Fatwa ID: 02676

Answered by: Maulana Imran Mughal

Question:

Asalamualaikum.

I am doing research regarding female muftis in Pakistan but I am unable to find female muftis so can you tell me if Shariah allows women to become a mufti or to be appointed as a mufti and to issue a fatwa.

would you please kindly explain with references?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

The Shariah has not prevented women from becoming scholars or muftis, rather it has encouraged the seeking of knowledge for men and women alike.

Imām An-Nawawī lists the conditions of one becoming a Mufti, he writes:

“The condition to become a Mufti is that one should be mukallaf (old enough to be responsible for their actions), a Muslim, a trustworthy person, to be free from anything that denotes fisq (outwardly sinful behavior), to have a clear mind and resonant thinking, to have correct ways of conducting themselves and deducing rulings. Whether that person is a slave or free person, woman, blind or a mute.”[1]

In fact, one of the people who narrated the most aḥādīth from the Prophet (peace be upon him) was none other than his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). She narrated 2210 aḥādīth, contributing significantly regarding the personal life of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and providing insight into his daily life. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was known in Madinah for her vast knowledge