The Danger of Issuing Fatwas by Mosque Imams and Students of Knowledge Who Have Not Devoted Themselves to Seeking Knowledge as They Should

Question:
May Allah reward you with good. Shaykh Salih, what is your view regarding some of the mosque imams who take on the task of issuing fatwas, and also some of the students of knowledge who have not devoted themselves to seeking knowledge as they should?

Answer:
This is a grave danger. It is obligatory for these people to fear Allah and not to take on the task of issuing fatwas. There are scholars in the country who are better and more knowledgeable in jurisprudence than they are. In fact, they should refer the questioners to the sources of fatwas in the country and not burden themselves with answering, as they have not reached the level of knowledge that qualifies them to answer.
Because a fatwa is a statement about Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and His Messenger, and it carries a grave danger. As long as there are those who bear this responsibility and carry it out, a person is safe from it, especially if that person does not have the academic qualification. He should not involve himself in issuing fatwas, thereby confusing people and causing errors that the questioner or the people commit because of his answer. The matter is very serious. Yes.