Archbishop’s views are a sign of vibrant democracy

DUBAI — British residents in the UAE consider the Archbishop of Canterbury’s controversial remarks on the introduction of aspects of Shariah in the British legal system as a subject for discussion in a democratic society. They, however, maintained that the law of the land was supreme.

By Afkar Abdullah And Preeti Kannan (Our staff reporters)

Published: Wed 13 Feb 2008, 9:03 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 5:37 PM

John Akhtar, a British management consultant in Dubai, noted that it was rather commendable for Archbishop Rowan Williams to have expressed his view openly. “It is commendable of him to have the courage to make statements of this nature. Islam is taboo in the West. What the archbishop is saying is we should look at a process of arbitration and he was only creating a point for discussion. However, the law of the land is final and it is not possible to have two separate laws in any land. The law covers the whole society instead of different elements of community in it.”

Akhtar remarked that the challenge was to do with one’s belief as beliefs were deep and entrenched. “The law cannot be for minority and Muslims are in minority,” he pointed out.

David Khalid, a Dubai-based real estate agent and pilot, noted that a two-tier law was impossible in a country. “The archbishop’s views are a sign of a vibrant democracy in the UK. But expats here abide by the law of the country and don’t expect to be treated as a special case. Besides, there are so many ethnic communities in the UK and where does one stop.”

David May, from the British Business Group in Dubai, observed that issues concerning divorce, marriage or settlement could be done in accordance with the religion. “Something related to religion, marriage and settlement has to be settled in accordance with the religion. That is, however, already taking place in the UK. A Shariah basis could be allowed within the country’s existing system. One has to abide by the law of the countries they live in.”

Dr Adil Al Marzouqi, Islamic scholar in Dubai Islamic Affairs Department, said the Shariah was for all mankind. “It has been based on Holy Quran and Sunnah, the sayings and teachings of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him.)”

The archbishop’s comments are based on his knowledge of Shariah law, because he knows that Shariah is suitable for serving humanity and protecting the right of citizens as well as Muslim minorities.

He added that parallel legal systems existed in many countries and Britain could adopt the Shariah law. “They can establish Shariah law to deal with families and domestic issues such as marriage and divorce as well as crimes such as thefts, rape and assault, as Shariah penalties could contribute in eliminating these crimes,” he said.

Al Haj Al Rafah, Imam of Khan Sahib Mosque said that Shariah law was dedicated to serve humanity and regulated man’s life based on Islamic principles. “It deals with many aspects and issues of daily life, including politics, economics, banking, business, contracts, family, and social issues. Archbishop Williams realised Shariah is the only way to solve many complicated issues of various aspects in Britain,” he said.