Like Jews who abide by the Mosaic Law, Muslims abide by Sharia Law. Muslims use the Quran and Sunnah (Muhammad’s way of life) as codes of conduct, and when followed, this is called Sharia Law.
With headlines reading out about Sharia Law and some extremists calling for it, Sharia Law sounds somewhat scary. It has led many people to think that Sharia Law is indeed, taking over the law of the land. But people fail to recognize that it is extremely difficult to implement in the UK in the first place. People who promote this myth (like the
EDL) have a limited understanding of how British laws are produced and ratified.
The legislative process
A law starts its life as a Bill, either introduced by the government (a government sponsored Bill) or introduced by an MP in the House of Commons or a Peer in the House of Lords (a private member’s Bill.) All Bills have to pass through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It’s finally made an Act of Parliament by the Queen giving it her Royal Assent.
The Bill goes through many readings, Committee stages and reporting stages, which is analyzed, discussed and agreed upon by MP’s and others in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, before being given the Monarch’s Royal Assent.
The problems
1. The MP problem
A Bill would have to be drafted by an MP who supported the introduction of Sharia Law. This MP’s election to the House of Commons is itself predicated on being elected by voters who themselves wanted Sharia Law. As of 2010 there are 8 Muslim MPs out of a total of 650 MPs in the House of Commons, so there’s barely any chance of that happeninh, especially as there have been 0 MPs who have proposed Sharia Law as of 2010.
2. The Drafting problem
Departmental Select Committees, or Joint Committees of Lords and MPs have an early influence on drafted Bills and as of 2010, there have been none of them who have been willing to draft a Bill supporting Sharia Law.
3. The Voting problem
If the Bill got past the Drafting and First Reading process, it would need to be debated and passed on to go to the next stage. As of 2010, not one politician has proposed or voted for Sharia Law, so its unlikely it will be voted on and passed through by the majority of politicians in the House of Lords and House of Commons.
4. The Royal Assent problem
To become an Act of Parliament the Bill must be given Royal Assent. The reigning monarch would have to
agree with Sharia Law. But that’s highly unlikely of happening, especially if she’s a Christian.
Its so difficult to get Sharia Law as the Law of the UK, its practically impossible!
- Sharia Law does not apply to non-Muslims, even in Sharia Law courts
- Muslims personally abide by Sharia wherever they may be in the world, so its not merely a political force the EDL and anti-Islamic critics like to make it out to be
Further Reading:
Making Laws
Could Sharia law become UK law?