85 Sharia Courts operating in UK

Secular organisations express concern over the establishment of parallel religious judiciary systems

London (UK) – Currently, 85 Sharia Courts are operational in UK Media reports claim that UK is emerging as the Islamic capital of the West. These Sharia Courts have significant influence over Muslims living in UK. They primarily handle matters such as marriage, divorce, and family disputes. The National Secular Society has raised concerns about the establishment of a parallel religious judicial system that undermines the existing legal framework.

Sharia Courts began operating in UK in 1982

According to media reports, the first Sharia Court in UK was established in 1982, and their number has now reached 85. The practice of Nikah Mut’ah (temporary marriage) is also reportedly gaining traction in UK. Under this system, a temporary marriage lasts anywhere from three days to one year, which is widely regarded as a discriminatory practice against women.

One lakh marriages unregistered in UK

Sharia Courts are typically composed of committees of Islamic scholars, predominantly men. These informal institutions make decisions on religious matters, including Nikah (marriage), Talaq (divorce), and Khula (divorce initiated by a wife). It is reported that in UK, over 1,00,000 marriages have not been registered with civil authorities, having been conducted exclusively under Sharia Courts.

Grave consequences in the future – National Secular Society

The National Secular Society has warned of severe future consequences. Its Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Evans, has cautioned that Sharia Courts undermine the principle of one law for all and negatively impact the rights of women and children. Notably, the Muslim population in UK has been growing rapidly in recent years, raising additional concerns.