From Whom to Seek a Fatwa and the Conditions of the Mufti

Question:
A number of questions have been received. Perhaps we should begin with a question in which the questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, from whom do we take a fatwa? Do we take it from the imam of the mosque, or from any student of knowledge, or must certain conditions be met in the mufti? What are these conditions?

Answer:
There is no doubt that a person encounters problems in which he needs someone to clarify matters for him. And a fatwa varies. General matters and difficult matters are directed to the scholars entrusted with them, those to whom the calling to Islam is entrusted. General and difficult questions are directed to them. As for simple questions—a question about your prayer, a question about your ablution, a question about your deeds—which are among the light questions that students of knowledge know, these are directed to the imam of the mosque, or to any student of knowledge. Matters differ. In any case, you should direct your question only to someone you trust in his knowledge and his practice. Because you will act upon a fatwa and rely on a fatwa, it is necessary that he be someone trusted in his knowledge and his practice. So you do not place your question except with someone you trust and see to be sincere and truthful. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.