In the UK, Muslim women seeking a divorce face unique challenges when navigating both Islamic and English legal systems. The process can be lengthy, complicated, and emotionally draining. This story reflects the experience of many Muslim women living in Western countries who want to adhere to their faith while fulfilling the legal requirements of the country they live in. This is the story of Fatima, a fictional character whose experience sheds light on the complexities of obtaining a divorce under both Sharia and civil law, and why Lawfiq was created to address these challenges.

Fatima’s Story: A Journey Through Two Legal Systems

Fatima, a 35-year-old mother of two, had been living in London for over a decade. Her marriage had become strained, and after trying everything to make it work, she made the difficult decision to seek a divorce. As a devout Muslim, Fatima knew that her first step would be to approach a Sharia Council to seek an Islamic divorce (Talaq). She believed that following Islamic principles was important for her religious and moral values, and she wanted to ensure that her divorce was recognized according to Sharia law.

She approached a local Sharia Council and began the process. It turned out to be a long and difficult journey. The council required multiple hearings, mediation attempts, and document submissions. Each meeting brought with it delays and more waiting. It took almost nine months for Fatima to finally receive a Talaq certificate, confirming the dissolution of her marriage under Islamic law.

The Next Hurdle: Civil Divorce Under English Law

With her Islamic divorce finalized, Fatima assumed that her ordeal was nearly over. However, she quickly discovered that the civil legal process was just beginning. Although her Talaq was recognized by the Sharia Council, it held no legal standing under English law. Fatima now had to go through a separate divorce process in the English family courts to dissolve her marriage legally and obtain financial settlements and child custody arrangements.

She approached a law firm specializing in family law and began the process of obtaining a civil divorce. The process was lengthy, involving extensive paperwork, court hearings, and negotiations over financial arrangements and child custody. Throughout this time, Fatima struggled to manage her work, her children, and her emotional well-being. Her two young children, already affected by the breakdown of the marriage, experienced the instability of prolonged legal disputes.

What Fatima initially thought would be a straightforward legal process ended up taking nearly two years. By the time her civil divorce was finalized, she had spent significant amounts of money on legal fees and had endured nearly three years of emotional and legal turmoil.

The Role of Lawfiq: Bridging the Gap Between Sharia and Civil Law

Fatima’s experience is not unique. Many Muslim women in Western countries face similar struggles when dealing with two separate legal systems. For Fatima, the most challenging aspect was the lack of coordination between the Islamic and English legal procedures, resulting in delays, increased costs, and emotional distress.

This is where Lawfiq comes in, offering a unique solution that combines the roles of a Sharia council and a legal services provider under one roof. We recognized the need for a platform that could handle both the Islamic and civil aspects of legal issues simultaneously, providing a comprehensive approach that is not commonly found in traditional legal services.

  1.Functioning as a Sharia Council and Legal Services Provider

Lawfiq fulfills the traditional role of a Sharia council by offering religious guidance and issuing Islamic rulings (fatwas) on matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. At the same time, we go further by providing civil legal services through qualified lawyers, barristers, and solicitors who are also experts in English law. This dual capability allows clients to receive all-encompassing support without having to consult separate advisors for Islamic and civil matters.

  2.Qualified Team of Experts

Our team is composed of experienced Islamic scholars, qualified in Fiqh and Sharia, as well as barristers and solicitors who are fully versed in English legal practices. This combination ensures that all legal matters are handled with the utmost respect for Islamic principles while being compliant with English legal standards. Lawfiq is uniquely positioned to manage both Talaq (Islamic divorce) and civil divorce processes in parallel, ensuring that our clients do not face the same delays and complications that Fatima experienced.

  3.Integrated Services for Streamlined Solutions

By offering both Islamic and civil legal services under one roof, Lawfiq simplifies the process for Muslims who want their legal matters handled in a way that respects their faith and meets the legal requirements of the UK. Our integrated approach allows us to coordinate Islamic divorce and civil divorce procedures simultaneously, helping clients avoid the time-consuming and costly path that Fatima had to endure.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Solution for Muslims in Western Countries

The experience of Fatima and many others highlights the need for an integrated legal platform that combines the roles of a Sharia council and legal services provider. Lawfiq was created to fill this gap, offering a unique and comprehensive solution that saves time, reduces costs, and provides peace of mind by addressing both religious and civil legal requirements.

For Muslims living in the UK and other Western countries, Lawfiq is more than just a legal service—it’s a bridge between Islamic law and the law of the land, ensuring that your legal matters are resolved in a way that honors both your faith and your rights.