Muslim Integration in the UK

Sharia law: whose interest?

Muslim activists say the status of women in Islam causes no problem, however the debate on Sharia law regarding women’s unfair position is still ongoing.

After wide discussion in the press and in government circles the Sharia court has not been accepted as part of the legal framework in Britain. All arbitration councils have some court of jurisdiction but it is a voluntary capacity, it is not part of the law.

Ajmal Masroor, spokesperson for the Islamic Society of Britain said that everyone in Britain could benefit from implementing Sharia Law.

[Ajmal Masroor on Sharia Law]

Meanwhile, many believe that the Sharia Court is disgraceful because of the feminine inequality stated there.

Roni Miah, member of the committee of the ex-Muslim Council of Britain  said, “The evidence provided by women in Sharia law counts as a half of the evidence provided by men.  For example, if a rape case occurs and the word of a man is against the word of a woman then the court has to accept the man’s story. There are many other humiliating factors such as when children go to their fathers after a divorce or the fact that a woman cannot get divorce at all, only if she proves that something is wrong with the husband.

Headscarfs are not for the security of women, but men

Mr  Miah also had strong views on the idea of the hijab. He said that the reason for the headscarf is not to protect the woman from being raped. For example, in Saudi Arabia it has not stopped or decreased the level of rapes. The reason is that that if the woman is walking down the street, a man can’t look at her because he might look at her in a sexual way which is considered a sin.

“By covering themselves up women are basically saying that they are not sexual objects, but at the same time it can emphasise that they are sexual objects and nothing more,” he added.

The public’s response is more negative when it comes to women wearing burkas, which cover everything apart from their eyes.

Ziyoda Mansoory says her that nobody ever forced her to wear headscarf, it was a personal choice; it is important part of her faith and she feels confident in it.

The Imam at the Bournemouth Mosque and Muslim Centre, Yassin Majid said it is a very common misconception, as nor the Quran nor Sharia law does not command women to cover everything, only their head. Wearing the burka is a tradition and it is only supported by the man-made books of Hadiths and Sunna.