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Islamic scholars meet to restrict issuance of fatwas

In an effort to stem the issuance of unauthorised religious edicts (fatwa's) by non-religious groups, the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) is holding an international conference for Muslim muftis in Makkah next month.

  • By Abdul Rahman Shaheen, Correspondent
  • Published: 00:34 December 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

Makkah: In an effort to stem the issuance of unauthorised religious edicts (fatwa's) by non-religious groups, the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) is holding an international conference for Muslim muftis in Makkah next month.

"Most of the muftis from Islamic countries as well as those representing Muslim minorities in other countries will be invited to the conference, the first of its kind," said Dr Abdullah Al Turki, secretary general of MWL, on Saturday at a press conference held at the MWL headquarters.

Under the patronage of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal will open the conference entitled "Familiarising Islam in non-Muslim countries: reality and hope," in Makkah on Monday.

Representatives

Several working papers and studies will be presented on four pivotal topics at the conference, which will be attended Islamic scholars, thinkers and academics from across the Islamic world, they will be joined by those representing Muslim minorities in other countries.

Referring to the mufti conference, Dr. Al Turki expressed his unhappiness over the issue of fatwa's that have not been situation under which religious edicts were being issued in various parts of the world.

"Some people are exploiting religious edicts for ulterior motives. Fatwas were being issued by some others, who are not qualified to do the same," he said adding that these factors prompted MWL to take the matter seriously. "Over the past two years, MWL had been carrying out studies regarding this issue."

He added that preparations are in full swing for the conference, which will be opened by King Abdullah.

Speaking about the role of MWL in promoting interfaith dialogue, he said that his organisation is holding conferences as a follow up of the international dialogue conference held in Makkah and the World Interfaith Conference held in Madrid, both were held under the patronage of King Abdullah.

Dr. Al Turki also unveiled plans to launch a satellite channel to spread the true message of Islam worldwide.

Implementation

He expressed unhappiness over the lack of implementation of the recommendations of Islamic conferences held in the past.

"The first international media conference, organised by MWL in Jakarta in 1400 H, adopted several recommendations but only a few of them were implemented." he said

Dr. Al Turki also noted that there are many people across the world who are completely ignorant about Islam.

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