Islamic Law and International Human Rights: A Study of Gender Equality and Freedom of Religion

Abstract

This thesis looks at whether Islamic law and international human rights law can work together, especially on gender equality and freedom of religion. It explains that Sharia has its own strong legal and moral basis, but some parts of it do not fully match international human rights rules. The thesis finds that there may be room for agreement on some issues, but not on all of them. In particular, it suggests that full equality between men and women is difficult to achieve within the Sharia framework as discussed in the thesis. It also argues that the issue of apostasy is more open to interpretation and may not always conflict with international law. Overall, the thesis says that complete compatibility is unlikely, but peaceful coexistence and respect for different legal traditions may be a more realistic way forward.