Whats a fatwa?
A fatwa is an Islamic religious decree issued by an individual who is authorized by the Council of Islamic Scholars to issue such rulings. The overwhelming majority of fatwas are on mundane matters and attempt to settle differences on issues such as inheritance and marriage. Fatwas that call for jihad against infidels are actually few and far between, but receive disproportionately large coverage by the media because of their shock value. Some of the recent fatwas that have received wide coverage include Osama Bin Ladens fatwa against the United States. In 2005, the Shura Council of North America, which includes the highest and most well-respected Islamic scholars in the world, issued a fatwa against Bin Laden and against terrorism.
