Grand Mufti facts for kids
- Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Grand Mufti of India
- Shawki Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt
- Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem
- Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili, Grand Mufti of Oman
The Grand Mufti is a very important religious leader in many Muslim countries. They are like the main Islamic legal expert for a state or region. Their job is to give official advice and opinions on Islamic law (called sharia). These opinions are known as fatwas.
This special role started a long time ago in the Ottoman Empire. Over time, many modern countries have also chosen to have a Grand Mufti. This person often helps the government with religious matters. They might also appoint judges or guide other religious scholars.
History of the Grand Mufti Role
How the Role Began
Muftis are Islamic scholars who give legal opinions based on sharia. In earlier times, they worked on their own. But in the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire started to organize them. They created a system where muftis were part of a religious government.
By the late 1500s, the mufti in Istanbul became the most important one. He was called the Shaykh al-Islam, or Grand Mufti. He was in charge of all other religious scholars. He even advised the Sultan, who was the ruler, on religious issues. He could also give legal rulings on big government decisions.
Spreading the Idea
After the Ottoman Empire ended, many other Muslim countries adopted the idea of a Grand Mufti. Countries like Egypt started having their own Grand Muftis in the mid-1800s.
Today, about 16 countries with many Muslim people have a Grand Mufti. The way a Grand Mufti works with the country's leaders can be different in each place. It also changed over time.
How Grand Muftis Are Chosen
The way a Grand Mufti is chosen can vary a lot from one country to another. Sometimes they are elected, and sometimes they are appointed by the government or a ruler.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in India
In India, the Grand Mufti of India is chosen by a group of Sunni Barelvi Muslims. They then appoint him to the position.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in Brunei
In Brunei, the Sultan, who is the ruler, chooses and names the State Mufti.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in Jerusalem
During the time when Britain controlled Palestine, they kept the Grand Mufti role. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem was a very important political figure.
During World War I, there were two Grand Muftis in Jerusalem. One was supported by the British, and the other by the Ottoman Empire. When Britain ruled Palestine, they appointed the Grand Mufti. Today, in the Palestinian National Authority, the president appoints the Grand Mufti.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in Malaysia
Malaysia has a special way of choosing its muftis. Nine of Malaysia's fourteen states have their own rulers. These rulers are in charge of religious matters in their states. So, each of these nine states has its own mufti.
At the national level, there is a group called the National Fatwa Council. This council includes the muftis from the nine states. It also includes five muftis appointed by a national Islamic department. Together, they give religious opinions for the whole country.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia is chosen by the King. This position was created in 1953.
Choosing the Grand Mufti in Tunisia
In Tunisia, the Grand Mufti is appointed by the President of the Republic. The President also has the power to remove the Grand Mufti from office.
