Qualities of a mufti
Question

                What are the qualities which a person must attain if he wants to set himself up to issue fatwas?
Praise be to Allah. 
          Ibn al-Qayyim said: 
 
          Abu ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Battah mentioned in his book al-Khala’ 
          that Imaam Ahmad said: No man should set himself up to issue fatwas 
          until he has attained five qualities: 
 
          1.He should have a good intention, 
          for if he does not have a good intention, he will not be blessed and 
          there will be no blessings in his words.
 
          2.He should be knowledgeable, 
          forbearing, dignified and calm.
 
          3.He should have a strong 
          grasp of knowledge.
 
          4.He should have a strong 
          personality and not be affected by people’s criticism.
 
          5.He should know what people 
          are like.
 
          This is what Ahmad said, and this is indicative of his 
          status and knowledge. These five qualities are the foundation for issuing 
          fatwas. If any of them are lacking, there will be a commensurate defect 
          in the mufti.