Manama: The details of fatwas need to be fine-tuned, according to Kuwait's minister for Endowments, Islamic affairs and Justice.
"Muslims today need pathfinders who can guide them to the truth, help them how to improve their manners, purify their souls and gain God's approval," Rashed Al Hammad said.
"These concepts can be attained only through the words of religious scholars and the pronouncements of jurists entrusted with transmitting the message of God and guiding to the straight path," he told the seventh annual conference of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA).
The minister praised the efforts by AMJA religious scholars, specialists and experts "at a time when Muslim minorities require updated fatwas that are compatible with the needs of time and space".
Adel Al Falah, the ministry undersecretary, said that Muslim minorities who live in Western countries are now secure in their religious identity and should promote an Islamic model which favours peaceful co-existence and the merciful treatment of people.
"There is a need to adopt a moderate approach on issuing fatwas that takes into account the spirit of Sharia, or Islamic law, along with the principle of easing hardships and shunning unnecessary restrictions and schism as much as possible, while emphasising the cardinal goals of Islamic Sharia and consolidating religious constants," he was quoted by Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) as saying.
Salah Al Sawy, the AMJA Secretary General, added that the issue of fatwas was crucial for Muslims abroad seeking to protect their Muslim identity and their unique culture.
Mapping out practical ways of putting fatwas into effect, both theoretically and practically, is high on the agenda of the four-day conference.
