fetwa

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Islamic legal ruling: A "fetwa" (also spelled "fatwa") is a formal legal opinion or decree issued by an Islamic legal expert (a mufti) on a matter of Islamic law (Sharia). It is not a binding court judgment but an authoritative interpretation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scholar issued a fetwa clarifying the permissibility of using modern financial instruments. (A formal legal opinion on Islamic finance.)
  • Many Muslims seek a fetwa from a trusted mufti before making major life decisions. (A ruling on personal conduct.)

Advanced Usage

• "to issue a fetwa": to formally pronounce a legal opinion in Islamic law.

  • The council of jurists gathered to issue a fetwa on the matter of organ donation. (They provided an authoritative interpretation.)

• "fetwa against someone": a ruling that condemns or declares someone outside the faith (often misunderstood as a death sentence).

  • The controversial writer faced a fetwa calling for his punishment. (A severe religious decree was issued against him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fatwa (n): the more common English spelling of the same word.

  • The fatwa was widely discussed in the media. (The Islamic legal opinion received public attention.)

• Mufti (n): the Islamic legal expert who issues a fetwa.

  • The mufti is responsible for interpreting religious texts to issue a fetwa. (The scholar provides the ruling.)

Synonyms

• Decree: an official order or decision.
• Ruling: an authoritative decision or interpretation.
• Edict: a formal proclamation or command.

Related Idioms

• "under a fetwa": to be subject to an Islamic legal opinion, often with negative consequences.
  • He lived under a fetwa for years, fearing for his safety. (He was targeted by a religious decree.)