A Fatwa is a formal ruling or interpretation of Islamic law issued by qualified scholars known as Muftis, aimed at guiding Muslims on religious, ethical, and legal matters. In recent years, there has been a troubling rise in the issuance of Fatwas by unqualified individuals, raising concerns about the authenticity and legitimacy of these rulings.

Islamic teachings from both the Quran and Hadith stress the importance of seeking knowledge from experts. In Surah An-Nahl (16:43), Allah commands believers to consult knowledgeable scholars when in doubt, while a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) warns that ignorant individuals will mislead others by giving rulings without proper knowledge (Bukhari and Muslim). This highlights the dangers of unqualified Fatwas, which can spread confusion and misinformation within the community.

The process of becoming a Mufti is rigorous and involves years of study in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and the interpretation of religious texts. Issuing Fatwas is not a matter of personal opinion but requires deep understanding of Islamic principles. Today, however, many people, without the necessary knowledge, are using social media and other platforms to issue Fatwas, leading to widespread confusion.

The Quran and Hadith both emphasize the responsibility to base religious guidance on sound knowledge. For instance, Surah Al-Isra (17:36) warns against speaking or acting without sufficient understanding. As such, Muslims are urged to verify the credentials of those issuing Fatwas and to seek guidance only from qualified scholars. Conclusively, indeed Fatwas are important for providing guidance on religious and legal issues, however, they must be issued by those with proper qualifications.

The rise of unqualified individuals issuing Fatwas undermines the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence and can lead to misguidance. Muslims should be careful to consult legitimate scholars to ensure their religious practices align with the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).