Abu Dhabi: The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a UAE Sharia Ifta Council as a religious entity to unify, regulate and streamline Islamic fatwas in the country, highlight the tolerance of Islam, and reduce the difference over Sharia issues and disputed topics.
The Ifta council was approved during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Cabinet congratulated the UAE leadership and people on Ramadan and asked Allah Almighty to bestow the blessings of the holy month upon Arab and Muslim peoples.
The Ifta Council is tasked with issuing Sharia fatwas on various topics upon a request by government bodies, organisations and individuals. It is responsible for unifying fatwas, regulating Islamic affairs and mechanisms of issuing fatwas. The duties also include issuing permits for practicing the issuance of fatwas, training and developing the skills of Muftis.
The Ifta council will counter sectarian fanaticism and hate by illustrating the Sharia ruling regarding such topics, as well as conduct Sharia research and studies related to the various aspects of development and representation of the UAE in events and forums dedicated to Sharia fatwa affairs.
The Cabinet also approved the national policy on mental health that aims to develop a national framework to enhance mental health and develop mental healthcare services to be on par with the best international levels.
The policy will have a noticeable positive impact on services and individuals who are in need of special mental care, and on cutting cost of treatment and increasing the quality of services.
The council of ministers urged Emirati community segments and organisations to exemplify the spiritual ambience of the month by promoting the manifestations of the month of giving and blessings in compatibility with the authentic Ramadan values, and contributing to entrenching the culture of giving in society.
The Cabinet endorsed the issuance of a federal law on the rules and certificates of the country of origin in order to facilitate the export of products. The law aims to develop economic policies and legislation and enhance the competitiveness of national products in overseas markets.
It also approved issuing a federal law on the safety of products with an aim to improving the quality of products and supporting sustainable development as well as enhance the quality of life and the UAE’s stature as a global economic hub.
The Cabinet endorsed a number of international treaties and conventions between the UAE and other countries, in the presence of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
