Background | Mufti Melaka

History and Establishment

The mufti organization/institution began to exist before the independence of Malaya. In 1957 (after independence), the State of Melaka had enacted a law called the Melaka State Administration of Shariah Law Enactment 1959 (amended in 1991 and 2002). The position of Mufti and its functions were officially established under this enactment.

Initially, the Melaka Mufti Department was one of the divisions within the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM). It was known as the Fatwa Division. However, in 1996, the Public Service Department (JPA) issued a circular regarding the separation of the Fatwa Division from the Islamic Religious Department of each state in Malaysia. Since then, a fatwa institution in the State of Melaka emerged known as the Melaka State Mufti Office, which was placed under the Melaka Chief Minister's Department.

Strategic Objectives

Based on the intent of establishing this department under the enactment, JMM has formulated strategies to enhance its contributions to elevate the propagation of Islam in the State of Melaka through the following measures:

Issuing fatwas on any issues that are not yet conclusive or that generate controversy related to Shariah law;
Enhancing the community's understanding and appreciation of authentic Islamic law;
Developing the field of Shariah astronomy through educational, research and astro-tourism activities;
Conducting research and development (R&D) in the fields of fatwa and falak;
Utilizing information and communication technology in all departmental activities; and
Establishing cooperative relationships with agencies, statutory bodies, educational institutions or non-governmental organizations that have expertise in related fields.

Quick Facts

1957

Initial establishment of the mufti institution (before independence)

1959

Melaka State Administration of Shariah Law Enactment

1991 / 2002

Amendments to the Enactment

1996

Separation of the Fatwa Division (JPA letter)

Brief Note

The Melaka State Mufti Office that now stands is the result of the evolution of the state's religious administrative structure, including the transition from the JAIM Fatwa Division to a separate institution under the Melaka Chief Minister's Department.