A local council of scholars, accountable to its community

The Islamic Shariah Council of Doncaster brings together qualified scholars to provide guidance, conduct marriages and resolve family matters in accordance with Islamic law.

دَوْرُنَا

Our role

What the Council does

The Council is a religious body. It exists to help Muslims in Doncaster live their faith with confidence: answering questions, conducting Nikah, calculating inheritance, and, when a marriage cannot be saved, bringing it to an end in a manner that is fair, orderly and recognised by the community.

Our scholars sit as a panel. Matters are discussed in consultation, decisions are recorded in writing with reasons, and certificates are issued under the Council’s seal. Where an expert Islamic opinion is needed by a solicitor, a school, a hospital or a public body, the Council prepares written reports.

What the Council does not do

It is not a court and does not claim any jurisdiction over civil law.
It does not issue a civil divorce, nor does an Islamic divorce end a civil marriage.
It does not offer a guaranteed outcome or a fast-track service.
It does not handle criminal matters, child protection cases or financial claims, which are referred to the proper authorities.

Our history

How the Council came to be

Origins
Local Imams and community elders in Doncaster increasingly found themselves approached with marital disputes, inheritance questions and requests for religious rulings that needed a structured, accountable response.
Formation
The Council was formed to bring those scholars together under one body with written procedures, so that families could rely on a consistent and transparent process rather than ad hoc advice.
Today
From its offices at 23 St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster DN1 1RH, the Council serves Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire region, conducting marriages, resolving disputes and publishing its scholarly positions.

مَبَادِئُنَا

Guiding values

The principles we work by

Fidelity to the sources

Every ruling is grounded in the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the recognised schools of jurisprudence.

Justice for both parties

Each side is heard. No certificate or ruling is issued without a fair opportunity to respond.

Confidentiality

Files are seen only by the Council’s scholars and staff, and safeguarding concerns are acted upon.

Respect for the law of the land

We work alongside, never in place of, the courts of England and Wales.

عُلَمَاؤُنَا

Our panel

Scholars of the Council

The Council’s panel is made up of scholars trained in the classical Islamic sciences, with experience of the recognised schools of jurisprudence and of the particular circumstances of Muslims living in Britain. They are supported by administrative staff and, where needed, by legal and welfare professionals.

Profiles of the Chair and members of the panel are published on this page as they are confirmed, so that anyone relying on the Council’s certificates can verify who stands behind them.

Contact the Council