A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah:
Taqlid (following the opinion of a scholar).
The taqlid of a layperson toward a scholar whose religious integrity and adherence to evidence they trust,
is permissible and indispensable.
However, the blind following of a sheikh’s actions even when they contradict the evidence,
is a form of fanaticism toward the opinions of men.
It is blameworthy and forbidden,
as it leads to the claim that the Imams and scholars are infallible and immune to error,
and that every textual evidence which contradicts their opinions,
must be interpreted away or rejected.
The unspoken attitude of these fanatical followers is as if they were saying:
“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)
Al-Shafi'i said:
The Muslims have reached a consensus
that whoever has the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, made clear to them,
it is not permissible for them to abandon it for the opinion of anyone among the people of knowledge.