Useful reference point on Islam and UK law

This volume forms part of an established European series, providing a timely and accessible resource for practitioners seeking clarity on the legal position of Islam and Muslims in the UK. It is not a conventional law textbook, or a simple compendium of reported cases. Rather, it brings together key statutes, case law and related legal documents, carefully annotated to explain their context and significance. 

One of the book’s principal strengths is that it captures and comments on the most up-to-date case law and legislative developments, making it a useful reference point for lawyers working in public law, discrimination, human rights or regulatory contexts. The materials are organised thematically, with coverage of issues such as charity law, the regulation of mosques, education, family law, religious dress, burial practices, discrimination, extremism and human rights.

The book’s commentary is measured and informative. It succeeds in offering an unbiased account of Muslim ways of life while examining where Islamic practices may sit comfortably within, or come into tension with, UK law. The book does not seek to justify practices or denounce them. Particularly valuable is the historical introduction to Islamic concepts and ideologies. These help readers unfamiliar with the background to better understand the legal issues that follow.  

Written in a clear and readable style, the book avoids unnecessary complexity without sacrificing accuracy. Its stated aim of helping readers to understand ‘the legal status and accommodation of Islamic practices within the British legal system’ is convincingly achieved. 

Naureen Shariff is a partner at Blackfords LLP