Definition of Fatwa
Fatwa – “opinion on a point of law, the term “law” applying, in Islam, to all civil or religious matters. The act of giving a fatwa is a futya or ifta; —the same term is used to denote the profession of the adviser;—the person who gives a fatwa, or is engaged in that profession, is a mufti;—the person who asks for a fatwa is a mustafti” (“Fatwa” in the Encyclopaedia of Islam).
Fatwas address every aspect of a practicing Muslim’s life answering questions like:
- May diabetic Muslims use insulin made from the pig?
- May Muslims create foods, drinks or goods with the DNA of pigs?
- May one mail the Quran via post?
- Under what conditions may a Muslim work in a financial institution such as a bank?
- Is it permissible for Muslim women to dye the hair upon her head with black dye?
- Ruling on Removing Gold Teeth from the Deceased
- Can a woman be forced to marry?
Thousands of fatwas are issued every year; in fact, Dar Al-Ifta may issue more than 400,000 fatwas in a single year.
