A fatwa is a legal opinion or ruling made by a Muslim religious scholar but it is often associated with pronouncements of death or other forms of punishment. Synonyms for the word fatwa include edict, decree, ruling, proclamation, declaration, verdict, commandment, directive, and judgment. Though each word carries slightly different connotations, they all signify a legal pronouncement or opinion made by an authority figure. It is important to note that some Western media outlets have sensationalized the term "fatwa" to the extent that it has become synonymous with violence and extremism. However, this misrepresents the true meaning of the word and overlooks its important role in Islamic law and culture.