Joud Al-Amri Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A Saudi scholar has slammed the common practice of satellite channels inviting unqualified people appear as guests and airing misguided religious edicts (fatwas) on various religious issues. Sheikh Hassan Safar warned such fatwas would lead to sedition and a general feeling of confusion in society. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, he said a fatwa must be issued with the sole intention of winning Allah's pleasure and reward. “It is not permissible to accept money for issuing a fatwa and it is unfortunate that some channels are hosting sheikhs and giving them remuneration for answering viewers' questions on religious topics. These sheikhs should not be issuing fatwas if they seek publicity or monetary rewards,” he said while drawing attention to a recent case in which a sheikh issued a controversial fatwa. “A preacher appeared on a satellite TV channel and wrongly said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) traded in liquor. Such vile comments can create sedition and confusion in society,” he said in strong language. According to Sheikh Safar, religious edicts should be issued on topics that are useful to people and they should provide guidance so people can follow the true path. He further said a fatwa must be issued by a competent authority that can thoroughly study the various aspects of the issue and these studies should be on the basis of fundamental principles of the Shariah. Once issued, such fatwas should be legally recognized and then made available online so people can benefit from them. Sheikh Safar said that only competent and well-qualified scholars are allowed to issue religious verdicts. It is essential to ensure that the mufti has personal integrity, intellectual and moral credentials as well as sound and in-depth knowledge in the Shariah. “He can enlighten the Ummah with his clear vision and broad perception of the topics in which he is pronouncing the fatwa. The mufti should be punctual in performing prayers in congregation, observing obligatory fasting and payment of Zakah, besides staying away from forbidden and undesirable things like backbiting, gossip and doing injustice to anyone,” he said. The scholar also said the Board of Senior Scholars is the most competent body to issue fatwas in the Kingdom. “The Board is comprised of a number of eminent scholars who are qualified to pronounce fatwas on any topic. A mufti should take into consideration the place, timing and situation when issuing a religious edict. He should not do this noble deed for any material gains,” he added.
