The annual report issued by the Fatwa Department of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai revealed that more than 186,000 requests for fatwas were provided, covering all sections of Islamic jurisprudence, contemporary issues of jurisprudence, and various social and intellectual issues. The Fatwas were varied between oral, written, and via the Internet to achieve IACAD’s message in promoting religious awareness by presenting fatwas from a trusted and moderate authority.
The results of the report of the Ifta Department showed the public’s confidence inside and outside the United Arab Emirates in the department’s muftis, as well as the ease of using the various service channels established as the fatwa is an important factor that contributes to developing and spreading religious awareness among all Muslims.
The report indicated that more than 186,000 requests for fatwas were answered, as the written requests reached more than 280 requests, while more than 178,000 were oral requests, and more than 7,000 via the Internet, and more than 3,300 requests for fatwas were from outside the UAE.
Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Grand Mufti, Director of the Ifta Department, stressed the need for the questioner to refer to the muftis because they are more knowledgeable about the country’s customs, system, and interests. Al Haddad said that 16 muftis specialized in legal sciences and jurisprudence answer the inquiries of the questioner with the aim of serving various segments of society worldwide, considering the contemporary situation.
It is worth noting that the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department provides its services through various channels such as the IACAD’s website, customer service e-mail, the call center, in addition to providing special lines for women. Also, IACAD has the “online” fatwa service via WhatsApp on 8003336 to facilitate the submission of fatwas to questioner inside and outside the UAE. Questions are received in Arabic and English around the clock, and the answer is within three working days.