The Gravity of Issuing Fatwas

The task of issuing fatwas is not a light responsibility. A Mufti, when issuing rulings, is essentially speaking on behalf of Allah Almighty. Ibn al-Qayyim aptly titled his book on this subject, “I’lam al-Muwaqqi’een ‘an Rabb al-‘Alameen”(Informing Those Who Sign on Behalf of the Lord of the Worlds).

Key Insights:

• Ibn al-Munkadir said: “The scholar stands between Allah Almighty and His creation, so let him see how he conducts himself in this role.”
• Due to the gravity of this responsibility, the righteous predecessors would avoid issuing fatwas, each wishing their peers would suffice in responding.
• Abdurrahman ibn Abi Layla shared: “I met 120 of the Ansar from among the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). When one of them was asked about a matter, he would refer it to another, and that person would refer it to another, until the question would return to the first one.”

This hesitance underscores the weight of issuing rulings. Ata ibn al-Sa’ib, a Tabi’i, described meeting people who trembled when asked to respond to questions. Knowledge, as Al-Haytham ibn Jamil emphasized, is never “light” in its responsibility.

Who is Qualified to Issue Fatwas?

Not everyone is suited to issue fatwas. Scholars of the past emphasized stringent qualifications to preserve the sanctity of religious rulings.

Guidelines from Scholars:

• Al-Khatib said: “It is necessary for the Imam to review the conditions of those issuing fatwas. Whoever is found suitable, he should approve, and whoever is found unfit, he should forbid from issuing fatwas.”
• Imam Malik only issued fatwas after seventy scholars testified to his qualification. He stated: “A man should not consider himself suitable for giving fatwas unless he asks someone more knowledgeable than himself.”

Additionally, directing the questioner (Mustafti) to another scholar must be done responsibly. Ibn al-Qayyim noted: “Our teacher (Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah) rebuked me for directing someone to another Mufti without verifying their adherence to the Sunnah.”

Conditions for the Mufti

A Mufti must meet specific criteria to ensure their rulings align with Islamic teachings. These conditions are outlined by scholars:

Essential Qualifications:

1. Taqwa (God-consciousness): The Mufti’s position is greater than that of a witness. Allah says, “If a sinful person brings you news, verify it” (Quran 49:6).
2. Competence in Ijtihad: Ability to derive evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus.
3. Knowledge of Fiqh and Usul: Proficiency in analogy (qiyas) and its foundations.
4. Understanding the Issues: Correct perception of matters and disciplined application of knowledge.
5. Mastery of the Arabic Language: Sufficient fluency to comprehend texts.
6. Practical Application of Fiqh: Extensive experience in jurisprudence.

Imam al-Nawawi’s Perspective:

Al-Nawawi said: “Whoever combines these qualities is the unrestricted independent Mufti whose efforts fulfill the communal obligation (Fard Kifayah).”

In the absence of such a Mujtahid, a Mufti within a particular school of thought (Madhhab) may suffice.

 The Danger of Unqualified Individuals Issuing Fatwas

Unqualified individuals issuing fatwas pose a significant threat to the integrity of Islamic rulings. This phenomenon has been condemned by scholars:

Warnings from Hadith:

• The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever issues a fatwa without knowledge, its sin is upon the one who issued it.”
• He also said: “The boldest among you in issuing fatwas are the boldest among you in entering the Fire.”

Examples from the Scholars:

• Rabi’ah ibn Abi Abd al-Rahman once cried, saying: “People who have no knowledge are being asked to issue fatwas. Some of those issuing fatwas today deserve imprisonment more than thieves.”
• Ibn al-Qayyim remarked: “Some issue fatwas for fame, teaching roles, or personal desires, deluded by the attention of ignorant people who flock to them.”

Etiquettes of Issuing Fatwas

Issuing fatwas requires clarity, precision, and a sense of responsibility.

Key Etiquettes:

1. Clarity: The fatwa must be clear and remove any ambiguity.
   • Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The Mufti must provide a decisive resolution that eliminates doubt and uncertainty.”
2. Providing Evidence: The reasoning and sources for the ruling should be shared where possible.
3. Avoiding Absolute Statements: A Mufti must not attribute rulings to Allah unless supported by clear evidence or consensus.
   • Instead, they should say: “What appears most likely to me is…”

Etiquettes of the Mustafti (The Questioner)

The questioner also bears responsibilities when seeking fatwas.

Guidelines for the Mustafti:

1. Consult the Knowledgeable and Pious: Allah says: “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know” (Quran 16:43).
   • Scholars of the Quran and Sunnah are the intended experts.
2. Verify Credibility: The questioner must ensure the scholar’s competence and reputation.
3. Seek the Strongest Opinion: In cases of differing opinions, prioritize the view of the most knowledgeable scholar.

This blog series provides a comprehensive guide to the etiquettes and responsibilities surrounding the issuance of fatwas. Let us uphold the sanctity of Islamic rulings through diligence and respect for knowledge.