Muslim laws and practices must reflect justice, which is the indisputable objective of the Shari‘ah. They must also uphold equality, which is an essential part of today’s understanding of justice. Today’s Muslim family laws are human interpretations of the Shari‘ah, based on juristic theories and assumptions. Therefore, they can change in accordance with the changing realities of time and place and contemporary notions of justice.

This section provides resources and tools supporting the idea that equality and justice in the family are possible:

• Background papers on the Shari‘ah, the Qur’an, fiqh, human rights, and the lived realities of families today outline why and how equality is possible from a theoretical perspective.

• A Resource Kit on equality and justice in Muslim families provides support for family law reform from four different perspectives: religious teachings, universal human rights, domestic laws and policies, and lived realities. This Kit covers the key areas of family life that are outlined in the Musawah Framework for Action: (1) The family as a place of security, support, harmony and personal growth for all its members; (2) Equal rights upon entry into marriage; (3) Equal rights to dissolve marriage and upon its dissolution; (4) Equal rights and responsibilities with regard to financial issues; and (5) Equal rights and responsibilities of parents in matters relating to their children. It also provides ideas for how to use these arguments in your advocacy for equality and justice.

• Examples of successful reform efforts that have taken place in recent years.

• Other resources on equality and justice in the family, Islam, human rights and family law reform, including links to national and international groups advocating for equality and justice in the family and relevant articles and resources produced by other groups.