This article examines the place of “shari‘a law” in Australian society, where Muslims are a minority. It begins by considering a paradox: some aspects of shari‘a are viewed positively, ...
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This article examines the place of “shari‘a law” in Australian society, where Muslims are a minority. It begins by considering a paradox: some aspects of shari‘a are viewed positively, particularly those that have potential financial or economic benefits for Australia, but its other aspects, such as the recognition of Islamic family law, are either ignored or outright rejected as incompatible with the Australian context. It then provides a historical perspective and overview of the development of the discourse on Islam and shari‘a in the Muslim minority context of Australia, along with the emergence of Muslim communities in the country. It explores some key areas of shari‘a in Australia, including family law, Islamic finance, Islamic dress codes, and shari‘a courts. Finally, it discusses some of the key arguments and debates surrounding the practice of shari‘a in Australia.
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