HYDERABAD: Despite the existence of Sharia Adalat, Islamic courts meant to resolve civil disputes in accordance with the provisions of Muslim Personal Law, many Muslims prefer to approach regular courts for justice. The reason for this is that court orders are legally binding as opposed to the verdict, or advice, dispensed by the Shariat Adalat, which cannot be enforced. Abid Rasool Khan, the former chairman of the Telangana state minorities commission, says that people do not have confidence in the system despite Sharia courts having proven to be effective and time-saving in the resolution of minor disputes such as matrimonial discords and family matters. “When it comes to property issues or other money matters, people prefer to approach regular courts as their verdicts can be enforced,” he says.
Mr Khan says that there is not much awareness about the work done by Sharia courts; their verdicts are not recognised by administrative and legal authorities, as a result of which there is no guarantee of their being adhered to. Mohammed Mustaq Malik, convener of the Sharia Faisla Board, says that there has been an increase in the number of people approaching them for the resolution of issues because the filing of a case in a regular court is usually a time-consuming process. “We deliver our verdicts based on Islamic law and the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. People are satisfied with our advice as we give references in support of it,” he says.
The board has regional and zonal panels. Each zone covers an area comprising of ten masjids; the problems that arise within a zone are handled by the local mufti. Mr Malik clarified that the Sharia Adalat’s verdicts are not binding. “As arbitrators, we tell people what is right and what is wrong as per Islamic law. It is up to them to follow our advice, we cannot force it on anybody,” he says. Mufti Mohammed Mastan Ali of the Jamiatul-Mominath seminary at Moghalpura conducts a Sharia Adalat at his academy on Tuesdays.
“The numbers are encouraging. At least five to six persons approach us every week seeking our help for resolution of their disputes. People feel that our advice is more effective owing to religious endorsement,” he says. Two women muftis are also part of the panel that hears grievances and issues advice. “The verdict is issued by our panel. It is up to the person who approaches us whether to follow it or not,” says mufti Mastan Ali.
