On the 5th November 2022, Guidance Hub was honoured to host internationally renowned scholar Shaykh Muhammad al Yaqoubifor an intensive, one-day seminar on The Art of Fatwa. It wasn’t a public lecture but a closed session for serious students, scholars and muftis. The setting reflected that. Focused. Intent. Every participant received a special list of texts on this subject, compiled by the Shaykh himself as well as extracts from the Shaykh’s book and other texts. This was a chance to learn about one of the most sensitive and demanding areas in Islamic scholarship directly from someone who has lived it.
What It Means to Issue a Fatwa
From the outset, the Shaykh clarified a point that’s often misunderstood: issuing a fatwa isn’t about having a shelf full of books or passing an exam in fiqh. It’s a process that requires long-term training, real-life exposure and close mentorship by a senior mufti for more than a decade. You don’t become a mufti just by learning the rules. Rather, you develop the skill to apply shariah wisely with care for people’s actual circumstances.
In the beginning, Shaykh al Yaqoubi outlined the essential requirements for a mufti: a deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, knowledge of ijma and qiyas and the ability to assess context. But more than that, a mufti must be grounded, sincere and cautious. Legal rulings aren’t theoretical exercises. They affect people’s lives.
The Shaykh also made it clear that the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the scholar. Those seeking fatwas have to approach the process with humility. A fatwa isn’t a stamp for convenience or seeking a specific ruling/opinion to satisfy a whim. In reality, it’s a religious verdict with weight.
Defining Fatwa: A Linguistic and Jurisprudential Perspective As part of the seminar, the Shaykh shared an extract from his book Naht al-‘Ilm (Principles of Seeking Knowledge), in which he explained the nature of fatwa (quoted below): Definition of Fatwa Terminologically: A fatwa is a legal ruling issued by a jurist regarding a specific matter. It clarifies a ruling that is not explicitly evident, providing a definitive answer concerning a particular issue. The one issuing the fatwa, known as the mufti, derives rulings from legal texts such as the Quran and Sunnah as well as principles and analogies based on fundamental jurisprudential maxims. A fatwa serves as a religious guide, similar to an architect’s plan. It teaches people about Islamic law, its historical context and how it has been applied through the ages. It also explains the limits of ijtihad (independent legal reasoning), the different schools of thought and the process of evaluating and preferring legal opinions to find appropriate solutions for people’s issues. The Shaykh then examined the etymology of the word fatwa, explaining its root from f-t-w, which denotes strength, vitality and clarity. In its linguistic origins, a fatwa is meant to strengthen and clarify legal matters for those seeking guidance. He referenced Quranic verses that use the term, such as: "O Yusuf, O man of truth, give us a fatwa (interpretation) regarding seven fat cows…" (Surah Yusuf: 41) and "And they ask you for a fatwa concerning women. Say: Allah gives you a fatwa concerning them…" (Surah An-Nisa: 127) These references illustrated the Quranic basis for the role of fatwa in guiding believers.
Stories, Texts and Real Examples
One of the things that made the session impactful was the way the Shaykh moved between the classical and the contemporary. He referenced key works on the ethics of issuing fatwas- fourteen major texts, starting with Imam Nawawi’s Adab al-Fatwa wa al-Mustafti’ and gave context for each one. These weren’t dry citations; he spoke about the authors, the purpose of their works and how they shaped the legal tradition. It was mind-blowing to witness the vastness of the Shaykh’s knowledge, experience and memory.
He also introduced over 70 modern academic studies on fatwa, bridging past and present, theory and practice. At no point did it feel like a history lesson. Every reference had a purpose, feeding into the bigger picture of what a responsible mufti looks like in today's world, exposing the low standard in our Ummah in today’s world. In contrast, the Shaykh often referred to his father Shaykh Ibrahim al Yaqoubi and emphasised his mastery of all four madhabs, hence his title ‘the little Abu Hanifa’. One extremely powerful anecdote about him was that he once wrote a fatwa on used wrapping paper... Not to be frugal for its own sake but out of a sense of accountability before God—not wasting resources, not being careless, even in something as small as a piece of paper. That mindset, the Shaykh explained, is what it means to issue a ruling with taqwa. It was beautiful to see caring for the environment and this rare mindfulness exemplified in our scholars.
The Dangers of Oversimplification
Throughout the seminar, the Shaykh strongly addressed the crisis of fatwa in the modern age. One of the strongest warnings came when he cited the hadith:
“The most reckless among you in issuing fatwas is the most reckless in the Fire.”
Even if the isnad is weak, the meaning is reinforced by stronger hadiths. The Prophet ﷺ warned about a time when true scholars would pass away, leaving behind people who speak without knowledge and lead others astray.
The Shaykh criticised the trend of fast answers given without context or caution. A fatwa, he argued, is not a shortcut. It takes time, understanding and maturity. He stressed the importance of cultural literacy and knowing how people live and what they’re dealing with so rulings are not just technically correct but actually helpful.
On the topic of mortgages, for example, he challenged the idea that necessity justifies interest-based loans. He argued that riba is no less harmful today than in the past and that permissible alternatives exist. As for non-alcoholic drinks, he rejected their permissibility, pointing to the alcohol residue and the intent behind their production. These fatwas amongst others discussed allowed participants to feel the reasoning and reality of applying rulings, as well as experiencing the Shaykh weigh the pros and cons in the mortgage example with the major issue of rampant debt and financial loss due to the rise of mortgages.
Beyond Fatwa Although the seminar focused on legal rulings, the Shaykh’s responses in the Q&A session showed his broader grasp of Islamic knowledge. He answered questions on spirituality, parenting and community issues with the same clarity and care. His answers were not abstract. They reflected years of teaching, listening and serving.
A Lasting Impression The Art of Fatwa wasn’t just about method—it was about ethics, responsibility and humility. It gave those present a clear example of what deep, thoughtful scholarship looks like in action.
May Allah preserve the Shaykh and allow his knowledge to continue benefiting others. Amin.
LUX Mosque Fundraiser On Saturday 16 March 2024, the Grand Iftar Gala Dinner in Bradford became more than just a fundraising event. It was a night of inspiration and deep connection. Guests gathered for a warm and welcoming evening in support of the new LUX Mosque project. The highlight of the night was the presence of His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, who travelled from Morocco especially for the event. In his debut speech for this cause, the Shaykh presented a collection he personally compiled: 40 Prophetic Hadiths on the Virtues of Building a Masjid. The Shaykh’s words moved hearts. Quoting powerful hadiths including “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise”, he reminded everyone that supporting a masjid is one of the most lasting and rewarded forms of charity. But it wasn’t just his speech that left a mark. After the talk, Shaykh al-Yaqoubi visited each table, speaking with guests, answering questions and encouraging them personally. The atmosphere shifted. People gave generously. Hearts opened. Then came a moment that captured the spirit of the entire evening. A whole family embraced Islam. Roddy Susu, his wife Elisha and their daughters Lily-Mae and Wynta-Mae, all from Manchester, originally Jamaican, took their Shahada at the hands of the Shaykh. The room was filled with emotion. It was a reminder of the power of sincere knowledge and heartfelt da'wah. With a delicious three-course iftar, separate seating for sisters and a sense of unity that lingered long after the evening ended, the event became a milestone in the journey of the LUX Mosque. It was a night of giving, guidance and growth. Truly one to remember. The funds raised on that blessed night helped secure the purchase of the property and begin its transformation. What was once just a building is now being refurbished into a true centre of light. Lūx in Latin means "light", and we pray that this illumination leads the way for our local and wider community on the Final Day. From its very foundation, this project is built on light. Lit by the generosity of the community, the guidance of sacred knowledge and the vision of creating a space that illuminates lives for generations to come.