08 Oct 2026
London Central Mosque Hosts Meeting with Arab Consuls on Islamic Marriage Practices in the UK
Thursday 17 September 2026
The London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC)'s Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs hosted a meeting with Arab Consuls in London on Thursday, 17 September 2026, bringing together diplomatic representatives to discuss matters relating specifically to Islamic marriage and divorce practices in the United Kingdom.
The meeting was attended by Consular representatives from the Republic of Iraq, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of the Sudan, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Morocco, United Arab Emirates, State of Libya, and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, together with the League of Arab States - London Office.
The meeting was led by the Centre's Director General, Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan, together with Dr Faid Said - Secretary General of the Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs.
Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan welcomed the Consuls to the Centre and emphasised the importance of dialogue, cooperation and the exchange of good practice between the Islamic Cultural Centre, diplomatic missions and Muslim communities.
Discussions focused on the status and administration of Islamic marriage and divorce, the importance of maintaining appropriate records and archives, and ways of strengthening communication between the ICC's Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs and relevant institutions across the Muslim world.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of good practice in relation to Islamic marriage procedures, encourage greater consistency and understanding, and bring together relevant representatives to exchange experience and consider areas for closer cooperation.
Importantly, the discussions concerned Islamic religious marriages and related religious procedures only. The meeting was not concerned with determining or advising on the legal status of marriages under UK civil law, nor was it intended to replace the requirements governing legally recognised civil marriage in the United Kingdom.
The agenda also included discussion of the Centre's archives and records, as well as opportunities to strengthen links between the Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs, Arab diplomatic missions and institutions throughout the Muslim world.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, with the aim of promoting good practice, improving awareness and ensuring that communities seeking Islamic marriage services receive clear and consistent religious guidance.
Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs contact details:
Email: commission.sharia@iccuk.org
Website: www.fatwacommission.com
