Islamic & Sharia Law

Islamic law (Sharia) is derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing religious and personal conduct for Muslims. UK law is the secular legal system governing all residents of England and Wales. While Islamic law guides personal religious obligations, UK law takes precedence in civil and criminal matters. Our solicitors help Muslims navigate situations where both systems apply, ensuring religious compliance while meeting UK legal requirements.

Islamic law cannot be directly enforced in UK courts, but Islamic principles can be incorporated through private arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996. Religious tribunals like the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal can make binding decisions if both parties agree to arbitration. UK courts will enforce these decisions provided they don't conflict with UK criminal law, public policy, or human rights. Family law matters must always prioritise children's welfare.

Yes, Islamic law matters often involve complex religious principles that intersect with UK law. A solicitor with Islamic law expertise can ensure your solutions comply with both religious obligations and UK legal requirements. They understand cultural sensitivities, can work with Islamic scholars when needed, and know how to structure arrangements that honour your faith while providing legal protection. This dual expertise is essential for achieving satisfactory outcomes.

Islamic law solicitor fees vary depending on the complexity of your matter. Simple Islamic wills typically cost £200-£500, while complex inheritance planning may cost £500-£1,500. Sharia-compliant finance advice ranges from £300-£800, and family law matters from £200-£3,000. Many solicitors offer fixed fees for standard services and free initial consultations. The investment ensures both religious compliance and legal protection for your important life decisions.

Islamic law solicitors help with Islamic wills and Faraid inheritance planning, Sharia-compliant finance and mortgages, Islamic family law including marriage contracts and divorce, halal business structuring, religious tribunal representation, and Islamic charity (Waqf) arrangements. They ensure all solutions comply with both Islamic principles and UK legal requirements, providing the dual expertise needed for complex religious-legal matters.

Islamic marriages (Nikah) alone are not recognised in UK law. You must also register your marriage civilly to gain legal rights and protections. Many couples have both religious and civil ceremonies, which can be on the same day or separately. Without civil registration, spouses have no legal rights on divorce or death, cannot claim benefits as married couples, and children may be considered illegitimate for some legal purposes.

Islamic wills in the UK must follow both Sharia inheritance law (Faraid) and UK legal requirements. Two-thirds of your estate must be distributed according to fixed Quranic shares to your heirs, while one-third can be freely bequeathed to charity or non-heirs (Wasiyyah). The will must be properly witnessed under UK law to be valid. Our solicitors ensure your Islamic will complies with both systems while maximising tax efficiency.

Sharia-compliant finance avoids interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and prohibited industries. Instead of interest-based loans, Islamic finance uses profit-sharing partnerships (Musharaka), leasing arrangements (Ijara), or cost-plus sales (Murabaha). For property, Islamic mortgages involve the bank purchasing the property and selling it to you at cost plus profit, or leasing it with option to buy. All transactions must be backed by real assets.

Yes, several UK providers offer Islamic mortgages including Al Rayan Bank, Gatehouse Bank, and Islamic windows at major banks like HSBC Amanah. These use structures like Murabaha (cost-plus sale), Ijara (lease-to-own), or Diminishing Musharaka (partnership). While more expensive than conventional mortgages, they avoid interest and comply with Islamic principles. Our solicitors help review terms and ensure Sharia compliance.

Islamic divorce (Talaq, Khula, or Mubarat) is a religious process that doesn't affect UK legal marriage status. You need both religious divorce to be free to remarry Islamically and UK legal divorce for financial settlements and legal freedom to remarry. Islamic divorce may involve Mahr (dower) payments and follows specific religious procedures. Our solicitors coordinate both processes to ensure complete resolution of your marriage in religious and legal terms.