The Changing Fatwa

Why Islamic Rulings Evolve with Time, Place, and Context

Why do Islamic rulings change? Should they?
In an age of global upheaval, digital revolutions, and shifting societies, Muslims around the world are asking: Can Islam respond to modern realities without compromising its sacred principles?

In The Changing Fatwa: Why Islamic Rulings Evolve with Time, Place, and Context, world-renowned scholar Dr. Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī tackles this urgent question with clarity, depth, and courage.

This groundbreaking work explores:

• Why fatwas issued in one era or region may not apply to another

• How jurists balance timeless revelation with the needs of a changing world

• Ten critical reasons scholars must consider context when issuing rulings

• How Islamic law can remain faithful to the Qur’an and Sunnah while addressing twenty-first-century challenges

Rejecting both rigid literalism and reckless reform, Dr. al-Qaraḍāwī presents a principled vision of Islamic jurisprudence—one that is intelligent, rooted in tradition, and responsive to the higher objectives (maqāṣid) of the Sharīʿah.

Whether you are a student of knowledge, a scholar, an imam, a policymaker, or simply a thinking Muslim trying to understand the relationship between religion and modern life, this book offers:

• A deeper understanding of ijtihād (independent reasoning)

• Clarity on when and why fatwas must evolve

• A renewed appreciation for the depth, dynamism, and mercy of Islamic law

This is not just a book about fatwa. It is a guide to living Islam wisely and responsibly in our time.