Fatwa ID: 06175
Answered by: Shaykh Ahmed bin Mohamed Umarji
Question:
Assalamualaikum. Here in South Africa, a certain Jamiat had engaged in an interfaith prayer with different faiths for the violence. Are such interfaith prayers and gatherings allowed?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
There are principles of Islamic jurisprudence that state:
- Adhruraat Tubeehul Mahduraat (necessities justify that which may be unlawful)1
- Al-Umur bi-maqasidiha (Matters shall be judged by their objectives)2
If we analyze the interfaith prayer In light of these principles of Islamic Jurisprudence we can conclude it is allowed for the following reasons.
- There was an immediate necessity for all faith leaders to come together and make a joint statement to end the violence. Since this was a necessity, it is allowed based on the first principle.
- Such an occasion is a means of Dawah. When this was one of the intentions for which the ulema attended, it is allowed based on the second principle.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Shaykh Ahmed Bin Mohamed Umarji
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
1 Qawaid Fiqhiyyah, Page 43, Darut Tirmidhi.
القاعِدَةُ الأُولى: الأُمُورُ بِمَقاصِدِها
Al-Ashbaah Wan-Nazair , Page 8 , Dar Al Kotob Al Ilmiyyah
