A Statement Released by Israeli šarīʿah Courts on the Appointment of the First Female in the Position of šarīʿah Judge in Israel

Abstract

The article proposes an introduction and a full translation of a Statement released by the Association of šarīʿah Courts in Israel regarding the appointment of female šarīʿah Judge Manṣūr Ḫaṭīb. The document, originally published in Arabic on the online newspaper išrāqah, proves to be relevant for several reasons. First, it provides an example of a highly strategic reference to Muslim tradition in contemporary times. Secondly, it bears witness to the image of “last fortified stronghold” that Šarīʿah courts are crafting for themselves in the framework of the relationship between the Jewish majority and the Palestinian minority in Israel. Finally, it offers a cross-sectional portrayal of the challenges faced by the Šarīʿah courts in that specific historical moment and context.