Doha:Qatar is leading a global effort to establish an Islamic framework for family mediation, aiming to integrate Islamic jurisprudence with legal principles and professional standards to resolve family disputes and enhance social stability.
According to Qatar News Agency, the initiative centers on the proposed Islamic Charter for Family Mediation, which will be a focal point at an international conference hosted by Qatar University on November 23. The event is organized by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies and the College of Law, in collaboration with the Supreme Judiciary Council and the Ministry of Social Development and Family.
The initiative seeks to formalize family mediation as a structured process, moving away from reliance on individual expertise. The proposed charter will establish clear principles and standards for mediators, aiming to enhance public confidence in mediation services while respecting the cultural and social values of Muslim communities.
Collaboration between Qatar University, the Supreme Judiciary Council, and the Ministry of Social Development and Family illustrates the importance of combining academic research with judicial expertise and social support. The conference also aims to foster international dialogue among scholars and practitioners, exchanging best practices in family mediation and reconciliation.
Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al Ansari, Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University, highlighted the urgency of strengthening mediation and reconciliation mechanisms, especially given rising pressures on families and increasing divorce rates. The charter seeks to provide a unified Islamic framework for family mediation, addressing disparities in legal recognition and regulation among Muslim countries.
Furthermore, Dr. Mahmoud Abdulaziz Abu Al Maati of Lusail University emphasized the charter’s potential to translate family reconciliation principles into a defined institutional framework. He noted the importance of legal safeguards, mediator neutrality, and the protection of children’s rights within the mediation process.
The International Conference on the Islamic Charter for Family Mediation represents a significant step towards advancing family mediation practices, with a focus on legislative frameworks, mediator training, and coordination among relevant institutions to enhance family stability and social cohesion.