Emulation (taqlīd) is a necessity when a lay believer faces a situation where he does not know the correct religious ruling, as he is supposed to refer to the expert to get the proper answer. Otherwise, without referring to the expert and implementing the ruling, he would be liable for the mistake, whereas he will not be liable when he refers to the expert, even if the latter made a mistake. Taqlīd secures a layperson from liability before the Almighty Allah.