ARCHBISHOP SUPPORTS SHARI’AH

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams expressed support for the adoption of some Shari’ah aspects in Britain. The spiritual leader of the world’s Anglicans believes adopting parts of Shari’ah has become a necessity that could help social cohesion in Britain. The Archbishop suggested that Shari’ah should be introduced as an officially sanctioned legal alternative when it comes to issues concerning Muslims such as marriage and financial matters. Under English law, people may devise their own way to settle a dispute in front of an agreed third party as long as both sides agree to the process. Shari’ah courts and the Jewish Beth Din, which already exist in the UK, come into this category. The country’s main Beth Din at Finchley in North London oversees a wide range of cases including divorce settlements, contractual rows between traders and tenancy disputes. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s call was met with quick opposition from the government and the opposition. Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s spokesman said British law must be based on British values.