Women Living Under Shariah Law – Part One – Distinct Legal Worlds?

Abstract

This article is the first in a two part series that examines the relationship between shariah law and English law and focuses upon the impact on women, particularly in relation to marriage and divorce. The article considers the context within which legal problems arise and outlines some of those problems. It then investigates how far those problems may be resolved or mitigated using existing legal mechanisms. The paper concludes by pointing out that the formal recognition of shariah law within the English legal system is not an immediate prospect, nor is it wanted by the majority of Muslims. Nonetheless, shariah law is being applied in fact to personal relationships in Britain, which is of utmost significance to Muslim women in Britain.