Dr. Koutoub likened Fatwa to medicine, emphasizing that just as medicine is designed to address specific health issues within a community, a Fatwa must address the unique needs of the society it serves. He cautioned against importing religious rulings from elsewhere, as they may not align with the realities of a particular society.
Muslim scholars have been advised to prioritize tailoring religious opinions and guidance (Fatwa) to the local contexts of their communities.
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, the International Fiqh Academy Secretary General, strongly advocated the call for localized Fatwa during his keynote address at the first-ever International Conference on Islamic Jurisprudence held by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC as part of the activities commemorating its Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
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Dr. Koutoub likened Fatwa to medicine, emphasizing that just as medicine is designed to address specific health issues within a community, a Fatwa must address the unique needs of the society it serves. He cautioned against importing religious rulings from elsewhere, as they may not align with the realities of a particular society. “Locally produced Fatwa makes a significant impact, which is the intended purpose,” he said.
He urged scholars and leaders to transcend their differences in jurisprudential schools, highlighting unity as an obligation in Islam. “Whether Maliki or Hanafi or if you are a university graduate, yours will always be the best. Don’t be busy over jurisprudence,” he remarked, adding that personal opinions should be set aside in favor of institutionalized decisions, particularly on matters of public interest.
Dr. Koutoub also encouraged Uganda’s Muslim leaders to use the UMSC as a platform for guiding Islam in the country, rather than as a means of asserting superiority. He proposed that the African Muftis meeting should become an annual gathering, financially independent to ensure impartiality.
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda and chief host of the forum, echoed the importance of localized religious guidance.
He noted that understanding Islam through the Quran and Hadith, rather than external influences, helps the faithful feel more connected to their beliefs.
“This meeting highlights the fact that we need to understand Islam from the teachings of the Quran and Hadith by ourselves, not to follow any human being or country, which is the basis of our belief,” said Mufti Mubaje.
He also emphasized that differing interpretations of Islamic teachings should not lead to disunity among Muslims.
The two-day meeting, attended by Muftis from over 30 African countries—including Rwanda, DR Congo, Sudan, South Africa, and Kenya—aimed to foster collaboration and address challenges facing the Muslim community.
Resolutions from the forum are expected to strengthen Islamic leadership across the continent.
UMSC was established in 1972 under the guidance of then-president Gen. Idi Amin to unite conflicting Muslim views. The council’s 50-year celebrations, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will culminate on December 12, 2024, at the Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala. The Mufti invited all Ugandans, regardless of faith, to join in the celebrations.
Dennis Kasule Ssebunya
Freelancer