Principles & Ethics of Ifta

Course Overview

This is a two-year programme (48 weeks over 6 terms). The first year took place in the 2024/25 academic year, and we are now commencing the second year in 2025/26.

This course that aims to cover the principles and ethics when researching, drafting and issuing fatwas. The first year will provide a foundational understanding of usul al-ifta outlined in Shaykh Akram’s recent publication, ‘ Al-Mu’tamad fi Usul al-Fatwa‘ whilst also exposing students to other writings on the methodology of issuing new legal rulings. These writings include selections from ‘Sharh Rasm al-Mufti’ by Ibn Abidin, ‘I’lam al-Muwaqqi’in’ by Ibn al-Qayyim, ‘Hujjat Allah al-Baligha’ by Shah Wali Allah, ‘Al-Muhalla’ by Ibn Hazm and Izz bin Abdul Salam’s ‘Qawaid al-Sughra’. The second year will consist of an analysis of classical and contemporary fatawa and case studies of original ijtihad that are of key interest to students of fiqh and ifta. These will be taken from classical works as well as Shaykh Akram’s book, ‘Fatawa wa Abhath Fiqhiyya Mu’asira‘, a selection of contemporary fatawa.

This course will provide a foundation for trainee muftis as they progress in their studies and research.

This module is part of our Ifta Specialisation Programme, which is also available to audit for advanced students of knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic theoretical and ethical principles of iftā’
• Gain an understanding of how different scholars have viewed iftā’
• Develop an appreciation of exemplary fatwas
• Gain an understanding of the academic and ethical qualities expected of a muftī