Didsbury Mosque Rebuffs Backlash Over Sharia Administrator Job Ad
The Didsbury Mosque in south Manchester has vehemently refuted what it terms “right-wing misinformation” concerning a job advertisement for a Sharia Law Administrator. The advert, posted on the government’s Find a Job website and subsequently removed, ignited controversy and accusations of promoting a “parallel legal system” contradictory to British law. Critics, including Reform UK and Conservative MPs, as well as prominent figures like Nigel Farage and MP Rupert Lowe, expressed strong disapproval, with some alleging the erosion of British values.
The mosque clarified that the position, offered by the Manchester Islamic Centre (MIC), was not government-funded but supported by community donations. They emphasized that the MIC, an independent charity, advertised the role as part of its religious services and not as a governmental initiative. The mosque stressed that the job posting was open to all applicants and fell within the bounds of UK law. They underscored that their operations adhere to legal frameworks and do not constitute a parallel legal system. Further, they emphasized that the role is purely administrative in nature and supports the work of the Manchester Sharia Council.
The Didsbury Mosque condemned the “far-right’s” alleged misrepresentation of the advert, asserting that it was intended to incite hatred and achieve political gain through exploiting public ignorance. They explained that the term “Sharia Law” is often misleading, as Sharia councils in the UK are not formal courts and lack any legal standing under British law. Instead, they offer services such as civil arbitration and religious guidance, operating within legal parameters. The mosque explained that these councils assist Muslim communities in resolving civil disputes and provide religious guidance on various matters, all within the confines of UK law.
The mosque clarified the nature of Sharia councils within the UK context, distinguishing them from formal courts and highlighting their lack of legal authority. They stressed that the councils operate within the framework of the Arbitration Act (1996), providing dispute resolution services for civil matters while respecting British law. They also noted that some mosques, including their own, are registered to perform legally valid civil marriages and offer religious marriage ceremonies as part of this process.
Refuting online accusations that the mosque intends to levy taxes on non-Muslims, they condemned such claims as inaccurate, inflammatory, and xenophobic. They categorically denied any intention or capacity to impose such taxes and emphasized their commitment to community harmony. The mosque reaffirmed that the role in question was administrative, supporting the work of the Sharia council in providing guidance and resolving disputes within the Muslim community.
The Didsbury Mosque stated that it reported the online dissemination of misinformation and threats to the police. They confirmed that the job advert has been removed and will be revised to avoid future misinterpretations. A government spokesperson corroborated that the advert was posted by an independent charity, not the DWP, and emphasized the existence of strict guidelines governing advertisements on the Find a Job portal. This statement reinforced the mosque’s assertion that the job posting was not a government initiative, but rather the action of an independent charity utilizing the government’s job portal.