Exercizing ijtihad fatwa and ifta'in Indonesia today

The author attempts to analyse the application of Islamic law or shari`ah in contemporary Indonesia through contemporary fatwa (pl. fatawa or fatwas) issued by several Muslim organizations such as Muhammadiyah, Persatuan Islam (Persis/Union of Islam), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU/the Awakening of `Ulama’) and Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI/the Indonesian Council of `Ulama’). The analysis of fatwa is oriented to both methods and products. Although a fatwa is a non- binding legal opinion, it has an important role for the Muslim community in Indonesia. While a fatwa defines what is Islamic and not, it provides identity and security for Muslims. The author argues that a fatwa is the last bastion of shari`ah in Indonesia in the midst of the minimal recognition of other forms of shari`ah by the secular government of Indonesia.