RIYADH: Saudi women are now allowed to issue fatwas following a vote in the Shoura Council.
The historic move was approved by 107 votes and ends 45 years of only specialist men being able to issue fatwas in the Kingdom.
The female muftis are to be chosen by a royal decree.
The Shoura Council approved the recommendation, made by one of its members, during its 49th meeting, calling on the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, the only governmental body authorized to issue fatwas in the Kingdom, to open independent sections for women.
Women members of the Council last March had demanded that the issuing of fatwas should not be limited to men, through the involvement of female academies specialized in the study of jurisprudence in issuing fatwas.
The Council called on the General Presidency to appoint specialists for the issuance of fatwas, and provide the necessary human and material requirements, asking it to involve specialists in the Islamic Shariah sciences in some of its works.
The Council also called for the establishment of Ifta-affiliated endowments, and work to develop a mechanism to follow up the implementation of the order to organize the fatwa.
The Shoura Council’s decision was welcomed by specialists in Islamic law and jurisprudence, as well as the majority of the population.
Professor of Juristic Policy at the Naif College for National Security, Saad Al-Quwaie, told Al Hayat newspaper that the involvement of women in Islamic jurisprudence and their participation in scientific activities was one of the key issues in the Kingdom.
“Confirming the work of women in the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta is an important requirement of Islamic law and jurisprudence. It is governed by the rule of warding off evils takes precedence over bringing benefits for the sake of gender balance, without forgetting that each one has its own role,” he said.
He also said that “the work of women in the General Presidency will be in the field of dissemination of science and awareness.”
He added that the recommendation opened up new horizons regards solving the problem of unemployment among women, guaranteeing the right of women to have a flexible and safe working environment, as permitted by Shariah.
Al-Bishi, a specialist in Shariah policy said that women are central in Islamic communities and the move allowing them to issue fatwas would benefit society.
“This recommendation coincides with the Kingdom’s comprehensive renaissance in the fields of social, economic, political, scientific and juristic.” Al-Bishi said.
He added that the global and regional fluctuations and transformations have forced the Ifta institutions and the scientific and research centers to develop their programs and originate new specialties compatible with the changing course.
“It also imposed the need to introduce women with jurisprudential skills and expertise in emerging cases to repel external interference from those who deal with Saudi women’s issues contrary to Shariah law and the system of this country,” he said.
Re: For the first time in Saudi Arabia, women authorized to issue fatwas
I'm not familiar with Saudi laws but, I don't think driving was the issue, I think it was more about preventing women from traveling alone. It's a lot easier to see women traveling alone when they're out walking or something but driving, you really can't stop that unless you put check points everywhere like israelis do. The changes going on there go beyond women driving though.
Re: For the first time in Saudi Arabia, women authorized to issue fatwas
I watched the 60 Minutes interview with the Prince. Seems like they are divesting in the oil industry want to attract a new revenue base. A lot of Saudi's are under 30 years old. So the government wants to loosen social laws to appease them. Same thing happening in Iran but there it is coming to revolts for change. Saudi's don't want to see that happen in their country.
"When a person sees the road as too long, he weakens in his walk." - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Re: For the first time in Saudi Arabia, women authorized to issue fatwas
format_quote Originally Posted by cinnamonrolls1
What does driving have to do with hijab??
Modesty demands hijab when she is out of home. People still can see her sitting on driving seat, whether her vehicle is in motion or stop at red light. However, it's o.k if you think otherwise
Re: For the first time in Saudi Arabia, women authorized to issue fatwas
format_quote Originally Posted by azc
Modesty demands hijab when she is out of home. People still can see her sitting on driving seat, whether her vehicle is in motion or stop at red light. However, it's o.k if you think otherwise
Right yeah i thought u were trying to say that driving as a concept was immodest.
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