The Condition of Citing Evidence in a Fatwa

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, some preachers issue rulings on certain jurisprudential matters but do not provide definitive evidence. Is their ruling to be accepted?

Answer:
It is permissible for one to issue a ruling only if he possesses knowledge of the Islamic jurisprudence in the religion of Allah the Exalted. If he is certain of the ruling in Islamic law, he issues it; otherwise, he refrains. Is it not necessary for him to mention the legal evidence to the questioner, unless the questioner is a student of knowledge or seeking the evidence? As for if the questioner is a layperson, it suffices to inform him of the ruling, even if the evidence is not mentioned to him? Yes. May Allah reward you with good for my questions. He says: What is the best supplication that a Muslim repeats in his life, if he is a layperson who cannot read or write? What is authentic from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is the best supplication. This includes the authentic supplications from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), such as the supplications in the prayers during bowing and prostration, the supplications after ablution, the supplications before sleep, and those after sleep, and so on. There are specific books dedicated to this, the books of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Yes. The last question, Honorable Shaykh.