Fatwa in Theory Practice

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course aims to give an introduction to the general theme of fatwa (considered legal opinion) in Islamic legal culture by tracing its emergence, historical development, and transformation in the modern period. Fatwa is an important feature in Islamic legal thought and practice which, both as an institution and as a genre, has played an important role in the cumulative growth of the Islamic legal tradition. Its foundational role in the genesis of Islamic substantive law can only be matched by its renewed role in supporting the claim of sharia to continuing universal relevance. The course is divided into three main sections: fatwa in theory; fatwa in historical perspective; and fatwa in practice. These sections seek to provide a solid understanding of this important dimension of the Islamic tradition and to highlight the critical role it has played in the ongoing reconstruction of Islamic legal rules. The course complements other courses on Islamic faith, law, ethics, tradition, cultures, and societies.