In its literal meaning, fodhooli refers to a person who interferes in matters that are none of his business. Technically, fodhooli is one who disposes of someone’s rights and obligations without prior legal permission or authorization. In this sense, a fodhooli could not be a guardian (walii), principal (muwakkel), or agent (wakeel) in a contract, as all these people must have an established right or a prior authorization to dispose. The behavior of a fodhooli is subject to varying juristic rulings, depending on the transaction itself (i.e., sale, lease, etc).

Fodhooli is an Arabic word that translates as interloper.