Islam and English law

By Robin Griffith-Jones

Book Description

When former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams suggested that some form of accommodation between British law and Islamic shari'a law was unavoidable, his words ignited fierce public debate across the United Kingdom. This scholarly collection emerges from that pivotal moment, bringing together the voices that shaped the crucial conversations that followed.

Drawing from public discussions held at London's Royal Courts of Justice and Temple Church, this comprehensive examination presents twenty specialists who navigate the complex intersection where religious tradition meets secular governance. Legal scholars, theologians, and sociologists contribute their expertise to explore how diverse faith communities can coexist within established legal frameworks while honoring both individual rights and collective responsibilities.

The contributors examine fundamental questions about religious accommodation in modern society, analyzing the evolution of English legal principles alongside Islamic jurisprudence and the European Convention on Human Rights. Their discussions span critical areas including family law, freedom of expression, and the broader implications of religious diversity in contemporary Britain.

Rather than offering simple solutions, this collection advocates for thoughtful dialogue that looks beyond the initial controversy toward constructive pathways forward. The authors seek to understand how pluralistic societies can respect religious convictions while maintaining unified legal systems that serve all citizens equally.

For readers interested in how spiritual communities navigate secular institutions, this work provides essential insights into one of the most significant religious and legal discussions of our time.