MEMBAKUT: The State Government will only implement any decision made by the National Fatwa Council (MKI) after it has been reviewed by the State Fatwa Committee (JKFL) based on Fiqh Sabahi.
State Islamic Affairs Exco Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, said Fiqh Sabahi refers to the implementation of dakwah (Islamic outreach) and creed in accordance with the local context and situation in the State.
As such, he said the fatwa issued by the Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) for a united military force in Gaza by Muslim nations will be considered only after thorough examination by the MKI and JKFL.
“MKI consists of muftis from all over Malaysia, and any decision made by MKI will be discussed and decided upon by the JKFL, which typically takes into account Fiqh Sabahi.
“We have Fiqh Sabahi, meaning our approach to dakwah and the implementation of matters relating to syariah and creed is based on our unique context here in Sabah.
“This is a fundamental principle that we prioritise, and we will implement decisions based on this methodology or what is deemed suitable for Sabah,” he said when met at the Membakut constituency Hari Raya Open House here, recntly.
He was responding to a question on whether Sabah would adopt any decision by MKI regarding the fatwa issued by the IUMS in relation to the Israeli incursion into Palestine.
Previously, the Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee of the IUMS issued a fatwa obligating “jihad harta” (financial struggle) to support the people of Gaza and prohibiting any form of support for Israel.
Among the key points of the fatwa were the urgent obligation for military intervention by Arab and Muslim nations, as well as the need to review peace agreements signed by several Arab states with the occupying entity.
Following this, a special MKI discussion organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will be held urgently to study the fatwa thoroughly and comprehensively.
Earlier, more than 10,000 people of various races and religions attended the open house, which was graced by the presence of the Head of State Tun Musa Aman, and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, along with members of the state leadership, who added to the festive atmosphere at the event held in Kampung Pimping, here.
