Family Issues Made Up 40% of Dar Al-Ifta Fatwas in First Half of 2026

Family issues accounted for around 40% of all fatwas received by Dar Al-Ifta between January 1st and June 30th, 2026, according to an analysis of 45,271 fatwas by the Global Fatwa Index.

The findings were presented during a workshop held with the National Centre for Social and Criminological Research alongside the eleventh international conference of fatwa authorities in Cairo.

People in their thirties and forties submitted 62% of family-related enquiries. Personal status, family stability and marital relations made up 60% of those cases, while psychological and social challenges accounted for 23%.

Divorce was one of the most prominent subjects, with many questions focused on whether a divorce had legally and religiously taken effect. Cases involved circumstances including anger, threats, oaths, pressure and conditional divorce, requiring examination of the wording, intention and surrounding context.

The study linked many divorce disputes to accumulated pressures including financial and psychological stress, jealousy, suspicion, violence, poor treatment and weak communication between partners.

Other recurring issues included lack of emotional closeness, family interference in marriage decisions, disputes over children after divorce and parenting concerns involving aggressive behaviour or inconsistent discipline.

Digital communication also emerged as a growing area of enquiry, including divorce pronounced through social media or messaging apps. The study also pointed to digital addiction, limited family oversight and excessive video-game use as factors affecting family relationships, children’s behaviour and academic performance.

The report recommended greater emphasis on preventive counselling, positive parenting, digital education and closer coordination between religious, psychological, social, legal and educational specialists.