Araweelo News Network
Riyadh(ANN)-The Saudi Shura Council called on the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta to review fatwas published on its official website in an effort to remove those which are based on the country’s interests which have changed, Saudi local media reported.
Al-Riyadh newspaper reported yesterday that the Shura Council ordered the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta; the only governmental body authorised to issue fatwas in the Kingdom to archive fatwas which were based on personal judgements or interests that have changed.
The official website of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta still contains fatwas which contradict recent changes in the Kingdom. One particular fatwa forbids Muslims from building or running cinemas.
In December, the Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media lifted a 35-year ban on cinemas. The commission passed a resolution granting licenses to cinemas, including commercial providers.
The Shura Council appealed to the House of Ifta to benefit from qualified university professors and other scholars to assist the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta in its work and to develop the website.
source: middleeastmonitor.com