Are Fatwas Dispensable? Examining the Contemporary Relevance and Authority of Fatwas in Australia

Abstract Fatwas play a central role in the articulation and contextualization of Islamic law. Despite its lofty status within Islam’s juristic tradition, authoritative value function fatwas contemporary Muslim societies is undergoing significant change. Whereas historical generated immense solidarity legal schools traditional ulama (religious scholars), Muslims today are confronted with an unprecedented supply from various religious actors, institutions digital platforms vying to speak for Islam. Using Australia as case study, this article investigates role, demand, relevance Australia. It draws on empirical fieldwork conducted between 2018 2019 actors including imams/sheikhs, educators, academics members Australian community. The findings show largely sceptical about credibility behind fatwa-making Among findings, participants demand greater scholarly expertise, analysis, institutional output production fatwas. Participants additionally expressed desire establish locally based fatwa councils ability produce context-specific Muslims.