Is it permissible for me to issue a fatwa to someone who asks me, if I am certain of the ruling, or is it permissible for me to remain silent on the grounds that I am not qualified to issue fatwas? And if it is permissible for me to speak, what should I do about the feeling of hypocrisy and self-admiration mingling in my heart?

The questioner praised his knowledge and his eagerness to understand the religion, mentioning that the deficiency in his knowledge lies in not relying on a shaykh for study and not applying some of what he has learned.

He was advised to continue seeking knowledge while taking the mentioned observations into account, and to renew his repentance.

Regarding ostentation (riya') and self-admiration (ʿujb), the questioner was advised to strive against himself to rid himself of them, to seek Allah's help, to conceal acts of worship, and to remember the punishment of those who show off.

As for issuing a fatwa, the mufti must be knowledgeable about the issue he is issuing a fatwa on, along with its evidence, or be narrating it from a recognized imam. It is permissible to issue a fatwa when there is a need and no qualified mujtahid scholar is available. It is forbidden to issue a fatwa without knowledge, as it is a statement about Allah without knowledge.