Fatwa shopping
Traditional Muslims frown on consumerism but 'fatwa shopping' is a hot topic in Islam
today. It means asking advice from a variety of imams then
picking the interpretation of Shariah law
you like best. Frowned upon in theory but growing in practice, this illustrates
the challenges modern Muslims face, as they try to live by the teachings
of the Qur'an in the
21st century.
New dilemmas
Muslims today have experienced huge cultural shifts: women have careers in public life; alcohol is everywhere; scientific advances have brought DNA testing and IVF. The traditional way to resolve the dilemmas this creates is to ask an imam. He will issue a fatwa or legal opinion based on his interpretation of the Qur'an and hadith. He should also consider the unique situation of each person.
But modern Muslims often feel that imams who have been 'imported' from more traditional communities don't understand life in the UK. So they go to different mosques or colleges – or even ask imams on the web – until they receive an answer they want.
Not qualified
Some call themselves 'imams', even though they don't have the credentials, and they're happy to dole out fatwas to anyone who asks. Dr Zaki Badawi, principal of the Muslim College says: 'It seems some of them just need a good turban and a long beard, and people will go to them. They are not properly trained but they give out fatwas which are not suitable for this country, particularly on issues of marriage and relationships.'
Fishing for answers
Asim Siddiqui, chair of the charity, City Circle, says: 'This is sometimes referred to as 'fishing for a fatwa' and there may be good reasons to do it. Some imams do not speak very good English or may not be brought up in Britain. They may understand the text but not the context of the questioner. Fatwa means a legal opinion and should only be given by someone qualified to issue one. Unfortunately there are too many unqualified people issuing fatwas.
'It is perfectly reasonable, if the answer does not make sense to you, to ask someone who may understand your situation better. In an ideal world, the first scholar you ask should be qualified and understand your situation in the UK. However, if this is not the case, you cannot be expected to accept his opinion.'