The following is a draft translation of a section of the book ‘Teyseer al wusool Ila al-Usul’ (To make understanding Usul easy) by Sheikh Ata ibn Khalil Abu al-Rishta (May Allah protect him). Please refer to the original Arabic for accurate meanings. Islam has forbidden us from following any path other than the path of ‘Ilm (knowledge): ‘ And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah).’ [ 17:36 ] From this it becomes clear that the basis in every matter of the Sharee’ah, whether we are ordered to do something or forbidden from a matter, is that we should arrive at knowledge of its hukm through one of the paths of knowledge. If the mukallaf (legally responsible) is unable to do that, then he is obliged to study the matter to arrive at a preponderant view in an issue. Taqleed does not bring us to any definite knowledge or preponderant view; and that is why many scholars d
"Thoughts are the greatest wealth of any nation."