Ruling 10 — Following a Jurist (Taqlīd)

If a mukallaf comes across a matter for which he does not know the Islamic ruling, it is necessary for him to act with caution or to follow a mujtahid according to the aforementioned conditions. However, in the event that a person does not have access to the fatwa of the most learned mujtahid, it is permitted (jāʾiz) for him to follow the next most learned mujtahid.