How can I avoid blind imitation in faith?

Faith is the fundamental pillar of an individual's spiritual life, holding immense significance. However, sometimes, instead of arriving at religious convictions through independent research and reasoning, people merely imitate their predecessors, society, or their immediate environment. This is what is termed 'blind imitation,' and it can render one's faith fragile and vulnerable. The Holy Quran consistently invites humanity to reflect, ponder, reason, and acquire knowledge, while vehemently condemning blind adherence. To steer clear of such imitation and attain a strong, conviction-based faith, the Quran offers several remedies that we will explore together. One of the primary reasons the Quran condemns blind imitation is that true faith must be founded on knowledge and understanding, not simply unquestioning adherence. Allah, in numerous verses, refers to those who follow their fathers and forefathers, even if those predecessors were ignorant or misguided. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 170, it states: "And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they [rightly] guided?" This verse clearly indicates that following traditions and beliefs of ancestors without thought or reason is reprehensible. Faith must originate from the heart, accompanied by intellect and logic, not merely be a social custom or a family inheritance. This Quranic emphasis on the necessity of critical thinking and questioning forms the basis for developing an independent and profound faith. The first and most fundamental method to avoid blind imitation is 'contemplation of the Quran.' The Quran is the word of Allah and the primary source of guidance. In Surah Muhammad, verse 24, Allah says: "Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?" This verse is a direct invitation to deep reflection on divine verses. Contemplation (tadabbur) means going beyond mere reading or memorization, to truly grasp the meaning of the words and implement their messages in one's life. When an individual directly connects with the word of God, their understanding and insight into the realities of existence deepen, leading to a conscious and firm faith. Every verse of the Quran is a gateway to divine knowledge, and studying it with an open, inquisitive mind renders one independent of the need for undue imitation. This contemplation involves examining the context of verses, their interconnections, and understanding the overall aims and objectives of the Quran, all of which lead to individual and profound insight. The second remedy is 'acquiring knowledge.' Islam is a religion of knowledge and wisdom. The first verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded 'reading' and 'learning.' The Quran consistently elevates intellect and wisdom, while censuring ignorance and irrationality. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, it states: "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned." This verse explicitly points to the importance of knowledge and avoiding actions based on ignorance or mere conjecture. To achieve a conscious faith, one must research the foundations of religion, its creedal principles, and the philosophy behind divine rulings. This research includes studying reputable books, listening to learned scholars, and constructive questioning. The goal is for faith to move from mere acceptance to a stage of heartfelt and intellectual comprehension and affirmation. This process of acquiring knowledge helps individuals deepen their understanding of religion and avoid uncritically accepting every teaching. For instance, instead of merely hearing a ruling, one can seek its Quranic and prophetic evidences to become certain of its validity. The third method is 'reflection on creation' and divine signs. The Quran repeatedly invites humanity to deeply observe the universe, the heavens, the earth, natural phenomena, and even oneself. In Surah Al-Imran, verses 190-191, we read: "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this in vain; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'" This contemplation of creation guides humanity to the greatness and wisdom of the Creator, transforming one's faith from imitative to argumentative and intuitive. When a person observes the order and wonders of the universe with open eyes, they comprehend the existence and attributes of God with their whole being, no longer needing to imitate others' beliefs to prove God's existence. This type of reflection turns faith from an abstract concept into a tangible and understandable reality. The fourth approach is 'constructive questioning and critique.' In Islam, questioning and seeking evidence are not only permissible but commendable. The infallible Imams (peace be upon them) and divine prophets always engaged with their opponents using proofs and arguments. Conscious faith is not afraid of critique and questioning; rather, it strengthens itself through firm and logical answers to questions. Of course, this questioning must be with the intention of understanding and reaching the truth, not merely for dispute or doubt. For example, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) challenged the idol worship of his people and demanded evidence from them, as stated in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 52: "When he said to his father and his people, 'What are these statues to whose worship you are so devoted?'" This example highlights the importance of intellectual challenging of incorrect beliefs and helps individuals build their beliefs on the foundation of reasoning and logic. An important point to note is that avoiding blind imitation is obligatory in matters of the fundamental principles of faith (Tawhid/Monotheism, Prophethood, Resurrection, Justice, Imamate), as these principles are the foundation of faith and must be accepted with personal research and inner conviction. This means that every individual must personally come to know God, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and other essential principles of religion, and cannot merely accept them because others believe in them. However, in matters of practical religious rulings (Fiqh), following a qualified jurist (mujtahid) is not only permissible but necessary for the general public who are not experts. This is because understanding intricate rulings has its own complexities, and not everyone possesses the ability for legal inference. The difference lies in this: imitation in practical rulings is following an expert, not blind imitation of just anyone. In fact, this is itself a form of rationality, where a non-specialist consults an expert in complex matters. Ultimately, faith attained through contemplation, reasoning, knowledge acquisition, and questioning is stable, profound, and unshakable. Such faith makes an individual resilient against doubts and intellectual challenges, leading them to inner peace and certainty. This path not only leads to divine pleasure but also empowers humans to choose their life's direction with full insight, achieving salvation in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, in the journey of faith, always utilize the light of intellect and the lamp of Quranic guidance, and never surrender to the darkness of blind imitation. This conscious faith provides individuals with the ability for independent decision-making and facing life's challenges, as it is rooted in their deep understanding and being, and will not waver with every gust of doubt.