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Opinion divided on TV, online fatwa services

JEDDAH: The Internet, SMS text messaging and Q&A programs on satellite television have all made it easy for members of the public to receive answers and clarifications on Islam-related matters.
The issue, however, is not so straightforward. Some people believe that modern means of communication give sheikhs limited time to think and deliver answers properly. On the other hand, those in support of such means of delivering fatwas say that there is no cause for concern since the majority of queries are repetitive and discussed by scholars before, allowing little room for error.
Abdullah Manna, a Saudi writer, has coined a phrase to describe fatwas delivered through such modern means — “Takeaway Fatwas”. Manna said that Q&A programs on satellite channels have lost their educational and religious purpose and become business instead. He added that these modern means of communication provide sheikhs with a platform to compete with each other and increase their popularity.
The growth and sustainability of such fatwa programs are largely due to the technological revolution as well as better and faster modes of communication fitted into profitable business models. These interactive programs are not only supported through advertising revenue, but also accrue revenue from viewers who telephone in on premium telephone lines.
The producers of such programs repeatedly claim that they air these programs and provide fatwa services because of public demand. Manna, however, countered: “Do not speak for the audience. Most people seek to live moderately and concentrate on praying, fasting, paying Zakah and performing Haj. That is it. This is the extent of their response to their religious duties.”
Manna believes that since Saudi society is a religious one, such scholars take liberty knowing full well they would not be criticized for speaking about religion. It is on account of this knowledge that they speak without any limits.
Manna said “Takeaway Fatwas” go against the ethos of what fatwas should be.
“Issuing a fatwa needs patience and close scrutiny. It also compels sheikhs to explore different opinions and the views of other fiqh schools before providing answers,” he said.
It seems that most questions on fatwa programs and sites are about khulwa (illegal seclusion) and issues relating to beauty such as makeup, perfume and plastic surgery. The questions are also posed mostly by women.
Other questions that frequently come up include participating in entertainment programs that offer prizes, questions about relations between humans and jinns, living in Western countries and dealing with non-Islamic banks and insurance firms.
Questions during Ramadan mainly revolve around fasting. This year has, however, been unique with people asking whether it is necessary to perform prayers in mosques and whether they can avoid going for Umrah due to the swine flu epidemic. Some queries are more specific with people asking whether Makkah and Madinah are protected from the flu due to their holiness.
Q&A programs are among the most popular television programs in the Kingdom with the MBC Efta’a program topping the list. The program, presented by Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Nouh, hosts Islamic scholars who answer queries from members of the public.
4shabab is one channel that has gone against this trend and does not broadcast fatwa programs. “We do not want to copy other channels,” said Ali Al-Omari, chairman of 4shabab. “Also our target audience is the youth and we discuss issues that concern them in a program that is aired every Sunday. It is popular even though it does not include fatwas,” he added.
Sheikh Abdul Mohsin Al-Obaikan said he sees no harm in such programs. “As long as the fatwa is from the ‘people of fatwa’ (scholars) and is clear, then there is no problem,” he said, adding that a fatwa is generally about what is “permissible” or “impermissible” and this can be communicated through an SMS or other means of communication.
One popular online fatwa site is IslamOnline.net (www.islamonline.net), which gives answers in both English and Arabic free of charge. Ali Al-Halwani, managing editor of the site’s English Shariah Department, said the site has been receiving an average of 350 questions a day since its launch 10 years ago. He added that the site only manages to answer 20 queries a day and that 70 to 80 percent of queries are from people residing in the West. The site has answered 30,000 queries in the last 10 years. Al-Halwani said questions are categorized into two sections — general questions, which can be answered instantly, and specialist questions which demand the help of highly qualified scholars. He added that the site also contacts questioners if queries are not detailed enough.
Mohammad Al-Banna, who works for the IslamOnline.net’s Arabic section, said that the majority of the site’s visitors are women and youth. Egypt tops the list followed by North African countries, Europe, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
Another Arabic fatwa website that has recently added English and Urdu services is Islamic Hotline (www.elhatef.com). Islamic Hotline was initially launched to cater to a largely Egyptian audience but then expanded its service in July 2009 to include special telephone lines for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UK and other countries. Islamic Hotline has answered over 2 million questions since its launch in 2000. It also charges 99 cents (around SR3.71) for each fatwa sent by e-mail. No one was available from the website to answer Arab News’ query on why they charge a minimum fee for fatwas, and why an Egypt-based website is offering an Urdu service.