Conflicting fatwas are good for Muslims

A Saudi man looks at a Web site on fatwas in Riyadh December 10, 2007. The number of fatwas, or edicts on belief and behaviour, is ever exploding in Islamic countries as Web sites, television and radio vie to outdo the mosque, but that doesn`t mean believers automatically heed their message. REUTERS

Brian Whitaker: In a blow to Islamic freedom of thought, the Saudi king has ordered that all issued fatwas must be approved by himself

Last week, the king of Saudi Arabia issued a royal order decreeing that the only Islamic scholars allowed to issue fatwas will be those approved by himself.

The move has been welcomed by some as an attempt to impose discipline on the chaotic business of fatwa-issuing and also put a stop to “strange” fatwas, like the recent one on breast-feeding adult men in order to overcome the kingdom`s strict rules on gender segregation.

In a sermon on Friday, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca praised the king`s decree, saying it would protect Sharia law “from infringements of unqualified people who deviate from the path of the Prophet”, adding: “The king is determined to stop any transgression against approved religious establishments.”

The decree applies only to public fatwas, not those issued privately to individuals for personal guidance.Read More