Abstract

The origin of this thesis lay in the emergence of a minority group of ‘religious’ activists in London, England. The purpose of this group was to establish “Shari’a Zones” in pockets of Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets, wherein certain acts would be prohibited and Shari’a law would be enforced. This led to an examination of the theological and religious beliefs of this small and much marginalized section of the British Muslim community. What became apparent is that this group prescribed to a view of Islam, and shariah law in particular, which is incongruent with the provisions of human rights law. In complete contrast, as this thesis will explain, there are other interpretations of Shari’a law that are more complimentary to the tenets of human rights and civil liberties on which British society is based. This assertion should underscore how the principles of equality and justice are intrinsic to the Islamic faith.Having identified the above divergence in the representation of Islam by this sub-strata of British Muslims, this thesis will consider the British system within which this group and other Muslims operate. This is primarily done to get a general idea about how British Muslims are allowed and tolerated, by the system, to be as such. The conclusion reached is that these particular Muslims are not just portraying in inaccurate image of British Muslims, but they may well be practicing their religion wrongly. Thus, their conduct is counter-productive and their purpose is self-defeating.

Department

Law Department

Degree Name

MA in International Human Rights Law

Graduation Date

6-1-2013

Submission Date

February 2013

First Advisor

Beckett, Jason

Committee Member 1

Badawi, Nesrine

Committee Member 2

Skouteris, Thomas

Extent

53 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Islamic law -- Interpretation and construction -- England.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Islamic and politics.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Jason Beckett, whose attention, integrity, and skepticism pushed me to ask for more out of the topic. My endless gratefulness to my mother, my father and my sister; I am forever in your debt for all your faith, love and support. Many thanks to Maha & Nihal, for all the study session that brought us here.

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