منهج الشيخ الدكتور يوسف القرضاوي في الفتاوي الشرعية

Abstract

Objective: This article seeks to honour Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī's legacy by contributing to a collection of systematic studies that provide guidance and draw value from his rich scholarly heritage.

Methodology: This study uses a descriptive-analytical approach to identify the defining elements of Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī’s methodology in his fatwas, drawing insights from his books and studies and highlighting the major foundational, jurisprudential and maqāṣid (objectives-based) principles he relied upon in this regard. It will also seek to identify any anomalous fatwas that lack soundness and diverge from his usual fatwa methodology.

Results: The study found that Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī’s methodology primarily revolves around “facilitation” (taysīr), which is evident in most of his fatwas. He excelled in his reasoning and in establishing a foundation for this methodology; he neither compromised in adhering to the texts nor was overly rigid in his interpretations. He sought, as much as possible, to find accessible solutions to new issues with balance and moderation. The study also revealed that Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī established precise and clear principles for issuing fatwas, which he adhered to rigorously in his books and rulings. A thorough examination shows that most criticisms of Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī’ are inaccurate and stem from sectarian bias or political motives. Nevertheless, he made some mistakes in his independent reasoning (ijtihād) and fatwas, for which he, God willing, will be rewarded as a jurist who did his utmost.

Originality: The study's originality lies in its focus on an essential aspect of Sheikh al-Qaraḍāwī’s contributions, namely his fatwas, summarising the methodology and principles he followed in this field.