The 16th International Muslim Jurists Conference commenced Wednesday morning at Daar Naeem Sharia Study Center in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on the timely and critical issue of Fatwa—an Islamic legal opinion.
Dr. Awwad Al Anzi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, graced the event as the chief guest. During his address, Dr. Al Anzi highlighted the efforts of the Saudi government in promoting Islam globally, emphasizing its dedication to providing free education and basic welfare services to its citizens.
He also expressed appreciation for Sheikh Imran Abdul Majid, the conference convener, for organizing this significant forum aimed at discussing the misuse of Fatwa, particularly in the African continent. Dr. Al Anzi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support and collaboration to strengthen the enforcement of Fatwa and ensure the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
Sheikh Imran Abdul Majid, the host, welcomed his guests and underscored the importance of consolidating the role of Fatwa, particularly in Nigeria, where a growing number of uninformed youth have caused confusion and unnecessary controversies by misguiding the public. He urged for government intervention to prevent conflicts that could jeopardize the peaceful coexistence of Nigerian society.
His Eminence Sheikh Waiswa the Deputy Mufti, delivering greetings on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, commended the organizers for their continued efforts in hosting such conferences annually. He shared that Uganda had recently held its first international conference in December, to which the Mufti of Nigeria had been invited, although he later apologized for his absence. Sheikh Waiswa also presented a journal containing the papers that were discussed at the event.
In his remarks, Sheikh Waiswa further emphasized the strong relationship between Uganda and Nigeria, noting the presence of many Nigerian students and lecturers at Ugandan universities, particularly the two Muslim universities established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). He expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for its support, sharing that he himself is a graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah, having completed his studies there 48 years ago.
As the conference continues, the discussions on Fatwa and its implications for contemporary Islamic jurisprudence are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Islamic legal practices, promoting unity, and preventing divisions within the Muslim community worldwide.
