Ibn Bazz: what is your opinion concerning the state of giving Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in the Muslim World, is it being done properly or do you have any comments on it?

Your Eminence, what is your opinion concerning the state of giving Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in the Muslim World, is it being done properly or do you have any comments on it? 

A 1: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his Household, and Companions! 

There is no doubt that Muslims everywhere are in dire need to deliver Fatwa in accordance with the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him). They are also in pressing need for these Fatwa inferred from the Qur'an and Sunnah. 

Indeed, it is obligatory upon scholars everywhere in the Muslim world to pay attention to this obligation. They are responsible for clarifying the rulings of Allah (Exalted be He) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him) in issues of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) and sincere devotion. They should also clarify the common violations that most people fall into like Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah in worship), atheism, and deviating Bid`ah (innovation in religion) so that Muslims become aware of their religion. Moreover, non­Muslims may know the essence of the guiding message and truth revealed by Allah (Exalted be He) to His Prophet (peace be upon Him). 

Being the inheritors of the prophets, the scholars have a great duty in explaining Allah's Shari`ah, judgments, and providing evidence from the Book and Sunnah, not just abstract opinions. 

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The scholars should also expound the merits and high morality that Islam imparts. Thus, those who know the essence of Islam will adopt it and those who heard about the goodness contained in Islam and righteous deeds will opt for it. This will return in goodness for people and countries. 

It is one of the best graces that Allah (Exalted be He) conferred on us in our country that a group of Muslim scholars organize a useful program for answering many questions of Muslims, from both at home and abroad. I recommend listening to this program to benefit from it. Moreover, I advise all scholars to review and make use of Islamic books, including books of Sunnah, such as the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al­Bukhari and Muslim) and the other standard four compilations of Hadith (Sunan of Abu Dawud, Sunan of Al­Tirmidhy, Sunan of Al­Nasa'y, and Sunan of Ibn Majah) in addition to the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Muwatta' of Imam Malik and other reliable books of Hadith. In the field of Tafsir (exegesis of the Qur'an), I prefer the compilations of Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir, Al­Baghawy and other scholars from Ahl­ul­Sunnah wal­ Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body). I advise scholars to read the books of Shaykh­ul­Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Al­Qayyim and other books of scholars of Ahl­ul­Sunnah. I, first of all, recommend them to read the Glorious Qur'an and ponder on it, for it the most truthful and noblest book. Allah (may He be glorified and Exalted) says, Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most just and right Moreover, I am also urging them to adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) due to the great guidance and knowledge it contains. It is authentically reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion." May Allah guide all Muslim scholars to manifest the truth and illustrate religious judgments.