Egypt's President Sisi named two new members to the Al-Azhar Council for Senior Scholars, the government institution that is regarded as having final authority to determine whether legislation is compliant with Islamic law. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) reported that it received 4,000 fatwā and 2,000 shahāda (declaration of belief … Continue reading Islamic Law in the News Roundup
Islamic Law in the News Roundup
Ahmadullah, a prominent Muslim cleric from Bangladesh, issued a fatwā stating that using the laughing emoji to mock people is forbidden under Islamic law. Muslim women in Kenya have lobbied the government to ensure that a woman is appointed to the top Kadhi court adjudicating Islamic law matters. A new Pew Research study found that … Continue reading Islamic Law in the News Roundup
Weekend Scholarship Roundup
In "Peace to those of Faith: Political Affiliation and Belonging in Classical Islamic Thought" (Routledge Handbook of Citizenship in the Middle East and North Africa 2021), Omar Farahat (McGill University Faculty of Law) discusses the concept of belonging in classical Islamic thought, focusing on multilayered descriptions of tribal identity. In "Eradicating Gender-Based Violence against Female-Intimate … Continue reading Weekend Scholarship Roundup
Measuring interpretive authority: a methodological reflection
By Irene K. F. Kirchner (Georgetown University) This essay is part of the Islamic Law Blog’s Roundtable on Islamic Legal History & Historiography, edited by Intisar Rabb (Editor-in-Chief) and Mariam Sheibani (Lead Blog Editor), and introduced with a list of further readings in the short post by Intisar Rabb: “Methods and Meaning in Islamic Law: … Continue reading Measuring interpretive authority: a methodological reflection
COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declares that the country will imposes strict limits on this year’s hajj, only allowing Saudi pilgrims and those from other countries already inside the kingdom. The Chief Imam of Lagos, Nigeria,Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged mosques in the state to remain closed, noting that safety of lives is paramount in Islam. … Continue reading COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
Muslim Scholars Issue Guidance on Eid Prayers During Lockdown
Muslim scholars and religious leaders around the world are sharing guidelines for participating in Eid al-Fitr prayers under lockdown. A recent news article by Islam 21C offers a summary of the fatwā recently joint-issued by international scholars. The community of scholars provide alternatives for Muslims who are excused from performing Eid prayer in congregation, in … Continue reading Muslim Scholars Issue Guidance on Eid Prayers During Lockdown
COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
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Indonesia's Ulema Council issues a fatwā allowing Muslims to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Indonesia's Chairman of the Fatwā Board, Hasanuddin, announces stipulations for Eid al-Fitr prayers, where there should be a congregation of at least four people, where one acts as an imam or the worship leader, and the … Continue reading COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
Mapping COVID-19 Fatwās
The Fatwa Collection The Submission Form The Project The “Mapping Covid Fatwas Project” came about in early March 2020 when global awareness of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) extended beyond hot spots in China, Iran and Italy. Prof. Adnan Zulfiqar (Associate Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School) began noticing increased commentary from religious scholars on … Continue reading Mapping COVID-19 Fatwās
COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
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The Ministry of Justice in the United Arab Emirates launches an online platform for Muslim marriages. Morocco’s Supreme Scientific Council issues fatwa allowing the burial of COVID-19 victims without bathing their bodies, as a health precaution for morgue workers. Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, ban popular Ramadan bazaars and public festivities. Pakistan's southern Sindh province bans … Continue reading COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup
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Indian government charges Tableeghi Jamaat leader with culpable homicide for surge in coronavirus cases. Saudi Arabia considers cancelling Hajj pilgrimage, for the first time since it became a nation, as precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. Saudi Arabia's Council of Supreme scholars calls upon practicing Muslims to pray at home during Ramadan. United Kingdom … Continue reading COVID-19 and Islamic Law Roundup