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A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah:

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Taqlid (following the opinion of a scholar).

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The taqlid of a layperson toward a scholar whose religious integrity and adherence to evidence they trust,

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is permissible and indispensable.

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However, the blind following of a sheikh’s actions even when they contradict the evidence,

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is a form of fanaticism toward the opinions of men.

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It is blameworthy and forbidden,

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as it leads to the claim that the Imams and scholars are infallible and immune to error,

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and that every textual evidence which contradicts their opinions,

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must be interpreted away or rejected.

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The unspoken attitude of these fanatical followers is as if they were saying:

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“And even so We sent not a warner before thee (Muhammad) into any township but its luxurious ones said: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are following their footprints.” (43:23)

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Al-Shafi'i said:

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The Muslims have reached a consensus

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that whoever has the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, made clear to them,

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it is not permissible for them to abandon it for the opinion of anyone among the people of knowledge.