The Doctrine of Taqlid: A Road Block to The Progressive Development of Muslim Law

The doctrine of taqlid, meaning blind adherence to classical juristic opinions, has played a significant role in shaping Islamic legal tradition. While it once served to preserve legal continuity and unity within the Muslim community, in the modern context it is increasingly viewed as a barrier to the dynamic evolution of Islamic law. This article critically examines the historical emergence of taqlid, its justification in classical jurisprudence, and its implications for legal reform in contemporary Muslim societies. Through comparative analysis and scholarly perspectives, the article explores how rigid taqlid has impeded the resolution of new issues arise in the Muslim world (known as ijtihad) which is very much needed to address new socio-legal realities. It concludes that for Muslim law to remain relevant and responsive, a re-evaluation of taqlid and a revival of ijtihad are essential. The approval of ijtihad rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah must guide future legal discourse to enable contextual and progressive development.