Islamic Helpline opens in Abu Dhabi..

It seems that there is a passion on QL for arguing on religious issues. the problem is that most of us are not fully familar with these issues, but like to voice our opinions.

Now a new helpline has opened for Muslims. Perhaps Ql'ers with Islamic religion related questions should contact the help line..

The world's first Islamic helpline has opened in Abu Dhabi, to help Muslims solve their religious dilemmas.

By Lucy Cockcroft
Telegraph

A team of 48 muftis man the telephones from 8am until 8pm delivering fatwas, or formal rulings based on Islamic law.

The service is used by Muslims all over the world, and organisers say it takes about 3,700 calls a day, including queries from Britain.

Mufti Abdulrahman Ammoura, 48, is more accustomed to dispensing advice at a mosque, but he joined the helpline staff to reach a wider audience.

He said: "The hardest questions I am asked involve sex. I feel shame, but I have to answer the questions because it is my duty."

One recent dilemma came from a married woman whose alcoholic husband had turned violent, hitting her and forcing her to have sex. She wanted to know if she should seek a divorce.

Mr Ammoura told the Times: "I said, 'No - it is better for him to find help'. A woman living alone with children could face too many problems."

His advice now counts as an official fatwa in the United Arab Emirates, under new rules issued by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

The UAE Government established the call centre three months ago in an attempt to root out extreme interpretations of Islam.

All fatwas issued through the call centre comply with the Government's moderate religious stance. Any others are considered invalid instructions.

The helpline staff work in teams, with six men and two women on six-hour shifts and a skeleton staff takes calls for "religious emergencies" during the night.

Callers can select the service in Arabic, Urdu or English and have a three minute time slot with the mufti. Most have questions concerning the rules of worship, relationships and business.

The service is in such demand that there are already plans to employ and extra 50 muftis and open satellite centres elsewhere in the Muslim world.

One official said: "We were not prepared for the popularity. Already, we get more calls than Emirates Airlines."