Forms: 7–9 fetfa, 8 fetva, 9 fethwa. fetwa. [Arab. fetwa (pronounced by the Turks fetfa), f. fatā, in 4th conj. to instruct by a legal decision.] A decision given (usually in writing) by a Mufti or other Moslem juridical authority.
1625. Purchas, Pilgrimes, II. ix. 1608. Fetfa’s, that is, Declarations, or Iudgements of the Muftee; with which he may compell not only the Cadees and Bashawes to the performance of the Contents thereof, but the Kings owne person is also bound to see them executed: for in conclusion, they seeke altogether to amplifie their Sect in honour of their Prophet.
1704. J. Trapp, Abra-Mulé, V. i. 2000.
| This very Moment the Divan is fitting | |
| In secret Consultation, to dethrone | |
| The Sultan; and in less than half an Hour, | |
| The black deposing Fetfa will be sign’d. |
1802. F. W. Blagdon, Paris as it was, II. lxviii. 334. A fetfa or diploma of the Grand Signior contained in a silk purse.
1836. Lane, Mod. Egyptians, I. 134. The Náïb, having heard the case, desires the plaintiff to procure a ‘fetwà’ (or judicial decision) from the Mooftee.
1882. Times, 5 April, 9/4. The fetwa from the great Mahomedan Academy will be awaited with curiosity.
