Posted on 09/08/2003 2:54:41 PM PDT by 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:
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.
- 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.
- He should be knowledgeable, forbearing, dignified and calm.
- He should have a strong grasp of knowledge.
- He should have a strong personality and not be affected by peoples criticism.
- He should know what people are like.
Alaam al-Muwaqqieen, 4/153. (www.islam-qa.com)
See also Don't be such a fanatic!
He should have a good intention
If you have not merely overlooked boysenberry filling, what is the problem with boysenberry?
also:
6. He must live at the Vatican.
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?
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!!
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