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British archbishop under fire after advocating introduction of aspects of Sharia
The archbishop of Canterbury has called for a limited application of the Sharia law in Britain, saying making such a move seemed "unavoidable". Muslim groups welcome suggestion but government rules out adopting Islamic principles.
- Reuters
- Published: 10:39 February 8, 2008
- Archbishop Rowan William's proposal for limited application of the Sharia law in Britain, if adopted, would allow British Muslims to resolve marital and financial disputes under the Islamic law rather than through British courts.
- Image Credit: AP
London: A British government minister accused Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams of concocting "a recipe for disaster" for suggesting the introduction in Britain of some aspects of Sharia was unavoidable.
Britain's main political parties distanced themselves from Thursday's comments on Islamic law by Williams, the spiritual leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans, who is already battling divisions within his church over gay priests.
"You cannot run two systems of law alongside each other. That would be a recipe for chaos," said Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, joining a chorus of condemnation for Williams.
Nick Clegg, leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats, said: "On this I think he is wrong" while former Interior Minister David Blunkett said formalising Islamic law "would be catastrophic in terms of social cohesion".
The Sun, Britain's leading tabloid, said yesterday: "It's easy to dismiss Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams as a silly old goat. In fact he's a dangerous threat to our nation."
The issue of integrating Britain's 1.8 million Muslims has been widely debated since July 2005, when four British Islamists carried out suicide bombings on London's transport system, killing 52 people.
Call for accommodation
Those attacks prompted questioning of a long-standing policy of avoiding a single British identity and promoting a multicultural society, which some argue has led to segregation of ethnic minorities.
Speaking to the BBC, Williams said other religions enjoyed tolerance of their laws in Britain and called for a "constructive accommodation" with Muslim practice in areas such as marital disputes.
Asked if the adoption of some aspects of Sharia was necessary for community cohesion, he said: "It seems unavoidable."
His unexpected comments were welcomed by some Muslim groups, but the government said it was out of the question that the principles of Sharia could be used in British civil courts.
"The prime minister is clear that in Britain, British laws based on British values will apply," a spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.
Sharia, the body of Islamic religious law based on the Quran, covers issues including worship, commercial dealings, marriage and penal laws.
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, called Williams' intervention "muddled and unhelpful".
"Raising this idea will give fuel to anti-Muslim extremism," he added.
And Labour parliamentarian Khalid Mahmoud had no doubt about where he stood: "I, along with the vast majority of UK Muslims, oppose any such move to introduce Sharia here. British law is the envy of the world."
Have your say
Do you agree that the Sharia law, or parts of it, should be applied in Britain? If it is adopted, how do you think it would impact your life?
Your comments
This step will bring awareness and familiarisation about Islam, and bring religious harmony to the multicultural society of the UK.
Akmal
Gujrat,Pakistan
Posted: February 09, 2008, 12:27
The majority of non-Muslims think that Sharia law deals only with punishments and crimes. The Archbishop's comments should be welcomed on the basis that Sharia has many humanly and practical rules which all society can be benefited from.
Abdul
Jebel Ali,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 11:32
Any aspect of Sharia law which the British think is good for their society should be adopted. Sharia laws should not be ignored just because they are Islamic. Good aspects needs to be taken and adopted by not only Britain but all countries. There should be a committee set up to study the aspects of Sharia. People or politicians should not comment on Sharia laws if they haven?t read them.
Mask
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 11:25
As an indigenous Briton, albeit one living overseas, I find the notion of any aspect of Sharia law being introduced into Britain as being totally unacceptable.
Peter
Melbourne,Australia
Posted: February 09, 2008, 10:15
The Archbishop is an educated person who respects different faiths and their beliefs. He has not committed any crime if he has expressed his opinion.
Bogra
New York,USA
Posted: February 09, 2008, 09:15
Archbishop Rowan should be commended for his courage to speak out.
LA
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 08:47
Implementing Sharia law in Britain could be a difficult job for the government.
I want to ask those who say it is an escape or say that having two systems alongside in not possible. Countries have anti terrorism laws for other countries and individuals of other countries, running parallel to laws that are applicable to countries themselves and their nationals. When such destructive laws exist and are acceptable to all, why a law that will support a nation or a community is questioned like this?
Karim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 08:40
It seems only fair that people living in the UK should abide by the rules and customs of the UK. This is a choice that must be made before moving into a new culture.
Daniel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 08:25
Different laws for different races or religions will create a divided country.
Ravs
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 09, 2008, 08:17
This step is a great one towards the freedom of expression, religion and speech along with a bridge that would dissolve the gap between the two societies.
Hassan
Hartford,USA
Posted: February 09, 2008, 00:00
The archbishop is right in pushing for the limited application of Sharia Law. There is nothing dangerous in applying marital and financial rules on the Muslim community. It is only going to be an extension of the existing law in UK.
Ahsan
Birmingham,UK
Posted: February 08, 2008, 19:51
Like the saying goes, "When in Rome you do as the Romans do." So I say a firm no to the Sharia Law.
Margaret
Burnaby,Canada
Posted: February 08, 2008, 19:01
Can't figure out, if UK can be the centre of Islamic finace, why not other Islamic rules?
Jamal Khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2008, 18:58
There should be only one law in a country that counts for all and should be respected by all. If we create different laws for different cultures and religions, this will lead us to chaos.
Gerhard
Berlin,Germany
Posted: February 08, 2008, 17:49
Ridiculous! Can we expect different laws for people in this part of the world?
Chartier
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2008, 17:45
The archbishop has been rightly slapped down by politicians. The UK sticks to the rule of Law, meaning everyone obeys the same laws.
Ian
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2008, 13:40
As one Muslim said on TV, the Sharia law is just an escape route for many who do not get proper justice or are not satisfied with the rigid British law.
Firozaliali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 08, 2008, 12:03
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