Qualities of a mufti (who has the authority to issue fatwas?)

Islam Q & A ^ | 8 September 2003 | A’laam al-Muwaqqi’een

[Salman]

Question:

What are the qualities which a person must attain if he wants to set himself up to issue fatwas?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

Abu ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Battah mentioned in his book al-Khala’ that Imaam Ahmad said: No man should set himself up to issue fatwas until he has attained five qualities:

1. He should have a good intention, for if he does not have a good intention, he will not be blessed and there will be no blessings in his words.
   
   
2. He should be knowledgeable, forbearing, dignified and calm.
   
   
3. He should have a strong grasp of knowledge.
   
   
4. He should have a strong personality and not be affected by people’s criticism.
   
   
5. He should know what people are like.
   
   

This is what Ahmad said, and this is indicative of his status and knowledge. These five qualities are the foundation for issuing fatwas. If any of them are lacking, there will be a commensurate defect in the mufti.

A’laam al-Muwaqqi’een, 4/153. (www.islam-qa.com)

[Salman]

Just in case you were wondering.

See also Don't be such a fanatic!

[PokeyJoe]

Hmmm... George W. Bush should issue a Fatwa against Yomama Ben Laiden.

[Billthedrill]

Hey, it looks like I qualify! All right you birds, listen up. BtD is issuing a fatwah against cheap beer, the designated hitter rule, Al Franken, and Raisinettes. Oh, and filled doughnuts. Except the cherry kind, I like those. Well, and grape now and then, but lemon is right out!

[RightWhale]

Although I agree somewhat, I must point out Rule 1.

He should have a good intention

If you have not merely overlooked boysenberry filling, what is the problem with boysenberry?

[Paladin2]

What about lingonberry?

also:

6. He must live at the Vatican.

[Billthedrill]

I'd love to help, but my hands are tied by the Koran on that one. You know, the part where it says

In the holy city of San Antonio in the midst of the burning sands the Prophet spake the following words: "Partake not of boysenberry filled doughnuts, for it is forbidden unto the faithful. I like them."

I mean, what's a mullah to do?

[RightWhale]

Yeah, some things are just too good and can't be allowed to compete with the 72 virgins.

[68skylark]

This sounds like it could be from The Onion. (Of course, a lot of Islam seems like that to me.)

[Tacis]

HEY!!! THAT'S ME!!! He described me; yeah, that's me EXACTLY!! How about that!!

I'm just so surprised. I never dreampt of issuing fatwas. It one of those things, of course, you dream about but never think of it happening to you.

First fatwa! The prophet should be a regular guy. Second fatwa: the most dreaded of all will be the "double pork fatwa" and is leveled at all royal Saudis. They have failed to keep the holy places as intended.

Additional fatwas will be issued as appropriate. It's just like winning an Oscar. He has described me perfectly!!