Q 18:

May one follow a non-a 'lam when an a 'lam exists?

A: There is no problem in referring to a non-a'lam concerning the issues on which his verdict does not disagree with a 'lam's verdict.

Q19:

What is your opinion on the a 'lamiyyah of the Islamic jurist who should be followed? and what is your proof for such an opinion?

A: If there are several jurists who are qualified for issuing verdict and their verdicts are different it will be obligatoiy on the non jurist mukallaf according to greater precaution, to follow the most learned unless his verdict is against precaution whereas the non-a 'lam's verdict agrees with it.

The basis for this view is the rational practice {bina' aluqala'} along with the ruling of reason as for the issue 's circulation, then, between specific and elective obligations {ta y'in and takhyir}

Q20:

Concerning taqlid issue, whom should we follow?

A: It is obligatory to follow a mujtahid who meets alI requirements needed for issuing verdict and functioning as a marja' and, on a more precautious basis, is the most learned as well.

Q21:

Is it permissible to begin taqlid for the first time {taqlid ibtida 'i} with following a deceased marja'?

A: Precaution should not be overlooked in following a live,
a'lam jurist when one would like to begin taqlid for the first time.

Q 22:

To begin following a deceased mujtahid for the first time, should it be based on following a live mujtahid?

A: The permissibility of starting or continuing to follow a deceased mujtahid depends on the opinion of a live, a 'lam jurist.

Q 23:

After I verified the competence of a certain mujtahid through the testimony of two adils. {decent Muslims}, is it obligatory on me to ask other persons about this matter too?

A: Relying on, and referring to, the testimony of two adil experts regarding the competence of a certain mujtahid who meets all requirements of taqlid are enough and it is not obligatoiy to ask others thereafter.

Q24:

What are the methods for selecting a marja' and obtaining his verdicts?

A: The juristic expertise {ijtihad} or a 'lamiyyah of a marja' should be verified by way of either testing, obtaining certainty

even if through a reputation that produces certainty -confidence, or the testimony of two adil experts.

Marja 's verdict should be obtained through either hearing from him, quotation by two (or even one) adils or by a reliable person whose statement produces confidence, or referring to the marja's risalah, the authenticity of which has been approved by him.