from Christian Concern
What does the recent advert on a government website tell us about sharia law in the United Kingdom? Public Policy Researcher Carys Moseley explores
Last month the alarm was raised about an advert for a “Sharia Law administrator” posted on the Department for Work and Pensions’ ‘Find a Job’ website.
It has since been removed and the mosque behind the advert issued a press statement. News outlets subsequently published ‘fact-checking’ articles on the advert which quoted this press statement without question.
The evidence surrounding this story suggests that it requires further investigation.
Manchester Sharia Council
The advert was put up by a charity called Manchester Community Centre, advertising a post for an administrator listing as essential requirements “A Diploma/Degree in Shariah Law; Previous working experience in Shariah Law related fields and/or Shariah Courts in Muslim countries. Familiarity with UK Law and/or Common Law”.
That person would interview individuals and families to assess their needs, inform and support ‘clients’ and provide administrative assistance for Manchester Sharia Council. This Council was set up in 2018 as part of Islamic and Family Services CIC, a company that this week received notice of compulsory strike-off. The website has a section entitled ‘Supporting the Rights of Our Community’, which says this:
“In situations where rights are abused, involving both physical and psychological abuse, and domestic life becomes unbearable, a Qadhi (Islamic Judge) can decide on separation according to Shariah. However, in non-Muslim countries, the judgment of a non-Muslim judge may not align with Islamic Shariah law. Thus, individuals often require the judgment of an Islamic Council to legally annul their marriage, allowing them to remarry and move forward in their lives.”
This looks as if the judgment of an Islamic Sharia Council is deemed to be legally binding and also required for an Islamic divorce, with UK law being deemed irrelevant for this purpose.