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Tabioon learned the religion from the Sahabah in the same
manner, as the Sahabah had studied from Allah’s Messenger.
Since, the Sahabah traveled to different parts of the Islamic
Empire, the Tabioon would learn Hadeeth and verdicts of the
religion from the Sahabi who was found in his respective city.
Similarly, among the generations that followed the people of each
city would refer to the well-known and authoritative scholars of
their respective cities to seek knowledge and to ask for a Fatawa
(religious verdict).
This practice of the common people in asking the most
knowledgeable scholars of their city has continued from the time
of the Tabioon to this day. This is the practice that is in accordance
with the saying of Allah, “Ask of those who know the Scripture,
if you know not…” This is also the practice of following
transmitted knowledge, by following all that is authentically
reported from the Messenger of Allah .
The Deobandis do not accept this practice of “Asking the
knowledgeable” or ‘following transmitted knowledge’ as Taqleed.
They do not consider someone as a Muqallid (a follower of the
Madhhabs) unless he adheres to the following conditions (as
summarized from various books and articles on the subject):
1. Of all the exemplary scholars, the Muslim Ummah has been
blessed with; Taqleed is restricted to just four scholars or Imams.
2. The follower of the Madhhab (way) of one Imam has to
compulsorily follow the Madhhab in all matters of the religion.
3. The Muqallid does not need to know the proof from the texts,
behind the ruling he is supposed to follow, and it is sufficient for
him to know that Imam could never have said anything without
proof. The saying of the Imam is itself proof for the Muqallid.
4. The Muqallid cannot follow the other three Madhhabs even in
minor issues. To follow the other Madhhab is a punishable offence.
Even if a Muqallid finds a verse of the Qur’aan or an authentic
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