Absolute Submission to Religious Authority

Question

A discussion on the necessity of following religious authorities during the occultation of Imam Mahdi.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. The return of the individual, during the occultation of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), to the great religious authorities is a necessary choice, akin to a patient consulting a doctor rather than attempting to treat themselves, despite the risk of the doctor making a mistake in diagnosing the illness or prescribing medication. This is in line with the guidance of the Imams (peace be upon them) prior to the occultation, as a means of preparing for it. Thus, this choice serves as a means of discharging one's obligations regarding known duties, as the knowledgeable and specialized religious authority is closest to understanding Allah's rulings compared to anyone else. However, this does not mean that their rulings are definitively the rulings of Allah. Therefore, you will find that their fatwas remain in the realm of conjecture rather than certainty, yet this conjecture is a valid basis for the individual to follow. If an individual wishes to be more cautious and ensure a clearer discharge of their obligations, the door of precaution is open to them, although it may be challenging for ordinary individuals to identify its sources and adhere to them. May you be successful in all good.