Freedom of Speeches by Mufti According to Islam: Implication to Fatwa in Malaysia

This article discusses the freedom of speech by mufti advocated by Islam. Although Islam urged for freedom of speech, but there are certain limitations that need to be followed. In religious matters, the mufti is the responsible person to speak up. However, issues arise when mufti went overboard when preaching in front of societies whether in the media or directly through lectures and so on. This has led of confusion among the publics whether the statements issued by the mufti is considered as a fatwa or otherwise. Therefore, this article endeavors to examine the freedom of speeches by the mufti and fatwa implications. This study has three objectives. First, identify the concept of freedom of speech in Islam. Second, examine the fatwa position in the Administration of Islamic Law in Malaysia. Third, analyzing the implications on freedom of speech by the mufti according to Malaysia’s fatwa. This article has been analyzed using analysis content based on the data collected through the library research. The results indicated that Islam please for freedom of speech in accordance of the constitution. The study also found the freedom that had been given to the mufti may have negative implications to the society whom considers all specified matters by mufti is a fatwa. Thus, a proper guideline about the declaration by mufti should be enacted to ensure there is no confusion arises beyond the mufti’s capacity as the individual who issued a fatwa.