The problem of anomalous (<i>shazz</i>) 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.