Greetings to all Muslims across Nigeria as we approach the upcoming Ramadan with zeal and enthusiasm despite the extreme cost of living. May Allah grant us the blessing to witness this Ramadan and many more to come.
In recent times, social media, especially Facebook, has been flooded with heated debates and unnecessary disagreements over the position of the Mufti in Yorubaland. Common Mufti typologies on social media platforms include Mufti of Yorubaland, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Mufti of Ilorin, Mufti of Ogbomosho, Mufti Qadiriyyah, Mufti Tijaniyyah and Mufti Ibadanland among others. It is extremely disheartening to witness half-baked scholars, comedians and those without proper Islamic knowledge calling themselves muftis, leading to endless appointments and counter-appointments. This unfortunate and ridiculous trend is in stark contrast to the processes observed in other parts of the world where the position of the mufti is common practice. When other countries including Northern Nigeria are setting spiritual agendas to herald the coming of Ramadan, we in Yorubaland orchestrate divisive agendas to welcome Ramadan? Why are Islamic scholars in Yorubaland too conscious of power and hungry for position? Why do we Yorubas trivialize the central issue of unity and brotherhood, yet we glamourise trivial issues of position and status?
As a public intellectual, I am compelled and motivated to write this article by two valuable quotes. The first, Abu Said al-Khudri, reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever of you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot do this, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” (Sahih Muslim 49). Writing this piece is about making amends with the hand and tongue in public spaces. Second, Martin Luther King Jr. said: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. (Forbes Quotes, 2015).
This piece answers five questions bothering on: Who is a Mufti? Who appoints a mufti? What are the professional and personal requirements for a mufti? What are my practical perspectives from Turkey and Brunei? What are my recommendations?
Who is a Mufti?
A Mufti, in Islamic jurisprudence, is an individual who holds a significant role as a legal scholar authorized to issue fatwas, or legal opinions, on matters about Islamic law to guide contemporary society (Khairuldin et al., 2019). A Mufti can also be described as a learned individual who serves as the primary reference for Muslims regarding Islamic laws. He issues verdicts (fatwas) when emerging problems or confusion related to Islamic laws arise within the community and organizations.
Ibrahim, Arifin & Abd Rashid (2015) explained that a Mufti is the most knowledgeable and learned in Islamic law and one of the ahl al-dhikr (People who know). The Quran cautioned: “We did not send [any apostles] before you except as men to whom We revealed. Ask the People of the Reminder if you do not know.” (Quran 16:43).
For self-seeking scholars parading themselves as Muftis in Yorubaland, relevant questions regarding the definition of a Mufti could include: What are your qualifications in Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic law? Have you received formal training or certification in issuing fatwas?
Who appoints a Mufti?
Muftis are typically appointed by recognized Islamic authorities or institutions, such as religious councils, universities, or governmental bodies, depending on the specific context and jurisdiction (Messick, 2016). These appointing authorities often consider the candidate’s level of knowledge, wealth of experience in Fiqh, expertise in mainstream Islamic law, and adherence to established methodologies of legal interpretation.
In the old write-up by Messick and Powers (1996) titled “Islamic Legal Interpretation,” they emphasized that Muftis may also operate privately and unobtrusively without any ties to political authorities, providing jurisprudential guidance to the public and society at large.
From the foregoing, governments at all levels, kings, universities, Islamic organisations, Islamic centres, and other institutions can appoint a Mufti to address pressing legal questions and provide interpretative explanations or verdicts concerning the entire corpus of the law, including ritual matters. However, those to be appointed must meet the academic, professional, and personal requirements discussed in the later part of the article.
What are the professional and personal requirements for a mufti?
The qualifications for appointment as mufti vary depending on the specific Islamic tradition and the institution or jurisdiction in which one wishes to practice. However, general qualifications may include (a) extensive knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and its principles (Usul al-Fiqh); (b) mastery of classical Islamic texts, including the Qur’an, hadiths, and legal commentaries; (c) formal training in Islamic studies from reputable institutions or scholars; (d) training in the methods of legal reasoning (Ijtihad) and issuing fatwas; (e) adherence to Islamic ethics and values, including honesty, integrity and piety; (f) recognition and support from established religious authorities or institutions; and (g) Continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of current issues and developments in Islamic law.
What are the personal qualities of a Mufti appointee?
Many people in Yorubaland are believed to have the professional and academic qualifications required for appointment as mufti. However personal qualities and associated social skills disqualify many of these aspirants. The lack of these qualities is evident in their abuse on social media and in their response and behaviour.
The six (6) personal qualities of a Mufti appointee, in addition to a comprehensive understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and a good knowledge of the Quran, Hadith and other relevant Islamic texts, typically include:
– A mufti is expected to reflect the principles of honesty, righteousness, and moral uprightness in his personal and professional conduct.
– A mufti must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion in issuing fatwas and ensure that his decisions are in accordance with Islamic principles beneficial to the community.
– A mufti must have humility and open-mindedness, which are crucial to approach Islamic scholarship with a willingness to learn, adapt, and consider different perspectives and interpretations.
– A mufti must have effective communication skills, essential for formulating complex Islamic concepts. He communicates his decisions clearly and convincingly to the community and promotes understanding and adherence to religious teachings.
– A mufti should have leadership and diplomatic skills to address complex religious and social issues, promote harmony within the Muslim community, and work with stakeholders, including government agencies and other religious leaders.
– A mufti should advocate for the needs of the Muslim community and provide guidance, support and advice to individuals seeking religious advice and guidance.
What are my Practical Perspectives from Turkiye and Brunei?
In Turkiye, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how the concept of the Mufti operates. Appointed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the Presidency, the Mufti holds a prestigious position as a Professor of Islamic Law, supported by a team of scholars and public servants. His well-articulated verdicts on Islamic matters within the country are deemed final, reflecting rigorous research and consultation processes.
Similarly, in Brunei, the Mufti holds a significant religious position second only to the Sultan, officiating government religious events and issuing important declarations with governmental endorsement. This practical perspective underscores the Mufti’s role as a key religious authority in the country.
In both Turkiye and Brunei, the Mufti is not typically in charge of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Instead, the Ministry oversees religious matters in both countries, while the Mufti plays a crucial role in providing religious guidance and issuing fatwas (religious rulings) based on Islamic law.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the Mufti’s role may involve cooperation or consultation with government departments responsible for religious affairs, but they may not have direct control over them.
What are the minimum academic qualifications for a mufti in Turkiye and Brunei?
In Turkiye, the minimum academic qualifications for appointment as mufti typically include completion of a bachelor’s degree in Islamic theology (known as Ilahiyat in Turkiye) from a recognized university or institution. In addition, individuals pursuing this path may be required to complete specialized courses or training programs in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), legal methodology (Usul al-Fiqh), and other related topics. After completing their academic studies, aspiring muftis may also be required to undergo practical training or training with experienced scholars or muftis before being officially appointed to the position.
In Brunei, the minimum academic qualification for appointment as mufti is a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies or a related field from a recognized institution. This degree often includes courses in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), Quranic studies, hadith, theology, and Arabic language. In addition, individuals wishing to become muftis in Brunei may be required to undertake further specialized training or postgraduate studies in Islamic law and jurisprudence.
Finally, they may also need to obtain the support or recognition of relevant religious authorities or institutions in Brunei before assuming the role of mufti.What are my recommendations?From the foregoing, I have provided clear guidance to Muslims in Yorubaland on who a mufti is, what qualifications are required, and the roles vested in the mufti.
Those making claims and counterclaims regarding the position of mufti should reflect on their capabilities and suitability. The maxim: In the blind community, the one-eyed person becomes king! Should not be allowed when appointing a mufti.
A one-eyed scholar will destroy more than building the religion! The Yoruba people are blessed with academically and professionally versatile scholars who are well-suited to occupy the position of Mufti at various levels. Notable figures include Professor Abdur-Razaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, Sheikh Dr. Sirajudeen Al-Asrau Bilaal, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, Sheikh AbdurRashid Hadiyatullah, Sheikh Abdul Majeed Alfa Nla Eleha, Sheikh AbdurRahman H. Alalubosa, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i, Wazeerul Markaz Sheikh Adam Yahaya Al Fulany, Dr. Sharaf Gbadebo, Sheikh Najeem Ibn Sulaiman, Sheikh AbdurRasheed Mayaleke, Sheikh-Imran Abdul Majeed Eleha, Sheikh Thaoban El-Ilory, Sheikh Isa Akindele, and Sheikh Qamarudeen Yunus Akorede, among others.
However, some of these scholars mentioned may need to focus more on improving their social skills, leadership abilities, diplomacy, inclusivity, humility, and contemporary public speaking to effectively engage and unite the diverse Muslim community.
On a final note, the Yoruba people need to follow the best practices observed in other parts of the world. Although the process of selecting a Mufti varies among different Muslim countries, it is crucial to ensure that the chosen method guarantees the appointment of knowledgeable and capable individuals.
These Muftis should be entrusted with the responsibility to interpret Islamic law and provide guidance to the Yoruba people on hotly debated issues such as Elegebe (Belonging to organisations), Salafiyyah versus other Ahlus-Sunnah, contesting political positing in Nigeria, desirability of Hijab versus it is Arab dressing, camping programmes, Riba, eating dogs, Yahoo money, Online matchmaking, Cryptocurrency, FOREX, protests, criticizing kings and political office holders, terrorism, kidnapping, abortion, among others.
Regardless of whether the Muftis are tasked with overseeing religious affairs in a country, province, state, municipality, organization, university, or any other context, they must have a solid education and training in Islamic law. Furthermore, they should be supported by a team of scholars to ensure effective decision-making and guidance.
– Dr. Lukman Raimi writes from Brunei Darussalam. Email: luq_man2001@yahoo.com
