Q 31:

May one switch from the a 'lam to a non-a 'lam?

A: Switching is against precaution, and rather, impermissible - on a more precautious basis {ahwat} - when
a'lam's verdict on the issue disagrees with non-a 'lam's verdict.

Q 32:

I continued to follow Imam Khomeini (q) based on the verdict of a prominent mujtahid When I came to know your verdicts on religious issues and your esteemed opinion about continuing to follow the late Imam {Khomeini} (q), I stopped following the aforesaid verdict and began acting upon the verdicts of the late Imam (q) along with those of yours. Is there any problem in this "udul of mine?

A: Switching, in taqlid, from one living mujtahid to another is permissible and becomes obligatory, on a more precautious basis, if the second mujtahid is more knowledgeable, in the mukallaf's view, than the first one provided that his verdict on the matter differs from the verdict of the first mujtahid

Q 33:

May a follower of Imam Khomeini (q), who has continued to follow him, refer to other marja's with respect to an issue such as considering Tehran not being a large {cosmopolitan} city, for instance?

A: He may do so. However, it is recommended not to forego precaution with regard to continuing the taqlid of the late Iman (q) if he considers him more knowledgeable than the living maraji'.

Q 34:

As a devout youngster I used to follow Imam Khomeini(q) This was before I enter the stage of obligation {taklif} and my taqlid was not based on a religious proof but on the conviction that following Imam discharged me of my obligations. After a while, I switched to another marja' but my switching was invalid and then I switched to you after the second marja' died. What is the rule cmy taqlid of that marja' and my acts during that period in particular? What is my duty now?

A: That part of the past actions that, you performed based on Imam 's verdicts during his blessed life or after his demise- in continuation of his taqlid - is ruled as valid That part of them that you performed based on the verdicts of another marja' is valid and sufficient provided that they were done in accordance with the verdicts of whomever you had to follow then or must follow now, otherwise it will be obligatory on you to make up for them. At present, you have the choice either to continue following the deceased marja' or to switch to someone you consider qualified for taqlid based on religious criteria.

Q 35:

Someone has been following a certain maria' since the late Imam Khomeini (q) passed away and now he wishes to follow the Imam again. May he do so?

A: On a more precautionary basis {ahwat}, switching taqlid from a living, qualified mujtahid to a deceased one is not permissible. But in case that the living mujtahid was not qualified, the transfer of taqlid to him is void and the mukallaf is considered as having still been on the taqlid of the deceased mujtahid, enjoying the choice either to continue following him or to switch to a living mujtahid whose taqlid is permissible.