What is FATWA?

Shams Tabrez Qasmi

06 December 2016 (Publish: 07:47 PM IST)

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Fatwa is basically an Islamic term, and describing a legal opinion. Moreover, it is a religious decree on a matter of Islamic law, Practice, Custom, Norms, Tradition, Values, Ideas or Convention. Sometimes, it could be a final decision. It should be based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and the interpretation thereof. Since the interpretation varies due to the differences in the reasoning of the scholars. Therefore, there always remains the reservation of the re-interpretation which consequently modifies the Fatwa.

Fatwa should be weightiest in terms of evidence and strongest in terms of proof with respect to the Islamic sharia law.

It is put forward by an Islamic religious scholar who has deep insight into the Qur’an and the hadith as well as should have a broad understanding of the Suunah.

Religious scholar of Islam must have a deep and profound knowledge and wisdom to interpret and codify analogically the Shariah law.

Also, they must be infused with higher moral principles and ideals of justice.

Religious scholar of Islam can give Fatwa on the issue, related to socio-religious and culture and politico-economic matters as well.

At, Darul Uloom Deoband(India), the most world- famous, prominent and influential Islamic seminary in the world, has been issuing a number of Fatwa since its inception, regarding Islamic law and Beliefs, Personnel affairs, False Sects, World Religions, Deviant Sects, Food and Drinks, Clothing and Lifestyle, Social matters, Economic matters, International Relations, Penal Code and so on. Darul Uloom has a separate Fatwa department even does the job online now.