KUWAIT CITY: Representatives of Maraje’ in Kuwait have expressed their satisfaction over statement of Minister for Endowments and Islamic Affairs Dr Abdullah Al-Matok about appointment of General Mufti for the country, demanding formation of a committee of Shia and Sunni scholars to ease procedure of Iftaa for all.

Al-Allamah Mirza Kamaluddin Al-Haeri Al-Ehqaqi appreciated the step and urged for set up of an institution, affiliated with the ministry, for iftaa (issuing of verdicts) for followers of Al-Mazhab Al-Ja’fari.

Sayyid Muhammad Baqer Al-Mohri, representative of Maraje and secretary general for Kuwait’s Shia Ulema Society, while hailing the measure called for creation of an Iftaa committee of Shia and Sunni scholars to look into questions and queries as well as issuing of verdicts in accordance with Islamic Shariah, Prophet (p)’s sunnah and his Ahl-ol Bayt (p)’s fiqh (jurisprudence).

Sayyid Mortadha Al-Mohri, deputy of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani, said differences in some basic laws between Shia and Sunni religions demand two muftis, one for Shias and the other for Sunnis, or shape of an iftaa committee which includes Shia and Sunni scholars. He said there is freedom and democracy in Islam as well as freedom of choice. Therefore it is not legal for the government to impose fatawa (edicts) of its mufti on all Muslims.

Sheikh Hani Sha’ban made clear existence of different laws in Shia and Sunni religions, therefore said it is difficult that there is one mufti for all Islamic laws. He said it is possible to appoint a mufti for general affairs but contact should be made with Marjaiyah or scholars of every school of thought in far’iyaat.