Irving Islamic Center denies accusations of hosting a Shariah Court

The Islamic Center of Irving issued the following statement regarding  accusations they are facilitating  a”Shariah Court”:

“Over the past few days, some media speculation has led members of the local community to wonder if the Islamic Center of Irving is facilitating “Shariah Courts” at our Mosque. The management of the Islamic Center of Irving categorically declares that no such court operates on the center’s premises.

However, there is an Islamic Tribunal that operates in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to address a genuine need within our faith community for intra-community arbitration. The religious leader of our center, Dr. Zia Sheikh, in his individual capacity participates in the Islamic Tribunal as an arbitrator. Similar religious tribunals have existed for decades in the American Jewish and American Christian faith communities to resolve disputes, most especially within families.

These religious tribunals are optional arbitration vehicles that only conduct their work when requested to do so by both parties involved in a dispute, do not attempt to impose any belief system upon any individual and work in compliance with State of Texas and US law under the United States Constitution.

The Islamic Center of Irving has been engaged with the local Irving community since 1989, participating in many community and civic projects. We strive to continue to provide similar services to the greater Irving population, with a view to maintaining the strong interfaith ties that bind us all as a community.”