Day Questions

The concept of taqlīd has been popular recently. I am not convinced of its religious obligation. Can you help me?

The popularity of the concept of taqlīd amongst the masses in these days is due to the broad existence of means of communication which have led to the wide spread of knowledge of religious laws. It is not because the concept is new. Rather, it was present at the time of the Imams (peace be upon them) when they were directing their companions and followers, in general, to learn the religious laws. This naturally led to many people asking questions about their affairs, and it was not practical for all of them to reach the Imam (peace be upon him) and ask him in person, so they used to refer to his close companions who could be reached to gain knowledge in religious laws. There were known narrators who were giving edicts to people and the Shias used to refer to them during those days, like Muhammad bin Muslim, Zurarah, Zakariyya bin Adam and others. This need continued to exist after the occultation of the Twelfth Imam (peace be upon him) until now. It is a natural need and a sensible process, as people refer to the experts in various fields like medicine, engineering and other kinds of expertise, as people are not satisfied with their own limited knowledge in these areas.

Is it permissible to change my Taqleed in a particular issue because the verdict of the Marja I am following causes hardship to me?

It is not permissible to switch from a Mujtahid to another just because the second one’s verdict is easier or pleases the individual more than the first Marja. The first Marja must be followed as long as he is still described with all the conditions of the Marja. However, if the Marja that you are following has an obligatory precaution, then you can follow another qualified Marja in this issue.

Is it permissible - as a male actor - to work in dramas and movies with Muslim actresses, who although wear appropriate clothing but usually adorn their faces with make-up? Is it permitted to look at their faces while doing a scene together?

Working as an actor is permissible, but it is prohibited to look at them with lust.

If the father of a girl marries her off, without her approval, is the marriage valid?

If she subsequently agrees to the marriage then it will be valid. However, if she does not agree to this marriage, then it is void.

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