KUCHING: State fatwa agencies need to be on the same page with the national fatwa committee so that the fatwas issued in each state do not contradict each other.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that this is important to maintain Muslim civilisation and enhance the community's understanding of Islam as a way of life.
"Before issuing a fatwa about any issue faced by Muslims, it is important for the fatwa agencies to discuss and look at all angles based on the Quran and Hadith," he said at the opening ceremony of the state-level fatwa seminar here today.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the synergy between the State Mufti Department and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is important in strengthening the position of Islam in this country.
"Religious agencies cannot work alone but instead, must join hands towards a more effective direction.
"Of late, religious issues and topics discussed in seminars often become polemic in the community with the emergence of muftis who give fatwas on social media that can confuse the community.
"Hence, with the synergy between the religious agencies, all the confusion and ambiguity could be clarified and dealt with in accordance with the true teachings of Islam," he added. --BERNAMA