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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

A pious man proposed to me and my father was hesitant in this regard because he is black, am I sinful if I accepted his proposal?

If the suitor is pious, color isn`t a drawback. However, try talking to your father kindly, so that he approves of your marriage with contentment, and that is better for you.

Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to go out wearing adornment and not putting on her Hijjab (Islamic wear)?

It is impermissible for a Muslim woman to go out wearing adornment, and not having her Hijjab on.

What should a praying person who doubts having offered one, or two prostrations in the third Rakah (unit of prayer) do?

Whoever has doubts about their prayer should consider what is less i.e. the above person should offer another Sajda (prostration) and complete his/her prayer, then offer Sujood As-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness). And Allah Knows Best.

Does the deceased hear the supplications or recitations of those visiting his/her grave? And does making constant supplications for the deceased who didn`t adhere to performing the prescribed prayers ameliorate his/her affliction?

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

In principle, the dead hear the living since it has been rigorously authenticated that the Prophet (PBUH) ordered the bodies of the idolaters slain in the Battle of Badr to be buried. He then approached them and called them one by one and said: "Have you found what your Lord promised to be true for we have found what our Lord promised us to be true." Umar asked him: "O messenger of God! Why do you speak to lifeless bodies?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied: "By the One Who has sent me with the truth! You do not hear my words better than they do except that they cannot respond." [Agreed upon].

However, not all the deceased are in the same situation because Allah The Almighty Knows: "Before them is a Partition till the Day they are raised up." [Al-Mu`minun/100]. Moreover, supplication reaches the deceased. And Allah Knows Best..