Issuing a fatwa is a serious matter: Sheikh Hussein Al-Asheikh

The Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah Sheikh Hussein Bin Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh said it is the duty of the religious callers (Du’aat) and Ulema to be conscious of Allah Almighty when issuing religious edicts.

They should know that issuing a fatwa (religious edict) is a serious matter and they should be sincere and truthful to Allah Almighty and be conscious of Him in public and private, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted him as saying.

In his Friday sermon at the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Asheikh stressed that all ought to be cautious not to issue fatwas individually in matters concerning the whole Ummah and the latest general developments where it is impermissible to be hasty.

He cautioned that it is necessary to observe deliberation, ponder on issues carefully, resort sincerely to Allah Almighty that He may guide the Ulema to the right decisions. They should take into consideration the rules and principles of the Shariah in benefiting the Ummah and preventing any harms as much as possible.

He further said that they should protect the Ummah’s cohesion and unity. They should keep away from all that might affect their cohesion and unity.

Al-Asheikh said when there is a need to issue such fatwas, Muslims should resort to the well-established Ulema, with long experience. They should take into consideration and respect the collective fatwas that are issued by the Fiqh academies by the Ulema of the Ummah after meticulous field studies, long discussions by all and a correct vision of matters.

The whole process should be in conformity with the rules of jurisprudence (Fiqh) on giving religious opinion (Ijtihad) so that matters and conditions are improved for the betterment of the Ummah.

He considered neglecting these principles and not taking them into consideration as conducive to creating intellectual chaos leading to grave consequences, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against.

Al-Asheikh reminded Muslims of the importance of the month of Muharram, during which they should do good deeds including fasting. He quoted the Prophet as stressing that fasting in Muharram comes second only to fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Al-Asheikh said it is recommended to fast on the 10th of Muharram (Ashoura Day), which expiates the sins of a past year.

Al-Asheikh added that it



is everybody’s duty in this life to always be conscious of Allah and a person should fear none but Him. A person should work hard in doing deeds and keep away from committing sins. He should be sincere to Allah Almighty and seek to please Him. One should contemplate on his deeds and look into what will save him from the Hellfire and what might cause him punishment.

Al-Asheikh stressed that being conscious of Allah Almighty and fearing Him creates a society free from vice, sins and crimes. Its generations will be characterized by virtue and they will cooperate with one another in doing good deeds and being conscious of Allah.

Meanwhile, in his Friday sermon today, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al-Mu’aiqli stressed the importance of grabbing the opportunity and doing good deeds during the sacred months (Rajab, Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijja and Muharram).

The way the reward for doing good deeds is multiplied during the sacred months, one should refrain from committing sins, as they become more serious during these months and the punishment is greater.

The good deeds include giving alms, observing Monotheism (Tawhid), performing obligatory prayers and increasing optional (Nawafil) prayers and fasting. He stressed that fasting in Muharram is one of the best deeds. It is second only to fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Meantime, worshipers performed their first Friday prayer of the Hijri year 1440H amid ample services placed at their disposal by the state agencies at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

The worshipers included pilgrims, citizens and expatriates.

Worshipers thronged all the floors, courtyards and roof of the Prophet’s Mosque since the early hours of Friday amid an atmosphere replete with security, comfort, stability, peace of mind, tranquility and devotion. The worshipers prayed that the new year would bring with it welfare, piety, victory, pride and would elevate the Ummah to a higher status.

In a related development, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the remaining pilgrims in Madinah, who totaled 195,569 on Thursday evening, are making preparations to return to their countries after performing Haj and visiting and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque