UṢŪL AL-FATWĀ
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Usūl al-Fatwā Courses
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Uṣūl al-Fatwā, or the “principles of issuing legal verdicts,” is the science that outlines the methodology, ethics, and qualifications necessary for issuing fatāwā (Islamic legal rulings or verdicts). It builds upon the disciplines of fiqh (jurisprudence) and uṣūl al-fiqh (legal theory), focusing specifically on the application of legal knowledge to real-life situations in a responsible, contextual, and accurate manner.
This science addresses critical questions such as: Who is qualified to give a fatwā (i.e., the muftī)? How should a fatwā be formulated? What are the responsibilities of the mustaftī (the one asking the question)? How should varying contexts—such as culture, time, place, and individual circumstances—affect the ruling? Uṣūl al-fatwā ensures that the process of issuing legal opinions is not only rooted in sound knowledge but also considers practical realities and the well-being (maṣlaḥa) of the community.
The science emphasizes qualities like deep scholarship, piety, wisdom, and awareness of contemporary issues. It also distinguishes between binding legal rulings (qaḍāʾ) issued by judges and non-binding legal opinions (fatāwā) provided by scholars.
In a world of increasing complexity, uṣūl al-fatwā plays a vital role in ensuring that Islamic legal guidance remains relevant, balanced, and faithful to the principles of the Shariah, while being sensitive to the diverse circumstances of individuals and societies.
Please reach out to us if you are interested to take any of the ongoing och previously held uṣūl al-fatwā courses.
