Only in Malaysia: where we have gone wrong with fatwa

Formulating laws: File picture of Parliament in session. The legislative authority to make laws in Malaysia lies with Parliament and the state assemblies, not the fatwa committees.

Fatwa are only advisory opinions to guide a Muslim to lead a life according to Islam.

I WONDER how many Malaysians know that under the Syariah Criminal Offences laws of this country, it is a criminal offence for a Muslim to defy, disobey or dispute or to give, propagate or disseminate any opinion concerning Islamic teachings, Islamic law or any issue, contrary to any fatwa for the time being in force.