A critical examination of the Book of Verbal Questions of Muftiate of Kastamonu (1975-2015) in terms of fatwa methodology

A fatwa is defined as an answer to a question pertaining to Islamic law (Sharī'ah) that is posed to experts for resolution. It represents a dynamic field of fiqh, the Islamic legal tradition. The process, initiated by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and perpetuated by the Sahaba and Tabiin, was conducted by experts vested with the authority to issue fatwas. Over time, the fatwas that were issued in this context, which gained an institutional identity due to the necessity for such a system, were recorded. The two notebooks, which consist of questions addressed to the fatwa unit of the Muftiate of Kastamonu between 1970 and 2015, are of significant value in terms of illuminating the religious, social and moral life of the people, as well as providing insight into the understanding of fiqh. The fatwa books of the Muftiate of Kastamonu, spanning the specified period, encompass a total of 319 questions and responses pertaining to matters of belief, worship, and practice. The fatwas are primarily composed of responses to queries from the citizens of Kastamonu. Additionally, the collection includes a query regarding inheritance posed by an individual from Tokat. The introduction provides an overview of the subject matter, the rationale for the study, its significance and the scope of the thesis. It also outlines the methodology employed in the preparation of the thesis. The section on theoretical information provides an overview of the concepts of fatwa, the authority to issue fatwa, the institutions of fatwa issuance, and the fatwa procedure. The questions in the notebooks are initially classified according to the subjects they address and subsequently evaluated in terms of the procedural aspects of fatwa issuance. In light of the aforementioned questions, this study examines the role of fatwa in Türkiye within the context of the relationship between Muslim individuals and the fatwa institution. It then presents the findings of the study and offers suggestions for future research. The appendices include images of the outer covers and internal features of the fatwa books, as well as a classification of the fatwas according to fiqh subjects. KEYWORDS: Fıqh, Fatwa, Fatwa book, Mufti, Worship, Family Law, Question and Answer.