Our wise leadership faced the crisis with unparalleled wisdom and ability

The Emirates Council for Sharia Fatwa held its first meeting for the year 2026, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, headed by the Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Abdullah bin Al-Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah, in the presence of the President of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Dr. Omar Habtoor Al-Darai, and the participation of Council members.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Council welcomed the members, expressing his appreciation for the renewal of the meeting, and stressing the importance of continuing institutional work in developing the fatwa system, in a way that keeps pace with the changing reality and enhances the Council’s role in serving society.
The President of the Council pointed out that the UAE has presented a pioneering model in crisis management, saying: “The whole world has witnessed how the wise leadership of our country, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, was able to confront this crisis with unparalleled wisdom and ability,” adding: “The strong will of peace has triumphed over the brutality of wanton aggression, and the power of right over the root of wrongdoing, and the nation has emerged from it stronger and the people more united.” Unite and rally around his leadership.”
He stressed that the development process in the country did not stop despite the challenges, noting that the Council continued to perform its duties efficiently. He said: “These events, praise be to God, did not stop the march of life in this noble nation, nor did they slow down the achievements and work of national institutions, including your esteemed Council, but rather they continued and increased.”
In his speech, the President of the Council addressed the methodological and practical aspects of developing fatwa work, explaining that the institutional fatwa contributes significantly to understanding the reality of emerging issues and enhancing integration with the competent authorities, in addition to consolidating the principle of disciplined collective diligence. He also pointed out the importance of completing the outcomes of the “Public and Private Fatwa Policies” workshop, and developing the regulatory frameworks for fatwa governance, in line with Federal Law No. (3) of 2024 regarding the Emirates Shari’a Fatwa Council.
During the meeting, the Council discussed the report of its work during the holy month of Ramadan, which included organizing the “Second Al-Shawaf” Forum, detecting the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal, in addition to issuing a number of fatwas and general statements in the field of worship and transactions.
The Council also reviewed the fatwas presented on the agenda, and discussed a number of topics related to contemporary developments, within the framework of an institutional scientific methodology that takes into account legal controls and reality requirements.
In the context of strengthening community initiatives in the Year of the Family: The Council reviewed the “Closer to You” initiative, which aims to expand access to its fatwa services, by launching the interactive “Fatwa Opinions” platform to answer public inquiries according to a moderate methodology, in addition to publishing “stands” introducing fatwa services and publications in a number of vital sites, which contributes to facilitating access to fatwa content and enhancing Sharia awareness in society.
The Council concluded its meeting by emphasizing the continued development of the institutional fatwa system and strengthening its role in supporting societal stability, asking God Almighty to preserve the UAE and its wise leadership, and to perpetuate upon it the blessing of security, stability and prosperity.