Mufti

This article is about an Islamic scholar. Mufti can also refer to civilian dress.

A Mufti (Arabic: ‎) is an Islamic scholar who is an interpreter or expounder of Islamic law (Sharia), capable of issuing fataawa (plural of "fatwa").

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Role of a Mufti in governments

In theocracies like Saudi Arabia and Iran, and in some countries where the constitution is based on sharia law, such as Egypt, the Grand Mufti rules if capital punishment is in accord with Islamic jurisprudence and the sharia and sometimes overrules criminal courts.

The Authority of the Mufti

An example of the influence of the mufti can be taken from this incident in Tunisia: Habib Bourguiba, the late President of Tunisia once argued that "fasting" during Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان ); a Holy month in the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, should not be observed for it reduces productivity. In a matter of minutes, the Grand Mufti of Tunisia went on television and addressed the audience and read sura Al-Baqara:185 (2:185) :

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [worship and say Allah is the Most Great] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.

Allah (God) said the truth" (Arabic: صدق الله العظيم ), and President Habib Bourguiba lied."