Ijtimā`iyya: Journal of Muslim Society Research
Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)

Mufti And Symbolic Power: Analysis of the Influence of Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s Fatwa (1926–2022) in Contemporary Muslim Society

Ali Fikri (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Brebes, Indonesia)
Antony Octavian (Al-Azhar University Cairo, Egypt)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 Sep 2026

Abstract

Fatwas play a crucial role and are indispensable to society. When new issues arise for which there is no explicit legal text (nash) in the Qur'an and Sunnah, the mufti is the primary reference for Muslims seeking legal answers. The strength of a mufti's symbolic capital is crucial in a fatwa because it is essentially a legal opinion that is not legally binding (voluntary), but rather morally binding. Without strong symbolic capital, a fatwa will remain merely a theoretical discourse with no practical impact. This paper aims to identify the symbolic capital possessed by a mufti. This paper examines the fundamental issues concerning What symbolic capital does Yusuf al-Qaradawi possess that legitimizes his fatwas and is easily accepted by the public? This paper examines the phenomenon of muftis and their fatwas through Pierre Bourdieu's perspective, emphasizing habitus and capital. The data are then analyzed using ideal-type qualitative data analysis techniques. This article finds a way Al-Qaradawi accumulated his symbolic capital for the benefit of the people and the common good. His claim to be an intellectual scholar, his religious and educational background, his extraordinary intelligence, the intellectual climate of Al-Azhar, his considerable scholarly capacity, his works (compositions) in a simple and easily digestible style, and his use of cutting-edge media enabled him to build significant symbolic capital within the Islamic world.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijtimaiyya

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Ijtimā`iyya: Journal of Muslim Society Research is published by Postgraduate Program of State Institute on Islamic Studies, Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia. This Journal is focused on the studies and results of researchers on Muslim societies. The life of Muslim societies can be studied through ...