UK: Mixed Keighley reaction to Sharia law debate

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Sharia is the Islamic religion’s moral code and legislation system, which addresses crime, politics, economics and personal matters, such as diet and prayer. Its primary sources are the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, and the example set by Islam’s prophet, Mohammed.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Keighley News
By Keighley News | April 25, 2013

Fears about the role of Muslim Sharia councils – raised by Keighley’s MP in Parliament this week – have received a mixed response from Muslim spokesmen in Keighley.

Kris Hopkins spoke out during Tuesday’s debate, asking for a government assurance Sharia councils would not secure legal jurisdiction in the UK.

Mujeeb Rahman, of the Keighley Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said his community was completely in favour of having one system of secular law treating all equally.

But Abid Hussain, senior vice-president of the Keighley Muslim Association, said he agreed with the Bradford Council of Mosques’ view Sharia councils should be formalised. He added British Muslims deserved the same legal protection as all other UK faiths.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Hopkins (right) said: “There are fears out there that another judicial system is emerging in this country.”

Earlier he had said equality before the law was a cornerstone of Britain’s justice system.

He added he was concerned Bradford Council for Mosques had recommended the government recognise Sharia councils and ensure they are better resourced.

Sharia is the Islamic religion’s moral code and legislation system, which addresses crime, politics, economics and personal matters, such as diet and prayer. Its primary sources are the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, and the example set by Islam’s prophet, Mohammed.

Referring to Monday’s episode of the TV documentary Panorama, Mr Hopkins claimed it was evident women were not being treated equally by some Sharia councils He said; “Unlike the far right, I do not believe Islam is evil.

“We should not underestimate the level of distrust and sometimes fear that exists. It is our responsibility to challenge the wrongdoing and allay those fears.”

Speaking during the debate, government Justice Minister, Helen Grant said Sharia law has no jurisdiction under the law of England and Wales.

“There is no parallel court system in this country, and we have no intention of changing this position,” she added.

Mr Rahman said: “As Ahmadiyya Muslims, we support secularism based on absolute justice in which everyone is equal. If you start going down the Sharia law route, you’re opening up Pandora’s Box.”

Mr Hussain said Britain’s Muslim communities have been here for more than 50 years and do not want or need to be governed by a different legal system.

But he added he saw no problem with existing Sharia councils being subject to a proper framework, which would make them more effective and transparent.



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