Fatwa conference: ‘Sociopolitical stability not possible without a law-abiding society’

Speakers call for better understanding of formalities behind issuing religious edicts.

Muslim societies cannot develop or become socio-politically stable unless they become law abiding. This was said by International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Acting Rector Prof Masoom Yasinzai during the concluding ceremony of a two-day international conference on “Fatwa as a Non State Legal System”, said a press release on Wednesday.

Dr Masoon Yasinzai said that in traditional Islamic Law, the fatwa has played a very important role in regulating the individual and the collective conduct of Muslims.

In Pakistan, not only common people, but even the government and judiciary are quite accommodating of the Fatwa system and looking towards muftis for guidance in social, political and economic issues, Dr Yasinzai said.

IIUI President Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh said that due to issuance of fatwas by unauthorised persons, the Muslim world is faced with terrorism and sectarianism.

While highlighting the importance of fatwas in Muslim societies, Dr Al-Draiweesh said the fatwa and related subjects should be included in the syllabus of universities and the Faculty of Shariah and Law can come forward for academic work in this regard.

The conference was organised by the IIUI Faculty of Shariah and Law in collaboration with Al-Wastia Forum, Jordan.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2012.