This entry examines the debate over Islamic law in Canada and also introduces Irshad Manji, a controversial Islamic feminist.
The debate over the use of Sharīʿa (Islamic law) tribunals to settle disputes between Muslims in Canada has divided the Muslim community. Proponents of the Sharīʿa courts stress the importance of Islamic arbitration in cases concerning family law, although the courts can be used to solve any civil disputes. In Ontario, some Muslims have been using Islamic arbitration since 1991, when the On…