Fatwa

/ˈfɑːtwɑː/ noun

Definition

An official ruling or decree issued by an Islamic religious scholar on a question of Islamic law.

Etymology

From Arabic 'fatwa' (a ruling on Islamic law), derived from 'iftaa' (to give a legal opinion), ultimately from 'fta' (to give a ruling).

Kelly Says

Fatwas aren't inherently extreme—most are routine legal opinions on everyday questions like whether it's permissible to eat certain foods, but media coverage has focused on controversial ones, creating misconceptions.

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