10 - Shariah Law

• Shariah Law - Muslim law based upon the Qur'an
• Shariah Law -

  • Shariah means 'straight path'. Most Muslim countries have a mix of Shariah Law as well as national laws
  • Shariah law gives rules to live by, and punishments if they are broken
  • Examples include no alcohol, no borrowing money at interest
  • Many Shariah Law punishments are public and designed to deter
  • There are Shariah Law courts in the UK but judgements made by the courts aren't recognised by UK law, so amputation and beatings are not allowed
• Shariah Law in Wales

  • There is no Shariah court in Wales, however, there is a Shariah Council, which gives advice to Muslims on how to apply Shariah Law
  • Shariah Law is usually followed by Muslims in Wales for commonplace practices and problems such as marriage
  • Welsh Muslims believe it isn't appropriate for Wales to adopt Shariah law as it is guidance for Muslims only