fatwa

Also known as fatwā, fetwa, fetwā

A fatwa (; ; ; ) is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law (sharia) given by a qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) in response to a question posed by a private individual, judge or government. A jurist issuing fatwas is called a mufti, and the act of issuing fatwas is called ifta. Fatwas have played an important role throughout Islamic history, taking on new forms in the modern era.

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A fatwa is a legal ruling on Islamic law issued by a qualified Islamic scholar in response to someone's question about how to follow religious teachings. These rulings have been important throughout Islamic history and continue to shape how Muslims understand and practice their faith today.

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Article

24 sections

Contents

Terminology
Origins
In pre-modern Islam
Process of ''iftāʾ''
Role of fatwas
Qualifications of a mufti
Fatwa vs. court judgment
Institutions
In Shia Islam
Public and political fatwas
In the modern era
Anti-colonial fatwas
Modern institutions
Legal methodology
Political fatwas and controversies
On violence
Fatwas in the West
Role of modern media
Social role of fatwas
See also
References
Citations
Sources
External links

Resembling jus respondendi in Roman law and rabbinic responsa, privately issued fatwas historically served to inform Muslim populations about Islam, advise courts on difficult points of Islamic law, and elaborate substantive law. In later times, public and political fatwas were issued to take a stand on doctrinal controversies, legitimize government policies or articulate grievances of the population. During the era of European colonialism, fatwas played a part in mobilizing resistance against foreign aggressors.