FatwaKelantanZakat
HAD KEMUALLAFAN SESEORANG SAUDARA BARU
How long can a new convert to Islam be called a muallaf?
Short answer
There is no scriptural text in Islam requiring a new convert to be called a muallaf, and the length of the period is not fixed by Islamic law because it rests on custom.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Kelantan State Mufti Department
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Fatwa Tidak Diwartakan: Sosial/Syariah
- Topic
- Zakat
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
There is no scriptural text in Islam requiring a new convert to be called a muallaf, and the length of the period is not fixed by Islamic law because it rests on custom. For Kelantan, the Council of Ulama decided not to set any time limit, so that new converts keep receiving religious guidance and assistance until they fully understand Islam. The meeting also agreed that the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council should give maximum support to converts from zakat funds and proposed that a transit home be set up as soon as possible.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Adalah jelas bahawa had tempoh muallaf tidaklah ditentukan oleh syarak. Justeru ia bergantung kepada uruf yang ditetapkan oleh Ulama setempat.
Read the full fatwa on the Kelantan website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Kelantan State Mufti Department. “HAD KEMUALLAFAN SESEORANG SAUDARA BARU”, date not stated. https://mufti.kelantan.gov.my/index.php?view=article&id=63:had-kemuallafan-seseorang-saudara-baru&catid=56. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/time-limit-for-muallaf-status-new-convert/