Fatwa (Islamic Legal Opinions)
All praise to Allah who made the confession of monotheism a protection and fortification for His servants. His is praise, blessing and dominion.
O Allah praise and give peace to our Master Mohammed, his family and pure, righteous companions.
Muslims, Fatwa (Islamic Legal Interpretation) is a great science. It is an honorable task, because those who practice it teach Muslims about performing their worship and clarify how the path of religion to them. Our Prophet may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him had practiced this role during his lifetime. Allah says "With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Mohammad) the reminder and the advice (the Quran), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought."
Mufti performs the task the Messenger has performed in being the heir of the science of Sharia and teaching it to Muslims. The Messenger of Allah may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him said "Scholars are the heirs of Prophets. Prophets did not leave money behind, they left education. Those who study it are the receivers of great fortune."
Servants of Allah, the issue of fatwa is an issue that need lots of accuracy. Not everybody is allowed to deliver a fatwa. The person who delivers a fatwa should be a professional, specialized and sure about the choice he made. The Messenger of Allah may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him said "Those of you who are bolder to deliver a Fatwa are bolder towards the fire (hell)". This means that scholars must not deliver a fatwa unless they are sure about the judgment through the Holy book and Sunnah or agreed upon. Otherwise he has to ensure the correction of the answer, otherwise he must not deliver a fatwa.
The companions of our Messenger may Allah be well pleased with him avoided delivering fatwas as much as possible. Those of them who get asked about a fatwa, usually hand over the question to their brother believers. Ibn Omar may Allah be well pleased with him said : You seem to want to build a bridge between you and Hell."
Muslims, this is how the companions of the Messenger have behaved. It means that the general population should stop delivering legal opinions and legitimate judgments. Therefore, Muslims who care about their religion must ask the scholars about whatever they do not understand and avoid those who seem ignorant about Islamic knowledge and pretend to understand.
I say this and ask Allah to forgive you and me.
