fatwas

A fatwa is a formal religious opinion or legal ruling issued by a qualified Islamic scholar, known as a mufti, in response to a question about sharia (Islamic law). The term fatwa comes from Arabic and broadly means a ruling or theological verdict. A fatwa is not a universal decree; it is a non-binding interpretive opinion that guides individuals or communities on how to act in accordance with Islamic principles.

The authority and weight of a fatwa vary. It depends on the scholar’s knowledge, reputation, and the institution behind the ruling. In some cases, a state or official religious body issues fatwas that may be used to inform public policy or judicial practice; in other contexts, fatwas serve as guidance for a particular community or follower.

Fatwas cover diverse topics, including acts of worship, personal status matters (marriage, divorce, inheritance), commercial ethics and contracts, and modern issues such as medical ethics, biotechnology, finance, and technology. They are usually based on primary sources in Islam—the Qur’an and the Sunnah—along with juristic methods such as analogy (qiyas) and consensus (ijma). Jurisprudential approaches differ among Islamic schools of thought, so interpretations can vary.

Differences in tradition are notable. In Sunni Islam, a mufti issues fatwas; in Shia Islam, jurists such as marjaʿ al-taqlīd may issue fatwas for their followers. Some fatwas are widely influential or controversial, while many are routine guidance. Fatwas are not considered infallible and are often debated within scholarly communities.