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Washington Post Summary: Fatwas and Radical Demands
By The Associated Press -- WHAT'S A FATWA?: A fatwa is an opinion by an expert or group of experts in Islamic jurisprudence. They cover the gamut of public and personal life for Muslims. Fatwas are nonbinding by tradition but can take on added strength in places governed by Islamic law. CALLS FOR VIOLENCE: Osama bin Laden and others have issued statements they call fatwas that support terrorism and violence. But mainstream Islamic scholars dismiss these proclamations as lacking any theological foundations. SEEKING CONTROLS: Some Muslims leaders have urged for fatwa powers to be consolidated under a single body of Islamic law scholars. The proposals, however, go against Islam's traditions of decentralized authority. © 2005 The Associated Press
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