Fatwa process on divorce standardized

KUWAIT CITY, June 9: The acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs Dr. Sulaiman Al- Suwailem issued an administrative circular regulating procedures for issuing fatwas (religious opinions) on divorce-related inquiries. The circular aims to unify the relevant Sharia authorities and ensure that such matters are reviewed by the appropriate institutions. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs issued Administrative Circular No. 26/2026, mandating that all imams, preachers, and muezzins refrain from issuing fatwas on various issues related to divorce.

The circular also stipulates that those seeking fatwas on divorce must visit the Fatwa Department in person on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Al-Riggae, where they will be referred to the relevant Personal Status Committee. It clarified that the Personal Status Committee holds its weekly meetings every Monday at 10:00 am to review fatwas and cases related to divorce and personal status. The circular also stated that those seeking religious consultations can contact the department directly via the hotline number 149 during official working hours, from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The circular further called on all mosque administrations in the governorates to implement its regulations immediately.