Electronic documents of Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwas at Al-Azhar Sheikhdom in Cairo: a descriptive and analytical study

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the Al-Azhar International Center for Electronic Fatwa, based on a descriptive analytical study. The Center was established in 2016 as a strategic initiative by Al-Azhar to serve as the preeminent, reliable authority for Islamic legal rulings (fatwas) in the digital age. Its core mission is to counter the global proliferation of extremist, unqualified, and contradictory fatwas by providing accessible, well-researched guidance grounded in Al-Azhar's moderate, mainstream methodology. The Center operates on a fully "born-digital" model, creating and managing all documents electronically with no paper-based workflows. It leverages a sophisticated technical infrastructure to receive, process, classify, and archive millions of fatwa requests from around the world. Key services extend beyond simple Q&A to include proactive community awareness programs and social intervention via specialized units. Of note are the "Lam Al-Shaml" (Family Reunification) unit, which has handled over 150,000 family dispute cases to mitigate divorce, and the "Bayan" unit, which actively engages youth to counter atheistic and extremist ideologies. With a global reach facilitated by operations in 13 languages, the Center utilizes a multi-platform strategy encompassing a dedicated telephone hotline, a mobile application, a comprehensive website, and a strong presence on all major social media channels. Its public "Fatwa Bank" serves as a major digital repository, containing over 1.77 million indexed and searchable rulings. The Center stands as a critical institutional response to the challenges of religious discourse in the internet era, acting as a bridge between sacred texts and the practical, contemporary concerns of Muslims worldwide.