Benghazi – The Supreme Fatwa Committee issued a clarifying statement regarding the issuance from the Council for Research and Islamic Studies at the dissolved Dar al-Ifta, concerning what the Council termed “Leaning towards the oppressors.” The Committee affirmed its commitment to its religious responsibility to safeguard fatwas from politicization and to protect Muslim unity and the safety of Libyan society.
The Committee confirmed that the statement contained methodical transgressions, scholarly violations, and an overstepping of religious jurisdiction. The council of the dissolved Dar al-Ifta granted or revoked representation status from cities and tribes and issued social judgments without religious proof, which is considered a clear violation of Sharia principles and threatens civil peace.
The Committee clarified that the dissolved Dar’s involvement in these matters and the transformation of the Ifta position into a tool in political conflict is an unacceptable act. It noted that launching accusations without evidence contradicts the principles of justice and fairness in Sharia, as adherence to proof and investigation is required before issuing judgments on any city or person.
The Committee also warned against the exploitation of religious texts in political disputes, considering that using verses like [Leaning towards the oppressors], the hadith of [The flatterers], or the story of [The three who were left behind] in the context of political meetings takes the text out of its context and turns it into a tool for partisan conflict. Instead, the texts should remain in their proper religious places.
The Committee added that calls for ostracism, boycotts, or incitement against individuals or groups due to political differences pose a direct threat to the social fabric. It stated that political and social communication among Libyans is permissible and contributes to reform and reconciliation, and it is not permissible to describe it as leaning towards oppressors without a judicial ruling or religious evidence. The Committee emphasized that such practices harm civil peace and provide an opportunity for extremist parties and their supporters to create turmoil and chaos in society, calling for adherence to the controls of the true Sharia and calling for unity and reconciliation among the nation’s people.
The Committee concluded its statement by praying for God to protect Libya, unite its people on truth and guidance, and grant success to all in what brings righteousness to the country and its people. They stressed the necessity of preserving the status of Ifta from any political or partisan exploitation and maintaining its role in reform and spreading societal unity, far from any bias or incitement.