Imitation/Following someone's opinion (تَـقْلِيدٌ)
أصول الفقه
المعنى الاصطلاحي :
The one who is unable to provide a valid opinion, accepts without a proof the opinion of someone whose opinion doesn't have a Shar`iee value in creed issues.
الشرح المختصر :
"Taqlīd" is to accept the opinion of someone else whose opinion doesn't have a Shar`iee value by itself without a proof. The expression "whose opinion doesn't have a Shar`iee value by itself" excludes following the Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, the scholars' consensus, etc., as following any of such is not considered "taqlīd" because their opinion has a Shar`iee value by itslef. According to Ahl as-Sunnah wa-'l Jamā`ah, "taqlīd" is permissible for anyone who is unable to acquire knowledge by himself, whether in creed issues or in jurisprudence.
التعريف اللغوي المختصر :
"Taqlīd": to place something around the neck like a necklace; also, accepting something from someone, who is liable to make mistakes, without a proof.