Legislating Fatwa in Indonesia Legal System: Where Should it Be?

The Arabic word fatwa can mean “explanation” or “clarification.” It refers, in simple terms, to an edict or ruling by a recognized religious authority on a point of Islamic law. In Indonesia, fatwa has been produced by MUI or MPU in Aceh. A fatwa is nonbinding (unless issued by a government judge or legislated to be the official law), whilst a court decision is binding and enforceable.