A mufti is an Islamic jurist qualified to issue a nonbinding opinion (fatwa) on a point of Islamic law (sharia). The act of issuing fatwas is called iftāʾ. Muftis and their fatwas played an important role throughout Islamic history, taking on new roles in the modern era.
A mufti reading in his prayer stool, by Jean-Léon Gérôme (c. 1900)
Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand (est. 1422)
Muhammad Abduh, who served as the second Grand Mufti of Egypt (1899-1905) in the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta
Tobacco protest fatwa issued by Mirza Shirazi
A fatwa is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law (sharia) given by a qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) in response to a question posed by a private individual, judge or government. A jurist issuing fatwas is called a mufti, and the act of issuing fatwas is called ifta'. Fatwas have played an important role throughout Islamic history, taking on new forms in the modern era.
Page from a compilation of fatwas from Safavid Persia, late 17th century
Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand (est. 1422)
Tobacco protest fatwa issued by Mirza Shirazi
Fatwa supporting the Ottoman proclamation of jihad in 1914, read by the Custodian Of The Fatwa (Fetva Emini)