Website updated for clarity only. Our religious, non-binding services remain exactly the same.

To avoid any misunderstanding, the following principles outline the internal guidelines that govern the Islamic Tribunal’s faith-based religious guidance. This is not a legal constitution and does not grant judicial authority or any form of legal power.

Article 1 – Purpose

The Islamic Tribunal (IT) is a faith-based religious guidance body that provides voluntary, non-binding spiritual support to individuals who request it.

  • IT does not act as a court of law.
  • IT does not issue legal judgments, enforceable decisions, or civil determinations of any kind.
  • All activities are conducted in full compliance with U.S. federal and Texas state law.

Article 2 – Basis of Religious Guidance

The IT offers religious guidance inspired by:

  • the Qur’an
  • the Sunnah
  • classical Islamic scholarship

without strict adherence to any single school of thought.

All guidance is spiritual, advisory, and non-binding in civil law.

Article 3 – Religious Advisors

Individuals who serve as religious advisors must have appropriate Islamic educational backgrounds recognized by the Board.

They:

  • do not function as judges
  • do not issue legal, binding, or enforceable civil decisions

Any religious decision is:

  • for religious purposes only
  • non-binding in Texas or any other state court

Article 4 – Applicant Procedures

Individuals seeking faith-based guidance must:

  • follow IT administrative procedures
  • provide written summaries of the matters they wish to discuss

Participation is completely voluntary.

Article 5 – Participation and Fairness

If one party is unavailable, the IT may:

  • postpone a meeting
  • suggest alternative arrangements

The IT does not apply Texas rules of civil procedure and does not act as a legal authority.

Article 6 – Guidance Process

a. Upon acceptance of a request, the IT may assign a religious advisor.
b. Meetings follow internal administrative guidelines.
c. A team of advisors may collaborate to offer non-binding spiritual guidance.
d. Notes may be taken for internal administrative purposes only and may be retained for a limited period as determined by internal policy.

Article 7 – Administrative Compensation

The administration of the Islamic Tribunal may authorize limited stipends or reimbursements for administrative or advisory services.

These payments:

  • are not salaries in a judicial sense
  • are unrelated to any legal or judicial function
  • do not transform the Tribunal into a legal or arbitration body

Article 8 – Nature of Recommendations

a. All guidance offered by the IT is strictly non-binding religious advice.
b. Recommendations carry no legal authority and are not submitted for legal authentication or enforcement.

Article 9 – External Recourse

Participants remain fully free to:

  • consult civil courts
  • consult licensed attorneys
  • seek support from counselors or any appropriate authority

at any time, before, during, or after interacting with the Tribunal.

Article 10 – Founders

The founders of the Islamic Tribunal are recognized for their contributions to religious education and community service:

  • Imam Yusuf Ziya Kavakci, Ph.D.
  • Imam Moujahed Bakhach
  • Imam Zia Sheikh, Ph.D.
  • Dr. Taher Elbadawi