"Fatwa Guidelines", "Virtue of Knowledge" Events organized by Indonesian Branch of MCE

The Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with the State Islamic University of Mataram in Lombok, Indonesia have organized a seminar highlighting the role and significance of electronic fatwas in fostering peaceful coexistence within society.

During the seminar, Dr. Salah Al-Din Al-Shami, member of the Al-Azhar Heritage Revival Center, delivered a speech and discussed the definition of fatwa, its guidelines, the qualifications required for a mufti and the perils associated with issuing fatwas without adequate knowledge. Dr. Al-Shami underscored the pivotal role played by academic institutions in disseminating fatwas that accurately reflect the true teachings of religion across various electronic platforms.

Dr. Al-Shami also cautioned against the hazards posed by fatwas issued by individuals with deviant ideologies who have deviated from the path of knowledge and correctness. Their misinterpretation of religious heritage has not only made them susceptible to misguided beliefs but has also rendered them instruments of disruption and destruction within societies.

The Council's Indonesian branch also organized a gathering where Dr. Salah Al-Din Al-Shami recited various hadiths from the book 'Al-Arba'in fi Mabani al-Islam wa Qawa'id al-Ahkam' written by Imam Muhyiddin Al-Nawawi, a renowned Shafi'i scholar. Al-Shami stressed the importance of seeking knowledge from individuals renowned for their wisdom, understanding, and expertise and also emphasized the significance of maintaining sincere intentions in all actions, adopting the ethical standards of scholars, and adhering to the decorum associated with knowledgeable individuals.

Dr. Al-Shami concluded the gathering by presenting certificates to all attendees documenting the chain of narration which he extended from His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders up until Imam Al-Nawawi.