fatwa
Noun: A formal legal opinion or ruling issued by a recognized Islamic scholar (a mufti) on a point of Islamic law (Sharia). It is an interpretation of religious law, not a secular court judgment, and its authority depends on the scholar's reputation and the acceptance of the community.
A fatwa is issued in response to a specific question. It provides religious guidance on matters ranging from personal conduct (e.g., dietary rules, marriage) to complex social and economic issues. It is not inherently a punitive decree.
- The scholar issued a fatwa clarifying the permissibility of the new financial instrument under Islamic law.
- She sought a fatwa from the local mufti regarding her inheritance rights.
- The controversial fatwa on the novel sparked international debate about religious authority and freedom of expression.
- To issue a fatwa: The act of a qualified scholar delivering a formal legal opinion.
- The council has the authority to issue a fatwa on matters of public interest.
- To seek a fatwa: To request a formal legal opinion from a scholar.
- Many Muslims seek a fatwa from a trusted scholar for personal religious matters.
- Mufti (noun): An Islamic scholar qualified to issue a .
- Ifta (noun): The process of issuing ; the office or function of a mufti.
This word has a specific meaning within Islamic jurisprudence. It does not have other general meanings in English. In common media usage, it is sometimes incorrectly simplified to mean a "death sentence," which is a misrepresentation of its broader legal and advisory function.
- Legal opinion (in an Islamic context)
- Religious decree (general, but less precise)
- Jurisprudential ruling (formal)
- A fatwa is issued against someone: This phrase, often found in media reports, typically refers to a rare type of that declares a person an apostate or calls for a specific punitive action. It represents a specific and severe application, not the term's primary meaning.
- The extremist group called for a fatwa against the writer.
- a ruling on a point of Islamic law that is given by a recognized authority