The Oran Fatwa as an Emergency Fiqh Strategy Addressing the 16th-Century Identity Crisis of Morisco Muslims

The Oran fatwa, issued by Ahmad ibn Abi Jum'ah al-Maghrāwī in the early 16th century, emerged as a religious response to the tragic circumstances faced by the Morisco Muslims in Spain following the fall of Granada. This fatwa provides legal guidance for Muslims who maintained their faith while being outwardly compelled to adhere to Catholic practices. This study provides the Oran Fatwa by placing it within the broader discourse of Islamic jurisprudence on minority issues under repressive regimes. The analysis employs a historical-normative framework, concentrating on Islamic legal principles while acknowledging exceptional circumstances, specifically al-ḍarūrāt tubīḥ al-maḥẓūrāt and ikrāh. The results indicate that the fatwa exemplifies a form of contextual ijtihād influenced by emergency circumstances, serving not only as a legal concession but also as a strategic measure to protect Muslim identity in the face of systematic conversion pressures. This form of contextual ijtihād illustrates the contextual approach of Islamic law in addressing oppressive political circumstances by Spanish Inquisition. This study improves our understanding of how Islamic legal thought has changed over time and how religious scholars have helped to balance law, faith, and authority during times of severe persecution. It is still important for modern discussions about religious freedom and the rights of minorities.