How did a mufti assist a qadi with difficult legal questions?

A mufti assists a qadi (a Muslim judge) by providing a fatwa, which is a formal legal opinion or interpretation regarding a specific point of sharia.

When a qadi encounters a difficult or problematic legal matter, they may seek guidance from a mufti, who is a qualified legal scholar with deep knowledge of the Qurʾān, Hadith, and established legal precedents. While the qadi is responsible for rendering final decisions in court, the mufti’s fatwa serves as an authoritative, advisory opinion that helps the judge navigate complex questions of law. These opinions are particularly valuable for ensuring that rulings remain grounded in scholarly interpretation and the broader framework of Islamic jurisprudence.123