FATWA INSTITUTIONS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS AS GUARDIANS OF PEACE IN SOCIETY
Among the aspects of the Maqasid al-Shariah that is often overlooked is the objective of preserving peace (hifz al-amn). National stability and social harmony form the foundation for a harmonious and thriving Islamic way of life. This objective serves as a crucial prerequisite for the full realisation of the protection of the other five essential daruriyyat: religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property.
This is because, in times of disorder and unrest, religious institutions become paralyzed, places of worship are disrupted, lives are endangered, and society is gripped by fear. Peace, therefore, is not merely a physical necessity but is also fundamental to both development (imarah) and acts of worship (ibadah). To uphold this objective of peace, two dimensions must be preserved:
1. The objective of societal peace
2. The objective of national and governmental peace
In the framework of building a harmonious and civilized Islamic society, two primary entities play pivotal roles: the institution of fatwa and the community of religious educators. Both must operate in synergy as foundational pillars in conveying an Islamic message that is authentic, balanced and constructive.
The fatwa institution does not merely issue legal rulings but serves to safeguard the ummah by guiding it within a peaceful and stable Shariah-compliant framework. At the same time, educators, especially those officially certified to teach within a particular state, bear significant responsibility in disseminating Islamic knowledge and contextualizing fatwas for public understanding. These educators do not merely teach legal rulings; they shape societal perceptions of religion. They are ambassadors of Islam's mercy within the broader community.
Hence, their communication must:
- Be based on verified data and sound knowledge, not merely driven by emotion or personal sentiment;
- Be informed by an understanding of fiqh al-waqi' (contemporary realities), so that the advice and guidance offered are constructive, relevant, and capable of addressing real societal challenges;
- Uphold decorum and respectful language to prevent the incitement of hatred or unrest;
- Avoid harsh approaches, such as hastily declaring others as innovators (mubtadi') or disbelievers (takfir);
- Strengthen their delivery through engagement with both classical (turath) and contemporary scholarly texts recognized by the ulama, rather than relying solely on popular lectures or social media content, which may be populist in nature but lacking in scholarly depth.
Thus, peace must be viewed as a critical value within the Shariah that must be protected and honored. Every word spoken, legal verdict delivered, and opinion expressed must be carefully weighed with wisdom and prudence, so as not to undermine the stability that has long been established. Let us collectively uphold this objective of peace with a deep sense of trust and responsibility for the well-being of the ummah and the nation.