The problem of anomalous (shazz) fatwas in Islamic Law
Based on the analysis of Sunni jurists’ classical and modern works, the article considers the provision on abnormal (shazz) fatwas – religious decisions that contradict either the unambiguous provisions of the sacred primary sources, or the agreed position of authoritative theologians (ijma’), or the goals (maqasid) of sharia or of a common sense. The work provides various examples of such fatwas in the early history of Islam, the era of the formation of classical theological and legal schools of thought (madhhabs) and modern times. In conclusion there is information about the reaction and attitude of the mufti, who issued the abnormal fatwa, to the case of a mistake revelation. Moreover, the article provides the explanation of his actions being legal or illegal due to his abnormal theological and legal decisons.