Global Islamic Scholars Convene in Lagos to Address Misuse of Fatwas and Advocate for Informed Islamic Jurisprudence
Lagos, Nigeria – A distinguished assembly of Islamic scholars, academics, and representatives from various countries converged in Lagos for the 16th Annual Islamic International Conference, organized by Daaru Na’im Academy for Sharia Science of Nigeria. The conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of Fatwa and its Relationship with Maqasid-based Fiqh,” tackled the growing concern surrounding the misuse of fatwas, particularly in the age of rampant misinformation on social media. The discussions centered on the critical role of Muftis, Islamic legal scholars authorized to issue non-binding opinions (fatwas), and the urgent need for a more rigorous and informed approach to ensure these pronouncements align with the true spirit of Islamic law and promote peaceful coexistence.
The conference underscored the importance of grounding fatwas in the fundamental objectives of Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia), derived from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Speakers emphasized that the Maqasid, which prioritize the preservation of life, intellect, religion, lineage, and property, must serve as the guiding principles for all Islamic legal pronouncements. They warned against the dangers of fatwas based on personal opinions or misinterpretations of Islamic texts, which can lead to confusion, conflict, and the erosion of public trust in religious authority. The rise of social media has exacerbated this challenge, allowing misinformation to spread rapidly and potentially incite discord within communities.
Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, Conference Supervisor and Director General of Daaru Na’im Academy, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the proliferation of misleading fatwas issued by individuals lacking the necessary scholarly depth and understanding. He called for concerted efforts to curb this practice and ensure that only qualified and knowledgeable scholars are authorized to issue fatwas. He stressed that fatwas must be rooted in the overarching principles of Islamic jurisprudence and contribute to the well-being of society, fostering peace and harmony among individuals and communities.
Dr. Awwad bin Sabti Al-Anazi, Undersecretary of the Saudi Arabian Ministry for Islamic Affairs, shared insights into Saudi Arabia’s approach to regulating fatwas. He highlighted the establishment of The Committee of Crown Scholars, a formal body responsible for overseeing the issuance of fatwas within the Kingdom. He further explained the pivotal role of the Grand Mufti in issuing fatwas on matters of national or international significance. Dr. Al-Anazi emphasized the importance of rigorous scholarly training for Muftis and the need for clear guidelines and procedures to ensure the integrity and accuracy of fatwas.
Dr. Bilal ElHallak, representing the U.S. delegation, echoed these sentiments, urging swift action from leading scholars to address misinterpretations of fatwas and combat the spread of misinformation. He stressed that personal opinions should never form the basis of fatwas and called for adherence to established principles of Islamic jurisprudence. Dr. ElHallak highlighted the importance of international collaboration among Islamic scholars to address these contemporary challenges and ensure that the true message of Islam is preserved.
Professor Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro of the University of Ilorin’s Islamic Law Department underscored the dangers of allowing unqualified individuals to issue fatwas. He warned that such practices can lead to widespread confusion and misinformation, undermining the credibility of Islamic scholarship. Prof. Alaro emphasized the importance of adhering to the core principles of Islam and ensuring that fatwas promote justice, compassion, and understanding. The conference, with delegates from diverse nations including Algeria, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Oman, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, served as a platform for international dialogue and collaboration, aiming to establish best practices in the issuance of fatwas and promote a more nuanced understanding of Islamic jurisprudence.
The conference deliberations highlighted the challenges posed by the digital age, where misleading information can quickly proliferate, distorting the understanding of Islamic teachings. Participants stressed the urgent need for media literacy within Muslim communities and emphasized the role of responsible online platforms in combating the spread of misinformation. They called for greater collaboration between religious scholars, technology experts, and policymakers to navigate these complex challenges and ensure the ethical and responsible use of online platforms.
The scholars reiterated the critical role of education in preventing the misuse of fatwas. They advocated for strengthening Islamic educational institutions and promoting critical thinking among students. They also emphasized the importance of ongoing training and development for Muftis to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to address contemporary issues in a nuanced and informed manner. The conference recognized the need for a multi-faceted approach, combining traditional scholarship with modern communication strategies to effectively counter misinformation and promote a more accurate understanding of Islamic teachings.
The conference participants emphasized the profound responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of Muftis as interpreters of Islamic law. They stressed the importance of humility, intellectual integrity, and a deep commitment to serving the community. They urged Muftis to exercise caution and wisdom in their pronouncements, recognizing the potential impact of their words on individuals and societies. The scholars called for greater accountability within the ranks of religious leadership, emphasizing the need for mechanisms to address instances of misconduct or the issuance of misleading fatwas.
The discussions extended beyond the confines of purely theological debates, delving into the practical implications of fatwas in contemporary society. Participants explored the role of fatwas in areas such as family law, finance, bioethics, and environmental issues. They stressed the importance of contextualizing fatwas, recognizing the diverse circumstances and cultural nuances that exist within the global Muslim community. The conference called for greater engagement between religious scholars and experts in other fields to ensure that fatwas are relevant and applicable to the challenges facing contemporary societies.
The conference represented a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of fatwa misuse and promoting a more informed and responsible approach to Islamic jurisprudence. The gathering of international scholars demonstrated a shared commitment to upholding the integrity of Islamic teachings and fostering peaceful coexistence within and between communities. The conference concluded with a call for continued dialogue, collaboration, and action to ensure that fatwas serve as a source of guidance and wisdom, contributing to the well-being of individuals and the betterment of society.
