Fatwa

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/fatwa

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the nature of ruling?A formal legal opinion or authoritative decree on Islamic law (Sharia)
2. What is the issuing scholar?A qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) designated as a mufti
3. Who can give a fatwa?A mufti, a learned Islamic jurist, can issue a fatwa. In the past, muftis were independent scholars, but sometimes they work in government offices. Some Shia scholars also give fatwas on their own.
4. Why were fatwas important in the past?Fatwas taught people about their religion and helped judges decide tricky cases. They also helped Muslims stand together during tough times, like when other countries tried to control them.

Sharia: The comprehensive body of Islamic law derived from the Quran and Sunnah, guiding all aspects of life.
Mufti: An Islamic legal scholar possessing the authority and knowledge to interpret Islamic law and issue fatwas.
Ifta: The formal process and act of a mufti providing a fatwa in response to a query.
Faqih: An expert in Islamic jurisprudence; a jurist.