'The Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa came into existence as an independent and autonomous institution under Section 5 (a) of Act No. 2016/06 (The 2nd Amendment to Act No. 94/6: Religious Unity Protection Act of Maldivian Citizens), upon the commencement of this Act. Accordingly, in order to provide the government and the Maldivian citizens with necessary religious rulings (fatwas) on matters involving religious differences of opinion, to conduct research on contemporary jurisprudential (fiqh) issues, and to offer religious counsel and guidance on such matters, a council named the "Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa" was established on Monday, 25th April 2016. This council is a separate institution operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.