’Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allāh be pleased with him) used to say:

«اغْدُ عالِمًا، أو مُتعلِّمًا، ولا تَغْدُ إمَّعةً فيما بيْنَ ذلك» "Aspire to be either a scholar or a seeker of knowledge, but do not be a blind follower who merely imitates others." ____ BENEFIT 364: The difference between blindfollowing a scholar (تقليد) and benefitting from their knowledge (اتباع) Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy on him, mentioned in A‘lām Al-Muwaqqi‘een that: «التقليد معناه في الشرع الرجوع إلى قول لا حجة لقائلة عليه، وذلك ممنوع منه في الشريعة، والاتباع: ما ثبت عليه حجة» "The meaning of Taqleed (blindfollowing) in the Shari'ah is to accept a statement without any evidence, which is prohibited in the Shari'ah. In contrast, ittibā‘ is to accept what is supported by evidence." Taqleed is divided into two categories: 1⃣. Blameworthy Taqleed: This is subdivided into three types: First: Turning away from what Allāh has revealed and disregarding it entirely, merely following the traditions of one’s forefathers. Second: Following someone without knowing whether they are qualified to be relied upon. Third: Continuing to follow someone even after clear evidence has been established against their opinion. The difference between this and the first type is that, in the first case, the person imitates before having access to knowledge and evidence, whereas in this case, they persist in imitation despite the evidence being made clear to them. This makes them more deserving of blame and disobedience to Allah and His Messenger. [I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in (2/129-130)] 2⃣. Praiseworthy Taqleed(1): This refers to the laymen following scholars who are qualified to issue legal rulings in times of need and acting upon their fatwas. This form of taqleed is legislated and has unanimous scholarly consensus regarding its permissibility. [Aḍhwā' Al-Bayān by Ash-Shinqeeṭi (7/306)] Allāh ﷻ said: ﴿فَسۡـَٔلُوۤا۟ أَهۡلَ ٱلذِّكۡرِ إِن كُنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ﴾ "Ask those who have knowledge ˹of the Scriptures˺ if you do not know." [Sūrah An-Naḥl: 43] However, it is obligatory to make an effort in choosing whom to ask, ensuring that they seek guidance from the most pious, knowledgeable, and precise scholars. ____ (1) This is also known as ittibā’, as imām Aṣ-Ṣan‘āni raḥimahullāh explained: "There is a distinction between blindly following a scholar in everything he says and seeking understanding through his insights. The latter is akin to using a guide on a journey—he leads the traveller to the destination, but once the traveller reaches it, he no longer needs the guide’s directions. Similarly, if one uses the stars to determine the Qiblah, once the Qiblah is directly in sight, there is no longer any need to rely on the stars." [Irshād An-Nuqqād, 105]