TWMCC Holds Ramadan Lecture on the Role of Islamic Law in the Development of International Law and Dispute Resolution
- 2026-Mar-23
The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) organised a virtual lecture titled 'Islamic Law and International Law: Integrated Comparisons for Dispute Resolution'. The lecture was delivered by Emilia Justyna Powell, Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame, USA
Dr Powell affirmed that many people mistakenly believe Islamic legal principles conflict with international law, a perception she described as inaccurate.
She emphasised that there are numerous points of commonality between Islamic law and international legal frameworks. Powell explained that the foundational idea in Islamic legal heritage is that God is the source of legislation, and that similarities between Islamic and international legal systems are both substantial and, in many respects, greater than their differences
She added that Islamic law respects the principles of the legal order and the independence of the judiciary, which are also upheld in international law. Dr Powell further highlighted that Islamic legal tradition incorporates the role of a neutral intermediary in resolving disputes, where a third party assists disputing parties in reaching reconciliation
In concluding the lecture, Emilia Justyna Powell reiterated that Muslim-majority states view international law positively, dismissing any notion of a gap between Islamic legal systems and international legal norms. She stressed that Islamic legal principles have significantly contributed to the development of international law.
