‘Seminar to highlight relevance of fatwa’

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Kipli (third left) presents Taib (third right) with a token of appreciation, while (from left) Daud, Awang Tengah, Asfia and Putit look on.

Kipli (third left) presents Taib (third right) with a token of appreciation, while (from left) Daud, Awang Tengah, Asfia and Putit look on.

KUCHING: A seminar on ‘fatwa’ (Islamic decree) should serve in promoting better understanding of Islam in the context of today’s ever-changing world.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem acknowledged that the changing times had brought various challenges upon Muslims in facing a number of issues related to syariah (Islamic laws and ethics).

“These new and current issues bring up the question of whether something is halal (permissible), haram (prohibited), proper or improper. In this respect, fatwa is essential in explaining the law in a more current context,” he said at the opening of the state-level seminar on fatwa at Dewan Majma’ Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah near Jalan P Ramlee here yesterday.

He was represented by Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at the event, which also had Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar and Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman as guests of honour.

The two-day seminar, themed ‘Fatwa Berwibawa Maqasid Syariah Tercapai’, would serve as a platform to discuss fatwas across various fields, as selected by the state Fatwa Board.

Explaining further, Adenan said those with the authority in declaring fatwa should take the current environment into account whenever presented with an issue or problem.

“The Sarawak Mufti Department acts as an advisory body to the government in questions relating to fatwa. They are the ultimate reference for Muslims (here) to ensure the trust and authority in fatwa; therefore the department must conduct thorough research and studies before issuing any decree.”

Menawhile, Taib said he would be observing what would emerge from the seminar so that those in authority could make plans accordingly.

“The Islamic Council will have to adapt so they can give a balanced explanation, and convey it accurately to those at district-level,” he said, adding that the Muslim community themselves must also have a solid understanding of Islam in the context of the ever-changing world.

The seminar will feature a keynote address and four working papers, covering topics such as vaccines from both medical and Islamic perspectives, as well as the use of stun devices in animal slaughter.

Sarawak State Mufti Datu Kipli Yassin, who would deliver the keynote on the theme, said it was the responsibility of every Muslim to strive for better knowledge to ensure that their practices would be in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) director-general Dato Othman Mustapha and Sarawak Islamic Council chairman Putit Matzen.