(Q&A)
Q1: Are you a “Sharia court”?
A: No. We are not a civil or legal court. We provide voluntary, non-binding religious guidance—similar to Jewish Beth Din and Catholic ecclesiastical bodies. Nothing we issue has any legal effect under Texas or U.S. law.
Q2: Do you issue legally binding rulings or judgments?
A: No. All of our guidance is religious, advisory, and non-binding. Civil rulings can only be issued by state courts.
Q3: What exactly is a religious divorce?
A: It is a spiritual determination that clarifies a person’s religious status within Islam, especially for those wishing to remarry according to their faith. It does not replace civil divorce and has no legal effect.
Q4: Why did you update your website language?
A: To improve clarity and avoid public misunderstanding. The update reflects no change in our work; our religious practices have always been the same.
Q5: Do you make decisions about custody or child support?
A: No. Only Texas courts can decide custody or child support. We may offer faith-based guidance, but nothing we provide affects legal rights or obligations.
Q6: Do you mediate business or financial disputes?
A: We may offer ethical religious guidance, but we do not mediate legally, issue decisions, or enforce outcomes. All financial disputes must go through civil channels.
Q7: Are your services mandatory?
A: No. All participation is completely voluntary.
Q8: Do your religious decisions affect legal status in Texas?
A: No. Our guidance affects only religious standing, not civil status.
Q9: Do you replace or compete with Texas courts?
A: Absolutely not. We complement civil processes with spiritual support only.
Q10: Do you provide legal advice?
A: No. We do not provide legal advice or representation. We encourage individuals to consult licensed attorneys for legal matters.
Q11: Who can request your services?
A: Any Muslim who voluntarily seeks faith-based guidance on personal or family matters.
Q12: Do you charge fees?
A: We request an administrative fee to cover operational costs. It is not a fee for legal services.
Q13: Do civil courts consider your religious decisions?
A: No. Civil courts do not review, enforce, or rely on religious decisions.
Q14: Must someone obtain a civil divorce before seeking a religious divorce?
A: No. But we clearly explain that a religious divorce does not substitute for a civil divorce.
Q15: Do you determine custody arrangements?
A: No. We only provide religious reflection, not legal determinations.
Q16: Can you settle disagreements between business partners?
A: We offer faith-based guidance only. We do not issue rulings or legal decisions.
Q17: Are your sessions confidential?
A: Yes. We maintain confidentiality within the limits of U.S. law.
Q18: Who are your advisors?
A: Experienced imams and scholars trained in Islamic ethics and pastoral care—not legal judges or mediators.
Q19: Is the presence of both spouses required?
A: No. Either spouse may seek religious guidance independently.
Q20: Do you enforce any outcomes?
A: No. We have no enforcement authority of any kind.
Q21: Are your religious decisions binding?
A: Yes, they are binding for religious purposes only for those who voluntarily seek Islamic guidance,and they have no legal or civil effect under Texas or U.S. law.
Q22: Does your work replace local mosque leadership?
A: No. We simply offer structured religious guidance upon request.
Q23: Why do some people seek religious divorce even after civil divorce?
A: Many individuals seek spiritual clarity to ensure their status aligns with Islamic teachings, especially before remarrying.
Q24: Does your religious opinion apply outside Texas?
A: Spiritually, yes. Legally, no. Legal matters must be handled by the courts in any state.
Q25: What protects your work under the law?
A: The First Amendment, which safeguards the free exercise of religion. We operate fully within U.S. and Texas law.
Q26: Do you work with attorneys?
A: We encourage individuals to consult attorneys for legal matters. Our work is spiritual—not legal.
Q27: How is your work similar to other faith communities?
A: Catholic, Jewish, and Orthodox communities also provide non-binding religious determinations related to marriage and family. We follow the same constitutionally protected model.
Q28: Is “Sharia” an appropriate description of what you do?
A: We provide guidance rooted in Islamic principles. However, this guidance has no civil legal effect.
Q29: How do you maintain transparency?
A: By clearly stating the limits of our work and providing written disclaimers on all documents.
Q30: Do you decide who may marry in Texas?
A: No. Texas marriage eligibility is determined solely by state law. We only determine religious eligibility within the Islamic faith.
Q31: Are your written religious decisions required for remarriage?
A: For some Muslims, yes—spiritually. Legally, no. The state has no role in religious eligibility.
Q32: What is the simplest way to describe your role?
A: We offer voluntary, non-binding religious guidance. We support people spiritually and never replace civil courts.
