Calls to Incorporate Sharia Into International Law

Muslim scholars are arguing that Sharia, Islamic Law, should be incorporated into international laws. According to these scholars, Sharia would be an effective tool to avoid injustice and international crises. After all, it's done a fantastic job at preventing violence throughout the Middle East, a region which is a model of peace and tranquility.

Sobhy Mujahid writes in IOL:

"Some western researchers have found out that Islamic principles could be used to develop the International Law and incorporate its moral values into it," said Jaafar Abdel-Salam, the secretary general of the Islamic Universities Association. He was speaking at the International Islamic Conference, held in Cairo from April 28 till May 1 under the title of "Tolerance in Islamic Civilization".

"Islam, with its practices, is the best of international systems that could achieve peace," said Mohamed Dissouki, an International Law professor at Al-Azhar University, in the conference. ... "The International Law has recently tilted towards unequal treatment of people, as some agreements turned into valueless pieces of paper when they came against the interests of such a super power as the United States," [Dissouki] lamented. Islam, on the other hand, deeply respects vows, treaties and agreements and warns against the serious consequences of their violation, Dissouki averred.

Muslims take Sharia very seriously, but I don't see how anyone else can take it seriously as anything but a threat to justice, peace, and stability. There is no question but that there are many good practices and principles within Sharia - but the fact of the matter is it's an ancient code that reflects certain ancient values that are no longer tenable. The distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims alone is sufficient to disqualify it as a system for establishing justice and equality on an international scale.

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