What would be said if taqlid (adherence to a madhhab) were initially permitted, and then the common person in matters of creed imitated a disbeliever, an atheist, or an innovator?

It is permissible to follow (taqlid) in matters of belief for one who is unable to deduce evidence, and this is the view of the majority of scholars. There is no difference in the permissibility of taqlid between matters of belief and other matters. Ignorance is excused in general according to the majority of scholars, and this includes a person following someone whom he believes to be among the people of knowledge and faith, when in reality they are not. The imams have excused those who fell into disbelief due to taqlid if they were ignorant, lacking insight and understanding. However, if one is capable of understanding the evidence and was negligent in seeking it, then they incur sin, but they do not commit disbelief until the proof has been established against them.