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Definition of fatwa

fatwa

/ˈfæt.wɑː/
fat · wa
Plural:fatwas
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fatwa Lexical Profile

fatwa Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A formal, authoritative, but generally non-binding legal opinion or religious ruling on a point of Islamic law (sharia) issued by a qualified jurist or religious scholar (mufti).

Example

"The religious council issued a fatwa clarifying how traditional fasting rules apply to travelers crossing multiple time zones."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fatwa

Word Nuance & Usage

In popular Western usage, 'fatwa' is frequently misunderstood to mean a death sentence or condemnation; in Islamic jurisprudence, however, it is simply a non-binding legal opinion or religious ruling on any point of law, everyday conduct, or ethics.

• Nearby Words

fattish
fattism
fatty
fatwa
faucaria
faucet
faulkland

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 17th century from Arabic 'fatwā' ('formal legal opinion'), derived from the verb 'aftā' ('to decide a point of law' or 'to clarify'), from the triliteral root f-t-w.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fatwa. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fatwa
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