or forbidden. Are Husseini rituals out of these five religious rulings? Allah knows best.

Question:Is Taqleed valid when done by the discerning boy?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is valid in addition to the payer and other acts of worship. Allah knows best.