Articles

Statement on the Cultural and Scientific Events
Author : The General Iftaa` Department
Date Added : 18-06-2023

Statement on the Cultural and Scientific Events

 

The General Iftaa` Department keeps track of cultural and scientific events in various fields, especially Sharia because thought, culture and science are at the center of our Arab-Islamic culture, which has paved the way for guiding minds and ordered people to reflect upon this universe. Allah the Almighty says {what means}: "Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition." {Az-Zumar, 9}. In addition, the first verse revealed to Mohammad was: " Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-" {Al-Alaq, 1}. This indicates Islam's interest in science, thought and the enlightening minds and hearts.

The Iftaa` Department issued many Fatwas urging Jordanians to pay more attention to mental sciences and raising their level as far as the  scientific field is concerned. It also showed that Islam respects civilized dialogue based on wisdom and beautiful preaching. Allah the Almighty says {What means}: " Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious" {An-Nahil, 125}. Islam also provided ample space for dialogue and constructive criticism, but all of this is conditional on applying the etiquette of civilized disagreement, showing respect to the religious feelings of others, and not tampering with sanctities that enjoy the religious respect of the people. This is since intellectual renewal does not mean challenging beliefs, showing contempt for religions, and questioning them.

 

The Department confirms that this blessed country of ours led by the wise Hashemite leadership, which took the responsibility of showing the luminous image of Islam through "The Amman Message" and respecting faiths through "Kalima Sawa`", is distinguished with authentic culture and constitutional values derived from Islam and represent moderation and rejecting terrorism and extremism. It is not acceptable, no matter what the case maybe, to abuse religions or undermine religious values and constants. We are of the view that holding conferences and seminars that abuse sanctities and undermine intellectual and societal security doesn`t express the acceptable freedom of speech. Rather, this is transgression against others and their values.

 

The Department warns against trials and tribulations and activities that address religious constants for they could be interpreted, or misunderstood in a manner that could undermine the social fabric.

 

May Allah protect Jordan and its Hashemite leadership and may peace and stability prevail in Jordan and other Muslim countries.

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Summarized Fatawaa

Does undergoing surgery under anesthesia break the fast?

Anesthesia itself does not break the fast because anesthetic gases have no physical substance (jirm), and subcutaneous anesthesia injections do not reach the body cavity (jauf). However, this is on condition that the person is conscious at some point during the fasting hours:
● If they were awake at the beginning of the day, their fast remains valid.
● If they wake up even for a moment before sunset, their fast is also valid.
However, if the surgery involves the entry of foreign substances into the body cavity, their fast is invalidated, and they must make up for that day later.

I bought an apartment, and I am saving money to pay the remaining balance of its price — is zakāh obligatory on this money?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Zakāh is obligatory on all saved/hoarded wealth. Once the total wealth reaches the niṣāb (minimum threshold liable for zakah— equivalent to the value of 85 grams of pure 24-karat gold) and a full ḥawl (lunar year) has elapsed over it, zakāh becomes obligatory at a rate of (2.5%) — even if the wealth is earmarked for basic future needs, and even if the wealth's owner is in debt. Debt does not prevent the obligation of zakāh, nor is it deducted when calculating the zakāh due, based on the general and unrestricted wording of all the Qur'anic verses commanding zakāh, which draw no distinction between someone in debt and anyone else.
It is stated in ‘Umdat as-Sālik, from the books of the Shāfi‘ī school: "If someone possesses exactly the niṣāb, and owes an equivalent amount in debt, zakāh remains obligatory on what is in his possession, and the debt does not prevent this obligation" — meaning, the obligation of zakāh on what is presently in his possession.
The ḥawl (annual cycle) recognized for zakāh, as well as for the other sharī‘ah obligations that Allah, the Exalted, has imposed upon Muslims, is the Hijrī (lunar) year. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.

Does using a wet miswak while fasting break the fast?

A fasting person should ensure that the miswak is dry when using it.
However, if the miswak is slightly moist but does not release any liquid when squeezed, then its use does not break the fast.

What is the ruling of islamic law on statutory (legal) interest awarded by a court?
 

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
It is permissible for a person in whose favor a judge has awarded statutory (legal) interest to deduct the actual litigation costs incurred in filing and prosecuting the lawsuit from these interest funds.
 
Any remaining balance beyond those actual expenses must be returned to the party upon whom the payment was imposed, provided that party is a specific individual. If, however, the paying party is a public entity or state institution, the remaining amount should be spent on the general public interests of Muslims—such as schools, mosques, roads, and similar public utilities shared by the community—or given in charity (Sadaqah) to the poor and needy. And Allah Almighty knows best.