It is observed that every state has scholars who issue fatwas (scholarly legal rulings) in accordance with the political approach it adopts; what is your explanation for this?

The questioner: Shaykh, do you not see that, I mean, can you explain to us the fatwas (scholarly legal rulings) of the Muslim scholars in every state, which were in agreement with the ruling state?
The student : Praise be to Allah.

The Shaykh : May Allah have mercy on you.

The questioner: The scholars of every Muslim country are in agreement with the political approach adopted by the state in each country. We have observed this matter. What is the explanation for this, Shaykh?

The Shaykh: The explanation is that these are, as Imam al-Ghazali, the author of *Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din* (may Allah have mercy on him), used to say, "These are the scholars of appearances." These are the scholars of appearances, meaning they are employees of the state. Whatever the state draws up, they sign off on it like any other employee. There is nothing for them to do other than that. You see the employees; the lowest-ranking employee submits a report to his superior, and he approves it, and so on, and so forth. By Allah, there is nothing but the signature. There are no people who stand for the truth and for study, which is far removed from observing the word "ruler." Therefore, the fatwas (scholarly legal rulings) differ in every land, with scholars providing what achieves the ruler's goal in that country. May Allah be our helper, and there is no power or might except in Allah. I hope I have clarified the matter somewhat, and it does not need to be repeated again.
The student: In terms of legitimacy, may Allah reward you with good. However, regarding the current political situation, the matter is different. We Iraqis have a particular perspective.