Religious authority in the digital age: Exploring the reception of fatwas and muftis among Muslims in Germany

Abstract

Fatwas, Islamic legal guidance, and muftis (Islamic scholars) hold profound significance in the everyday lives of Muslims, providing essential guidance on religious norms and principles and orienting individuals toward living in accordance with Islamic precepts. This study concentrates on the pertinence of fatwas and muftis for Muslims residing in Germany, with particular attention to the evolving landscape shaped by contemporary digital media. It investigates how the notions of fatwa and mufti are construed and operationalized by individuals: specifically, what meanings German Muslims attribute to these concepts and which factors influence their adherence to fatwas. Moreover, the study interrogates the primary sources German Muslims consult for religious guidance, underscoring the increasing primacy of the internet as a key mediator of Islamic knowledge. To frame this inquiry and contextualize the discourse, the analysis engages with foundational debates within both Islamic studies and the social sciences, employing Max Weber’s sociology of domination as a theoretical lens to interpret empirical findings.