Ifta
Definition
Ifta: The act of issuing a fatwa (legal opinion) by an authoritative consultant in matters of Islamic law. The person who performs this act is known as a mufti. Initially a private vocation, it evolved into an official public role by the eleventh century.
Arabic: إفتاء
Turkish: Fetva verme
Etymology
The term ifta is derived from the Arabic root “ف ت و” (f-t-w), which pertains to issuing legal opinions or decrees.
Historical Development
Early Islamic Period
In the early Islamic period, the practice of ifta was largely an informal, private affair. Legal questions from community members were referred to learned jurists who provided fatwas—advisory opinions based on their deep knowledge of the Qur’an, Hadith, and other sources of Islamic jurisprudence.
The Eleventh Century and Public Office
By the eleventh century, the role progressed into an official public office, where the mufti became recognized as a critical, formal source of legal guidance within the Islamic legal system. This institutionalization ensured standardized interpretations and consistency in legal rulings.
Ottoman Empire
In the Ottoman Empire, the administrative structure integrated the institution of ifta into its elaborate bureaucratic system. The office of the Chief Mufti, or Sheikh-ul-Islam, was established, signifying the state’s recognition of the pivotal role the ifta played.
Importance and Function
The function of ifta serves several important roles within the Muslim community:
- Guidance: Provides legal guidance to individuals and rulers.
- Interpretation: Assists in interpreting Islamic law to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Standardization: Ensures uniform understanding and practices in Islamic societies.
Books for Further Study
- Islamic Legal Interpretation: Muftis and Their Fatwas by Muhammad Khalid Masud, Brinkley Messick, and David Powers
- Shari’a: Theory, Practice, Transformations by Wael B. Hallaq
- Authority, Continuity and Change in Islamic Law by Wael B. Hallaq
- The Articulation of Early Islamic State Structures by M. Yusuf Siddiq
Takeaways
- Dual Nature: Ifta is both a historical and contemporary institution that remains pivotal in Islamic legal and social life.
- Consultative Role: Ifta is consultative and non-binding, providing guidance rather than enforcement.
- Integration: The integration of ifta in different political structures demonstrates its adaptability and ongoing relevance.
Conclusion
The concept of ifta illustrates the dynamic interaction between religion, law, and societal governance within Islam. From informal beginnings to an institutionalized public office, the role of the mufti exemplifies the enduring importance of scholarly interpretation and legal opinion in Islamic tradition.
Ifta emphasizes the balance between legal rigidity and flexibility, allowing continuous adaptation to the needs of the Muslim faithful
