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Islamic Authority to be Turned to upon Difference in Fatwa

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Darul Iftaa Jordan
Nowadays, we notice that the issuance of Fatwas is in a chaotic situation, which Islamic authority should the ordinary Muslim seek Fatwa from?

Answer:
Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

The issuance of Fatwas isn`t in a chaotic situation as every scholar delivers Fatwas based on his knowledge. At first, he examines the validity of the Sharia ruling in order to be on the safe side as regards the teachings of Sharia and to be cleared from liability before Allah the Almighty. Difference in Fatwas simply happens for acceptable scientific reasons. For example:

-Different angles for one issue although apparently similar.

-Different opinions about the same issue. Some scholars say that it is decorative while others say that it is a basic need.

-Different Sharia-based evidence.

Actually, those issues concern a jurist, not an ordinary Muslim.

In conclusion, an ordinary Muslim must seek Fatwa from scholar who is known for his knowledge and trustworthiness. If that wasn`t possible, then he must turn to an official Islamic authority, and that is the Iftaa` Department. We pray that Allah leads everyone to the truth. And Allah the Almighty knows best.

This answer was collected from the official government Iftaa Department of Jordan.

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