EXPLORING A HYBRID LEGAL FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY OF SHARĪʿAH COUNCILS AND NIGERIAN MUSLIM ORGANIZATIONS IN RESOLVING DISPUTES IN UNITED KINGDOM

Abstract

Abstract: Several studies have examined the application of Islamic law and customary law in various countries and contexts. Less attention is given to a hybrid legal framework with specific focus on Islamic and customary laws in addressing matrimonial disputes by considering the roles of Sharīʿah Councils and the Nigerian Muslim Organizations in United Kingdom. The primary objective of this study is to explore the views of Sharīʿah Councils and the Nigerian Muslim Organizations in United Kingdom regarding the mechanisms used to solve matrimonial disputes in the UK. The prime target that sparked by the need to facilitate mechanism for reconciliation of matrimonial dispute as the number of Muslims growth in the context of the UK. Ten (10) participants were involved in the interview. The data was collected through the interview was transcribed and themes were generated therefrom. The findings further showed that, reconciliation is found in in Islamic and customary laws as potential roles of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London in addressing matrimonial issues. Also, the participants in the interview demonstrated that, Islamic and customary laws can be judiciously utilized in solving the matrimonial disputes among Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the UK. It is therefore recommended that, the stakeholders among Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London should actively collaborate with Sharīʿah Councils in reducing matrimonial disputes.