Shari’ah seeks to mould our lives in total conformity with the commandments of Allāh, whilst allowing us to indulge in worldly activities to a certain limit. By assuming that all rulings change according to the Deenī condition of the people, we will defeat the purpose of Shari’ah. With such a mind-set, one will focus on moulding his/her life according to his/her desires and follow Deen only when he/she feels like the obligation applies to her.

The commandments of Sharī’ah apply in general to Muslims of all walks, regardless of the Deenī strength of the people of different regions, except in issues that the Fuqahā’ have explicitly specified. Whilst there are matters where the conditions of the people of a certain area are taken into consideration when issuing fatāwā, such matters are very limited. It is incorrect to make a blanket statement that ‘every Mufti gives their fatwa according to the people around them’.[1]

A Mufti does not outline his own regulations and commandments, rather, he informs the people of the rulings of Shari’ah on particular issues. Hence, where Shar’iah stipulates that different factors be considered, such as the norm of the time, Deenī condition of people, etc., the Mufti shall do so in issuing a fatwa. However, where there is no such indication from Shari’ah, the rulings of Shari’ah narrated by the Mufti shall apply unconditionally.[2] The greater portion of the obligations of Shari’ah are of such a nature.