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Reverence for the Fatwa is Reverence for Allah: The General Mufti
Author : Dr Noah Ali Salman
Date Added : 31-07-2024

 

Mr. Sameer Jannakat wrote an article in the "Al-Rai" newspaper on August 26, 2009, expressing his astonishment at the fatwa issued in an Arab country allowing athletes to break their fast. He humorously praised the General Iftaa' Department in Jordan for carefully verifying the questioner, the question, and the answer, and for dealing with the matter with the required seriousness, ensuring that no misinterpretations or incorrect interpretations occur.

We thank Mr. Sameer for his praise and commendation of the Department. We believe that no student of knowledge should approach fatwas except in this manner, which demonstrates an understanding of their importance and value. Since the mufti conveys and signs on behalf of God, as the scholars have said, the matter must be approached with the utmost seriousness. What would you say about someone who signs on behalf of an important state official if they handle the subjects they sign off on in any other way? Allah, the Exalted, the Glorious, is greater and more magnificent than all greats.

Negligence in issuing fatwas has led some people to take fatwas lightly, and the word "fatwa" has come to mean a legal loophole or circumventing Sharia rulings. However, a fatwa is the ruling of Allah on the subject being asked about. Some people have come to believe that a fatwa is something that provides leniency for people, while anyone can impose strictness.

Those who say this do not realize that its meaning is different from what people intend. The point is that if a mufti declares something to be forbidden, they should provide a lawful alternative. This is the principle of Islamic legislation as a whole. Whenever something is prohibited, a lawful alternative is provided. For example, while Riba/usury is prohibited, Islamic law permits profit-sharing, partnerships, and loans when necessary. This principle applies to other Sharia rulings as well.

Today, the Islamic scene is filled with numerous fatwas that sometimes contradict each other and confuse Muslims. While this reflects the engagement in the Islamic arena as a sign of Islamic awakening, it also has a negative impact on the general Muslim public and those whose hearts are being won over. Some argue that the confusion leads them to turn away from religion entirely, which is an irrational response. Disagreements are old and are a sign of the vitality of Islamic law, but these disagreements are resolved through one of two ways:

The first approach: If the ruler adopts a particular legal ruling, then everyone should adhere to it. This is why it is said that the ruling of the judge resolves disputes.

The second approach: Muslims should seek guidance from knowledgeable and reputable scholars known for their wisdom and deliberation, and disregard others. This is based on the Quranic injunction (What means): "Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know" [An-Nahl/43] and He, The Exalted Said (What means): "If only they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them, they would have known it" [An-Nisa /83]. In such cases, one should not be concerned with other opinions or pay them any attention.

The minimum level of handling religious issues should be the same as handling medical issues. Just as one would not accept treatment from anyone who merely claims to be a doctor, but would rather verify and seek out a reputable expert, so too should one approach religious matters with the same level of scrutiny and care.

Those who seek fame through issuing unusual and errant fatwas should remember The Words of Allah (What means): "Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned." [Az-Zukhruf/19] as well as, He The Almighty Says (What means): "On the Day of Resurrection, you will see those who lied against Allah with their faces blackened. Is there not in Hell a residence for the arrogant?" [Az-Zumar/60].

In addition, those who are lenient with issuing fatwas to please or win favor with people should be reminded of Allah's Words (What means): "And you have come to Us alone, just as We created you the first time." [Al-An'am/94]. Further, He, The Exalted, Says (What means): "Indeed, they will not avail you against Allah." [Al-Jathiya/19].

These verses should make scholars wary and even fearful of issuing fatwas, lest they slip and fall into the Fire. This is why many scholars of the past and present refrained from issuing fatwas unless urgent, seeking Allah's help and guidance, and repeating His (Almighty Allah) Words (What means): "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the Straight Path." [Al-Fatiha/5-6].

Moreover, we extend our thanks to Mr. Samir, and to Mr. Khalid Al-Qudat, whom Mr. Samir mentions as saying that "we gave him hard times before issuing a fatwa." In reality, we were keen on his safety and our own before Almighty Allah as this is a matter of concern for the religion of the questioner and the hereafter of the party in charge of issuing fatwas. May Allah guide whom He Wills to the Straight Path.

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is everyone obligated to follow the fatwas of his country, and if we adopt the fatwas of scholars of other countries, is it considered a sin?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Wolrds and may His Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.

It is permissible for the person who isn't specialized in Sharia sciences to apply the opinions of renowned scholars whom he trusts ,whether they be from his own country or not ,but if the scholars have different opnions regarding a certain issue/matter, then he must consult someone who is more knowledgeable than himself .It is preferable that you (the questioner) specify the case of your interest ,so that we could give you a more specific answer since some scholars deliver fatwas based on illogical/atypical opinions which should not be applied no matter what .And Allah The Exalted Knows Best.

A man married a woman at the Islamic Centre in Brussels through a regular marriage contract. However, the husband left her for two years now and never provided her with financial support. Currently, she is staying in Amman, Jordan, and wants to remarry. Is her first marriage considered void and what should she do to remarry lawfully?

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
This issue is within the jurisdiction of the Islamic courts and they have the final say regarding the dissolution of the first marriage contract if there is valid ground for that. Therefore, her first marriage remains valid unless a court decision says otherwise. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

A man has married a second wife and deprived the first from provision and overnight stay. He spent most of his time and wealth on his second wife. After sometime, the latter got sick and was diagnosed with breast cancer, which made him forsake her in bed and return to his first wife. What is the position of Sharia on this?

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
It is forbidden for a woman to forsake her husband in bed without a lawful excuse since this is one of the mutual rights of spouses. When the wife abstains from making love to her husband without a lawful excuse, she is considered sinful. This is because the Prophet (PBUH) said: "If a woman spends the night deserting her husband's bed (does not sleep with him), then the angels send their curses on her till she comes back (to her husband)." [Agreed upon]. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

Is it permissible to give lessons to mixed students of the seventh grade?

It is impermissible to give private lessons to mixed students since such an act leads to serious consequences for the students in this grade are teenagers.