The International Conference on Fatwa and Its Regulations held in Makkah demanded in its final communiqué the prosecution of the war criminals who attacked Gaza in violation of all humanitarian principles and international agreements. The final statement of the conference also carried a number of recommendations, named “Fatwa Charter,” as a guideline on the issuing of fatwas. Fatwas are opinions or rulings that cover minor and major matters of life, and are issued by Islamic scholars on the basis of the Holy Qur’an and the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him). About 170 Islamic scholars participated in the four-day event to discuss topics that included the significance of issuing fatwas in the modern context and the dangers involved in fatwas issued without in-depth study in the light of sacred Islamic texts.
In its final statement, the conference called on institutions that teach Islamic law to incorporate the basic principles and guidelines for fatwas in their curricula. It also recommended that these institutions organise frequent panel discussions and meetings to familiarise scholars with the principles of the right method of issuing fatwas and to warn against the dangers of issuing ill-prepared rulings. The conference also called on governments in Muslim countries to appoint sufficient numbers of qualified muftis (religious scholars who issue fatwas) so that people do not experience difficulties in finding help to discuss their special problems.