EDITORIAL: Religious rulings are not to be taken lightly

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| DATE: 2007-10-22 | HNS

MALE, October 22, 2007 (Haveeru News Service) – Information is not something that can be withheld whether it be even science and technology. However, such liberalism is not something that is traditionally approved by Islamic scholars as far as religious rulings are concerned.

There are conditions attached with regard to Islamic rulings. If people do not restrain from voicing whatever thoughts they have about religion, it will soon result in discord among society. Such examples can be seen around the Islamic Ummah (nation) today.

Consequently, many Islamic countries entrust certain authorities to give religious decrees to the people. In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, such authorities are headed by muftis. While Islamic scholars are allowed to debate on issues, a final ruling on any religious matter falls into the hands of the supreme Islamic authority of that country. In other words, the final word lies in the hands of the mufti.

This does not however close the doors to interpretation of Islamic principles among scholars, nor does it mean that the mufti’s rulings are not open to debate.

The ultimate Islamic authority falls on the ruler of the country but he or she can delegate the authority to an appointed person or institution.

Maldives itself can come to consensus with regard to Islamic principles with the help of local Islamic scholars. But this does not mean that we cannot seek help from foreign scholars. However, it will be more appropriate that local solutions be found to local problems whether it is regarding religion, society or politics.

There are qualified local professionals who are now specialized in both worldly and spiritual matters. Like the implementation of science and technology, local solutions can be found to religious principles which are open to debate. Now may be the time that local scholars take the helm of spreading the right Islamic ideas across the country just as scientists have done in disseminating their information to the world at large. It is important then that local Islamic scholars meet and debate on contesting issues so that consensus can be reached and social harmony continue to exist as it traditionally has over the past centuries.