Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar recently convened with the supervisors of its fatwa platform, Fatwa Talk, to review its operations and future development. The meeting underscores the ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology to provide accessible and accurate Islamic guidance to the public. Launched in March 2025, Fatwa Talk is designed to streamline communication and offer Sharia-compliant answers to religious inquiries.
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H.E. Ghanem bin Shaheen Al-Ghanem, along with Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Thani and other ministry officials, participated in the discussions held at the ministry’s headquarters. The officials assessed the platform’s functionality and its effectiveness in responding to questions related to Islamic law, commonly known as a fatwa.
Modernizing Islamic Guidance with the Fatwa Talk Platform
The development and implementation of Fatwa Talk aligns with Qatar’s broader digital transformation strategy, according to Sheikh Dr. Al-Thani. This initiative aims to make Sharia guidance readily available to Muslims globally, breaking down traditional barriers to access. The platform seeks to provide a convenient and user-friendly experience for those seeking clarification on religious matters.
Platform Features and Functionality
Fatwa Talk differentiates itself through several key interactive features. Users can save fatwas for future reference, share responses via social media, and indicate their engagement with content using a “like” function. These features are specifically designed to align with modern communication preferences, especially among younger audiences.
The platform utilizes a streamlined presentation of information, offering concise fatwas that are easy to digest. This contrasts with traditional lengthy legal opinions, catering to a faster-paced digital consumption style. Additionally, the platform relies on a curated and verified database of Islamic rulings sourced primarily from the IslamWeb website.
Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability
The reliance on IslamWeb’s database is a crucial aspect of maintaining the platform’s integrity. According to the ministry, IslamWeb’s fatwas are supervised by a dedicated panel of scholars and experts in Islamic jurisprudence. This ensures that all information presented on Fatwa Talk is consistent with established Sharia principles. The review process is intended to foster trust and confidence in the accuracy of the delivered fatwa.
However, the use of an existing database also presents potential limitations. While regularly updated, the database may not immediately address rapidly evolving social or technological issues that require fresh Islamic legal reasoning.
Minister Al-Ghanem emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and updates to the platform to meet the changing needs of the public. He affirmed that this initiative showcases the ministry’s vision for harnessing technology to better serve society and deliver credible religious information. The ministry also highlighted the importance of digital literacy and digital transformation in the country.
The platform’s development is also seen as a way to strengthen the connection between younger generations and Islamic teachings. By presenting religious content in a contemporary and accessible format, Fatwa Talk aims to counter misinformation and promote a deeper understanding of Islam. This is particularly relevant in a digital age where young people are increasingly exposed to diverse and often conflicting viewpoints.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs plans to continue monitoring the performance of Fatwa Talk and solicit feedback from users. Future enhancements may include expanding the range of languages supported and incorporating more advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to improve the speed and accuracy of responses. The ministry has not yet announced a specific timeline for these updates, but ongoing development is expected as part of its long-term digital strategy.
