Also fatwa in Arabic. It is a religious decree, edict, or legal ruling which is issued by an Islamic scholar(s) or cleric(s) in response to a query brought forth by an inquirer, whether an individual or institution. This opinion is typically meant to give a shari’a ruling with respect to a specific question or matter (masa’alah), existing or prospective. Juristic opinions are based on specialized knowledge of the shari’a sources (Qur’an, Sunna, qiyas, etc), and are given orally or in writing. For example, a juristic opinion may be sought in order to know the shari’a ruling on a specific financial transaction, especially newly emerging dealings (such as tawarruq and ‘eina in recent years).