Over the past few years we have seen the spread of a phenomenon involving the issuing of fatwas — religious pronouncements or rulings. Many of them are issued by people without the proper authority and many of them also deal with non-religious matters.

The correct procedure for issuing a fatwa is that the matter must be thoroughly examined and analyzed by religious scholars and supportive proof sought before any ruling is passed. It is here that problems arise.

An individual chooses something he or she believes should be prohibited and uses language that makes it clear to those who read the words that the thing should indeed be banned. Sometimes answers are given to questions without any one knowing who asked the question or even why that particular question was asked.

In many instances, the questions do not address matters directly related to religion. This has led to the door being opened to those who are driven by personal motives, including some who seek revenge and attempt to obtain it by using fatwas which ban certain practices.

It all depends on the language and on carefully selecting the words and expressions which are used. Quite recently, a fatwa was issued against this very newspaper — Al-Watan — calling on the public not to buy it. The person who say that would only admit of a single answer. And that answer was of course that the public should not read this paper.

In effect, if the fatwa were carried out, it would mean that people could read no newspaper published in this country since all are governed by the same laws and all follow the same standards governing their work. Things have seemingly reached the stage where anyone who can play with words can write a request for a fatwa on a certain issue and be assured that someone will give them the desired answer.

The problem I am addressing is not the particular fatwa issued against this paper but the state of contradiction and confusion this trend of issuing fatwas might set off, especially among the enlightened.

The group is keen to see moderation and tolerance prevail and they don’t want contradiction and confusion to result in a loss of faith in religious scholars. Those who play this game must be stopped. The religious establishment must regulate the issuing of fatwas in order to prevent society from plunging into conflict.

Arab News From the Local Press 5 August 2003