UK & Sharia Law
With the growing population of Muslims in Europe, countries have addressed the concerns of the religious community. In the United Kingdom, the government has incorporated Sharia Law into the judicial system, sparking a debate about religious courts.
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Sharia Law
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Sharia law is a set of regulations governing religious and societal issues within the Muslim community. The Qur'an states: "... then we gave you a Sharia in religion, follow it, and do not follow the lust of those who do not know..." (Sura 45:17) Sharia law dictates punishments for certain crimes, such as adultery and theft.
Sharia Law in the UK
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Sharia law has been present in the United Kingdom since 1982 with the opening of the Islamic Sharia Council in Leyton, East London. As of July 2009, a Civitas study claimed that there could be as many as 85 Sharia courts across the country. These courts resolve disputes over divorce, marriages and dowry settlements. Previously, the courts could not resolve criminal cases and certain civil disputes. Under the 1996 Arbitration Act, the rulings of Sharia courts are binding in law only if both parties agree to the rule of Sharia in the specific case.
As of September 2008, rulings through five sharia courts are backed by the United Kingdom's judicial system.
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Arguments for Sharia Law
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Different religious courts already existed in the United Kingdom before the debate on Sharia law started. The Jewish Beth Din, at Finchley in North London, also settles disputes similar to those discussed at the Sharia courts. In 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury advocated incorporating some aspects of the Muslim law into British law.
Opposition to Sharia Law
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In the United Kingdom, opponents argue that all U.K. citizens should be united under one code of law. Some argue that the Sharia rulings are outdated and skewed toward the interests of Muslim men.
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References
- Photo Credit relaxation image by haemengine from Fotolia.com
Comments
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Occupied Britain. Without a shot fired.
