Journal of Fatwa Management and Research (JFatwa) Years currently covered by Scopus:from 2021 to 2025

This study aims to develop a model of fiqh al-ṭahārah that is culturally sensitive and practically applicable to the Indigenous Muslim (Orang Asli) community in Malaysia, with specific emphasis on the purification of food containers and kitchen utensils contaminated by najāsah al-khinzīr (porcine impurity). The research addresses the challenges faced by Muslim converts within the Orang Asli community, who often find certain fiqh rulings difficult to observe due to cultural incompatibilities and the communal reality of living with non-Muslim family members. These challenges necessitate the formulation of a fiqh framework that embodies the principles of ease (taysīr), is grounded in sound Islamic jurisprudence, and accommodates the socio-cultural context of the community. The study employs a quantitative research approach using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to gain expert consensus. A panel comprising Islamic legal scholars and daʿwah practitioners with experience working among the Orang Asli was consulted to evaluate the suitability of various jurisprudential views. The findings indicate strong consensus among experts in favour of the majority opinion which permits purification by washing until the physical traces of impurity are removed, without requiring seven washes with soil. This approach aligns with the maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, promotes inclusivity and facilitates the practice of Islam among marginalised Muslim communities. The proposed model is expected to resolve ongoing purification-related dilemmas, strengthen Islamic practice among Orang Asli Muslims and enhance the effectiveness of daʿwah to non-Muslim family members. This study also contributes to the broader discourse on contextual fiqh for minority Muslim communities and invites further exploration into jurisprudential adaptation in multicultural settings.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) fatwa on boycotting Israeli products is one of the religious responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that invites Muslims not to buy or use products that support the state of Israel. This study aims to analyse the fatwa through the perspective of I’tibār Ma'ālāt al-'Af'āl, which is a concept in Islamic law that considers the long-term impact or consequences of an action. In this study, it is argued that this fatwa has positive consequences in the form of economic pressure on Israel and strengthening Muslim solidarity with Palestine. However, there are also potential negative impacts that need to be considered, such as the economic effects for consumers in Indonesia and the effectiveness of the boycott if it is not followed globally. Through of I’tibār Ma'ālāt al-'Af'āl analysis, this study emphasises the importance of balancing the objectives and impacts of boycott actions, as well as the need for continuous evaluation to ensure that the positive impacts of this fatwa can be optimally achieved. The results of this study are expected to provide insights for decision-makers and Muslims in implementing the fatwa by considering the wider consequences.

This study aims to develop a more appropriate and equitable zakat assessment framework for real estate property developers in Malaysia by considering the differing operational realities between formally registered companies (Sdn. Bhd. or Berhad) and small-scale property developers operating individually. The property sector plays a significant role in Malaysia’s economic growth. However, existing zakat guidelines are predominantly based on manufacturing and production models, which emphasize inventory in the form of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. This approach does not reflect the nature of the property development business, where the core assets consist of land, completed houses, and buildings. This study adopts a qualitative methodology involving semi-structured interviews with nine informants comprising academics, industry experts, zakat officers, and both formal and informal property developers. Informants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure their expertise and experience in the subject of zakat for property businesses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key similarities, differences, and emerging themes in the assessment of zakat on real estate ventures. Findings show a unanimous consensus among informants on the obligation of zakat on property development activities, as such ventures are categorized as ‘urud tijarah (trading assets). However, it was strongly emphasized that current zakat accounting frameworks fail to address the operational distinctions of property developers. For formal developers, zakat assessment should include current assets such as completed property inventories (buildings, houses, land lots), accounts receivable (net of doubtful debts), short-term investments, fixed deposits, and company cash holdings. Allowable current liabilities include payables, short-term borrowings, lease liabilities, outstanding taxes, and non-Shariah compliant income that must be excluded from zakat calculations. In contrast, small-scale developers are only liable for zakat upon the sale of the property and the realization of profit. Assessable assets include only the proceeds from property sales, while deductible liabilities include costs such as land development, labor, legal fees, licensing, and annual land taxes. This exception aligns with the Maliki school of thought, which considers such developers as tajir al-mutarabbis thereby granting them zakat relief by requiring payment only after the property is sold and zakat conditions are fulfilled.

This paper aims to apply the concept of fiqh al-Muwazanah on the issue of interfaith marriages among Muslims that widely occur in non-Muslim majority countries, especially the Western world. Two cases discussed among scholars regarding their permissibility are analyzed: A Muslim man who marries an ahl al-Kitab woman and a new convert wife without her husband whose marriage has already been established. Even though both issues have been discussed within classical and contemporary works, a new Muslim minority context may require some considerations. Thus, by applying fiqh al-Muwazanah, this study analyses the weighing of maslahah and mafsadah for both issues. A qualitative research method will be employed to achieve this objective by interviewing selected local muftis and scholars. It was found that maslahah is significantly considered by muftis and scholars when dealing with both issues, especially the maslahah of religion and family. While both cases have different views among scholars, they share similarities in terms of considering maslahah must be in accordance with priority, the application must be based on a case-to-case basis, and the potential of da’wah is the central pillar for both permissibility. Despite the limited number of interviewees, this study provides rigorous analysis by referring to related literature, practical discussion, and recommendations on both issues

This study presents a systematic review of global research on halal awareness conducted between 2012 and 2024. Halal awareness is defined as the level of consumer understanding and recognition of halal principles, encompassing production processes, ingredient selection, and the significance of halal certification in compliance with Islamic guidelines. Utilizing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, the analysis combines bibliometric and qualitative methods, employing NVivo 12 Plus for thematic mapping and trend analysis. The review synthesizes findings from major international databases to assess research trends, thematic focus, and geographical distribution. The results demonstrate a substantial increase in academic attention to halal awareness, with publication activity reaching its highest point in 2022. Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, are identified as primary contributors to the field. The literature is categorized into four main themes: determinants of halal awareness, its influence on consumer behavior, its role across industrial sectors, and its progression in various national contexts. Major drivers of halal awareness include consumer education, social influences, and regulatory policies. The study underscores the growing importance of halal awareness among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers, evidenced by rising global demand for halal-certified products in sectors such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. This review offers a comprehensive resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, and highlights opportunities for future research in areas such as non-food industries and digital innovations to improve halal supply chain transparency and consumer literacy.

Human skin transplantation plays a critical role in modern medical practice, particularly in the treatment of burn injuries, chronic wounds, and dermatological conditions. The establishment of human skin banks has revolutionised the accessibility and quality of skin grafts for these applications. However, the operation of these banks, particularly in regions with a significant Muslim population like Malaysia, raises ethical and Islamic legal questions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the role and significance of human skin banks in modern medical practice, address the medical needs that human skin banks fulfil, delves the ethical and legal dimensions of their operation in accordance with Islamic principles. The study used a library-based methodology and collected data from various sources, including books, websites, and journals. A review of existing literature is conducted to understand the medical importance of skin banks and to explore the existing legal and ethical frameworks. Legal analyses are performed to determine the alignment of human skin banking with Islamic legal principles. The finding highlights the importance of aligning human skin banks with Islamic principles to ensure ethical and legal acceptability in order to implement human skin banks. It emphasises the need for comprehensive guidelines and legal frameworks that respect the rights and values of donors and recipients while integrating skin banking into the healthcare system. This review contributes to the discourse on the operation of human skin banks in predominantly Muslim regions, addressing ethical and legal concerns. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and scholars seeking to harmonise medical needs with Islamic principles. The expanding field of medical technology should be taken advantage of in order to safeguard the Maqasid of Sharia, especially all the concepts of Daruriyat, Hajiyat, and Tahsiniyat.  

This study examines the taxonomy and physiological characteristics of hyena species, drawing from specialized scientific literature. It also investigates Islamic legal texts on the permissibility of consuming hyena meat, presenting the spectrum of jurisprudential opinions. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research combines descriptive and analytical approaches to derive informed conclusions. Scientifically, hyenas are classified into four species: three are carnivorous predators with powerful jaws and aggressive scavenging behaviors, while the fourth—Proteles cristata (aardwolf)—feeds primarily on termites, larvae, and small rodents. Islamic scholars hold divergent views regarding the consumption of hyena meat. Proponents of permissibility rely on ẓannī (probabilistic) textual evidence, whereas opponents cite qatʿī (definitive) sources that prohibit the consumption of fanged predators. This divergence may be reconciled by acknowledging the taxonomic differences among hyena species. The study posits that the hyena referenced in early Islamic texts most likely refers to the aardwolf, a species that does not exhibit typical predatory behavior. Furthermore, the claim that hyenas are hybrids of wolves is scientifically unfounded, as such hybridization would result in offspring retaining heightened predatory instincts, not insectivorous feeding patterns. The study underscores the relevance of integrating scientific taxonomy into Islamic legal reasoning.

>Para sarjana Usul al-Fiqh telah menggariskan satu kaedah yang menyeluruh dalam beristidlal dengan al-Quran bagi mengaitkannya dengan permasalahan semasa yang berlaku dalam hukum Islam. Kaedah tersebut merupakan langkah-langkah akademik yang merangkumi tiga peringkat, iaitu peringkat dalil dan istinbat, peringkat semakan terhadap hasil istidlal (taṣḥīḥ natījat al-istidlāl) dan peringkat pengeluaran fatwa bagi memastikan hujah yang bersandarkan al-Quran adalah tepat, tidak mengelirukan dan betul. Kajian ini ingin meneliti pengaplikasian kaedah istidlal dengan al-Quran oleh Ahli Jawatankuasa Muzakarah MKI dalam menghubungkan nas-nas al-Quran dengan permasalahan semasa dalam Islam. Kajian ini bertujuan mengumpul pandangan daripada ahli muzakarah berkenaan keperluan model SOP bagi tujuan beristidlal dengan al-Quran dalam konteks pandangan hukum Islam semasa. Kajian ini menggabungkan kajian kepustakaan dan kajian lapangan di mana penyelidik berusaha mendapatkan SOP melalui pembacaan ilmiah dan menjalankan kajian lapangan bagi mendapatkan maklum balas daripada beberapa ahli muzakarah yang terpilih. Hasil kajian menunjukkan keperluan kepada Prosedur Operasi Standard sebagai garis panduan kepada Ahli Jawatankuasa dan para penyelidik yang ditugaskan untuk mentafsir al-Quran berdasarkan pandangan hukum Islam semasa.

Increasing mental health concerns in Malaysia have intensified the focus on emotional harm within marriage, specifically cumulative and private abuse that lacks physical evidence. This study investigates the legal and procedural barriers faced by women seeking fasakh (divorce) on grounds of emotional abuse within the Shariah court system of Terengganu. Despite Terengganu recording the highest score in the Malaysia Happiness Index 2024 (8.64), psychological harms remain a hidden challenge. Adopting a mixed-method design, the research analyzed a cross-sectional survey of 31 Shariah lawyers via SPSS and performed a structured content analysis of 33 fasakh case documents. The findings reveal three critical challenges to women's rights: (1) evidentiary limitations and social stigma that complicate the burden of proof; (2) legal ambiguity in the framing of emotional abuse leading to inconsistent judicial outcomes; and (3) a lack of integrated psychological support within court processes. The study concludes that to protect women's matrimonial rights, there is an urgent need for clearer operational guidelines on emotional abuse, enhanced procedural directions for non-physical evidence, and strengthened court-linked psychological referral pathways.

Pewartaan fatwa merupakan langkah penting bagi mengekang ajaran sesat dengan bertindak sebagai asas tindakan perundangan. Analisis terhadap fatwa-fatwa ajaran sesat yang diwartakan di Malaysia menunjukkan bahawa fatwa-fatwa tersebut lebih cenderung kepada tindakan punitif dengan syor tindakan perundangan sebagai keutamaan berbanding pemulihan akidah sehingga menimbulkan kritikan dan menyebabkan ketidakefektifan tindakan penguatkuasaan. Hakikat ini memperlihatkan bahawa pendekatan punitif semata-mata tidak efektif dalam menangani ajaran sesat sebaliknya menuntut pelaksanaan pembaharuan yang menitikberatkan pemulihan dan pengislahan. Justeru itu, objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengkaji bentuk pembaharuan fatwa dan institusi fatwa dalam mengintegrasikan keadilan restoratif bagi menangani kes ajaran sesat di Malaysia. Kajian ini berkonsepkan kualitatif dengan analisis kandungan terhadap sumber primer dan sekunder sebagai kaedah pengumpulan data. Data-data tersebut kemudiannya dianalisis secara deskriptif-analitikal dan dipersembahkan secara tematik. Hasil kajian mencadangkan tiga bentuk pembaharuan iaitu penstrukturan semula sighah fatwa berkaitan ajaran sesat, melaksanakan proses runding cara akidah sebelum penghakiman dan penglibatan Jabatan Mufti dalam proses istitabah atau pemulihan akidah pasca penghakiman. Implikasi pembaharuan ini membolehkan fatwa dan institusinya memainkan peranan dengan lebih proaktif dalam mendepani cabaran akidah melalui proses pemulihan yang sistematik sehingga institusi fatwa tidak lagi hanya dilihat sebagai badan normatif, tetapi juga sebagai instrumen pentadbiran agama yang berkesan dalam pemulihan sosial dan spiritual.

Micro-enterprises play an important role as the backbone of economic growth in Terengganu. Although their contribution to positive economic development is significant, empirical studies show that this sector faces challenges in accessing external financing to sustain their operations. Consequently, there is a need for an innovative alternative financing mechanisms to improve micro-enterprises’ access to external capital. This study examines the external financial challenges encountered by micro-enterprises, proposes Islamic crowdfunding as a sustainable source of financing, and assesses the readiness of micro-enterprises towards the proposed model. The findings indicate that micro-enterprises face various financial constraints, including high interest rates, stringent documentation requirements, demanding collateral conditions, insufficient financing amounts, lengthy loan durations, and the inherent nature of their businesses. The findings reveal a generally positive level of readiness among micro-enterprises, with a stronger preference for donation- and reward-based Islamic crowdfunding models. Moreover, the results indicate that if Islamic crowdfunding can stimulate local economic activity and support the provision of business capital, it will significantly enhance micro-enterprises’ willingness to adopt it. In turn, these insights can help the Terengganu state government craft more sustainable and viable financing strategies to support micro-enterprises in securing external funds. The study also positions Terengganu to become a pioneering state in empowering micro-enterprises through an Islamic crowdfunding approach.

The rapid evolution of technology and the food industry has raised concerns about the accurate labelling of Halal food and meat authentication. The Halal authentication system maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the halal status of food products from farm to fork. As a result, innovative technologies such as recombinase polymerase amplification are necessary to address the growing issues of food fraud and enhance the current species identification method. Recombinase amplification method is an isothermal amplification process that operates at 37-42°C without the need for specialized equipment or technicians. A systematic review was conducted to analyse research on the application of Recombinase Amplification method in meat and Halal authentication, covering literature published from 2018 to 2024. Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive search of established databases in which 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing specifically on meat and Halal authentication, while studies related to clinical diagnostics and microbiological testing were excluded. This paper aims to analyse the various detection technologies integrated with Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) and to provide a comprehensive review of the application of RPA in meat and Halal authentication. The review will summarise current trends and evaluate the potential future developments and implications of RPA-based methods for establishing a reliable and rapid on-site auditing system.

Contemporary debates on gender identity reveal a fundamental divergence between Islamic and Western perspectives, creating significant theoretical and practical tensions in addressing gender ambiguity. Islam upholds a binary framework where biological sex determines gender identity, while Western thought increasingly separates sex from gender, recognizing gender as a social construct independent of biological markers. This ideological divide raises critical issues regarding gender dysphoria management, gender transition legitimacy, and accommodation of gender-variant individuals within different societal frameworks. This study conducts a comparative analysis of Islamic jurisprudence and Western gender theory through qualitative content analysis of religious texts, scholarly works, medical literature, and policy documents to examine how each tradition addresses gender identification conflicts. The research investigates theoretical foundations and practical applications of both approaches to gender-related disorders and identity crises. Key findings reveal that while Islam maintains consistent binary classifications rooted in biological determinism since the Quranic era, it demonstrates flexibility in addressing intersex conditions through established jurisprudential mechanisms. Despite fundamental philosophical differences, the study concludes that potential convergence areas exist between Islamic principles and certain medical interventions, suggesting possibilities for nuanced dialogue rather than absolute opposition in addressing contemporary gender identity challenges and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Morals constitute an important part of the components of the Islamic religion. Therefore, this paper aims to shed light on the importance of morals and their impact on the contemporary jurisprudential fatwas through the applied study of the fatwas issued by Egypt’s Dar Al Iftaa. This paper adopts the approach of content analysis and the objective examination of fatwas. The researcher concluded that there is an impact of morals in these fatwas, whether in terms of analysis of fatwa topics; Egypt’s Dar Al-Iftaa invested in noble morals to infer many modern matters that did not exist in the Islamic jurisprudential heritage, in addition to the type of jurisprudential rulings (obligatory, desirable, permissible, disliked, forbidden). This paper highlights the fact that morals are considered among the origins of rulings and fatwas in Islamic jurisprudence, and they can be relied upon to reach jurisprudential rulings and fatwas for emerging events such as modern economic and medical issues that need a definitive statement of jurisprudence. This study may be the first of its kind in terms of linking the impact of morals on contemporary fatwas through the applied study of the fatwas issued by Egypt’s Dar Al Iftaa. Thus, it opens the door for researchers to study the impact of morals on contemporary fatwas issued by the various fatwa houses.

The Draft Law on Asset Forfeiture in Indonesia represents a significant legal reform aimed at combating financial crimes such as money laundering and corruption. However, its implementation raises critical ethical and religious concerns, particularly within Indonesia’s Muslim-majority society. This study examines the role of MUI fatwas in guiding asset forfeiture policies, analyzing their alignment with Maqashid Shariah principles—notably hifzh al-mal (protection of wealth) and hifzh al-nafs (protection of life). A descriptive-analytical approach is applied to evaluate legal documents, MUI fatwas, and scholarly discourse on Islamic law and economic justice. The findings reveal that MUI fatwas support asset forfeiture as a tool for justice, provided that procedural fairness and transparency are maintained. The study highlights potential legal and economic risks, including misuse of asset forfeiture laws for political gain and negative impacts on investor confidence. From an Islamic legal perspective, asset confiscation is permissible only under strict judicial oversight, ensuring protection of individual rights while addressing economic injustices. This research contributes to Islamic legal scholarship by bridging the gap between religious interpretations and contemporary financial governance. The findings underscore the necessity of policy refinements to align Islamic ethical standards with modern legal mechanisms. Future research should investigate comparative Sharia-based legal frameworks and assess the long-term socio-economic effects of asset forfeiture in Indonesia.

This study explores the growing integration between sustainability principles and Islamic investment funds, which are among the key Shariah-compliant financial instruments. Using an inductive approach to review concepts and global practices, and an analytical method to assess performance, the paper addresses four main themes: the concept of investment funds, conventional and Islamic investment funds, the current state of sustainable integration in Islamic funds, and the key development requirements. The findings indicate a strong alignment between Islamic ethical values and global sustainability standards, particularly in terms of justice, transparency, and environmental responsibility. Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were highlighted as leading models in promoting sustainable Islamic investment. The study recommends the development of Shariah-based sustainability indices, increasing green sukuk issuance, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to support sustainable investment ecosystems.

يعدّ الاجتهاد والقياس والتعليل من أبرز أدوات الاستنباط الفقهي التي اعتمدها علماء أصول الفقه في بناء الأحكام الشرعية، وقد نشأت بينها علاقة مفهومية ومنهجية متداخلة، أثارت جدلًا واسعًا في التراث الأصولي، خاصة في تحديد طبيعة كون القياس فعل اجتهادي محض أو دليلا مستقلا. ينطلق هذا البحث من دراسة تأصيلية لعلاقة المشابهة بين هذه المفاهيم الثلاثة، من خلال تحليل أقوال الإمام الشافعي وغيره من الأصوليين، واستقراء مناهج المدارس الأصولية في التعامل معها، بهدف إزالة اللبس الاصطلاحي، وتوضيح الوظيفة المنهجية لكل منها .ويهدف البحث إلى بيان أوجه التشابه والتداخل بين الاجتهاد والقياس والتعليل، وإبراز أثر هذه العلاقة في تفعيل المقاصد الشرعية ضمن الفروع الفقهية، من خلال تصور تطبيقي يوازن بين النص والاجتهاد، ويعزز من فاعلية الفكر الأصولي في معالجة المستجدات الفقهية. وقد اعتمد البحث المنهج التأصيلي التحليلي، مع قراءة مقارنة للمصادر الأصولية التراثية، وتوظيف القياس الواسع كمدخل لفهم العلاقة بين هذه الأدوات في ضوء مقاصد الشريعة. Islamic legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) provides the methodological foundation for deriving rulings and regulating juristic reasoning. Among its core tools, ijtihād, qiyās, and taʿlīl exhibit a complex conceptual and methodological overlap that has sparked extensive debate, particularly regarding whether qiyās should be viewed as a purely ijtihād-based act or an independent source of law. This study addresses the problem of terminological and functional ambiguity among these tools and its impact on the application of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah in contemporary contexts. It introduces an innovative approach by employing the concept of analogy to explore their interrelationship, analyzing al-Shāfiʿī’s foundational views and surveying the methodologies of major uṣūlī schools. Through a comparative and analytical framework, the research proposes a practical model that balances textual fidelity with maqāṣid-oriented reasoning. The implications of this study lie in clarifying methodological ambiguities and establishing a maqāṣid-driven paradigm for legal reasoning, opening new avenues for developing and regulating ijtihād in line with modern challenges.