In Islamic culture, the legal system known as “Sharia Law” guides daily life. While it claims to offer “precisely the same treatment” to all people (Britannica, 2024), reports indicate the actual application is unequal and inhumane (Health and Human Rights, 1999). This inequality is particularly observed in the treatment of women and girls, who are reported to have fewer rights and protections than men.
From my Christian perspective, I see clear injustice in how Sharia Law treats women. The Bible teaches equality for men and women, condemning injustice as seen in Proverbs 20:23: “The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.” Over two billion people are affected by such unequal justice systems (Wikipedia contributors, 2026). Despite modern progress, widespread inequality persists, which is deeply concerning.
The treatment of women under Sharia law has been documented by numerous first-hand accounts from soldiers who served in Islamic-majority countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Their reported experiences consistently describe limitations on the rights and protections of women and girls. These accounts, drawn from recent events, highlight actions that recall restrictive practices from earlier historical periods.
There are reports of serious mistreatments, including incidents in which young women are forced into an arranged marriage at a very young age to an adult man. Here is a written description explaining this legal formality: “Early marriage is legally permissible (mubah) shari’i and legal, an adult man marries a small woman (not yet menstruating)” (Rahman, 2024, p. 30). Other harsh accounts include but are not limited to a story from Northern Iraq, where a woman was chained to a pole and left outside in cold weather overnight. Although some American soldiers sought to assist her, local regulations prevented them from intervening due to potential legal repercussions.
These examples highlight how Sharia Law is rigid and routinely denies women full legal protection while favoring males and treating them as superior in this legal system. In this system, harming women can go unpunished, and authorities may obstruct investigations to favor men. Of particular concern are reports of “mercy killings,” where women are executed publicly for minor offenses, such as not preparing a preferred meal.
When confronted with these reports, it is difficult to remain indifferent. The late Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted that silence about wrongdoing is itself a form of evil. While such actions are not consistent with the values I hold, these circumstances are part of the reality in certain regions. From a Christian perspective, I believe that advocating for dignity and fairness reflects the love at the heart of the faith.
These descriptions of Sharia law and the unfair treatment of women are recognized not only by Western perspectives but also by Islamic scholars. For example, Hassan (1995) stated, “women are the targets of the most serious violations of human rights which occur in Muslim societies in general” (p. 3). He also noted, “Female children are discriminated against from the moment of birth, for it is customary in Muslim societies to regard a son as a gift, and a daughter as a trial, from God” (p. 3). Academic scholarship also acknowledges bias against women and girls. Similarly, biblical teachings emphasize the commandment to love others, second only to loving God. As Christ said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34–40, Mark 12:28–34, Luke 10:25–28).
Unfortunately, there is an attempt to normalize these legal codes here in the United States. In fact, there are reports of community-based Sharia Law enforcement efforts in places like Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis, Minnesota among other places in the US. In this setting, the local residents of Wisconsin have been politely asked to “respect” these inhumane and foreign laws, which diverge from state and federal law (Collins, 2017, May 19). How should a Christian respond? Should a Christian remain quiet, or express concerns about legal systems seen as inconsistent with biblical principles? From my perspective, Christian boldness to call out injustice wherever we see it is not a choice but a directive from the Lord. As a Christian, I view myself as an ambassador of Christ and strive to confront actions that conflict with my understanding of God’s Word.
One final note about where all women fit in, including women under Sharia Law. The place where all women fit… is to Christ! In relation to Jesus the Lord, women are not merely a footnote but hold fundamental value as exemplified by the actions of Jesus Himself. Despite the cultural norms of the first century, which often placed female voices in a second-class position to men, like present-day Sharia Law societies, Christ consistently elevated women, treating them with a level of respect and intellectual agency that was revolutionary at the time. This divine valuation reached its peak at the most critical moment in human history: the Resurrection. It was Mary Magdalene whom Jesus chose as the first witness to the empty tomb and the first person to see the risen Christ. By commissioning her to “go and tell” the brothers, Jesus effectively made a woman the most valuable person in the narrative story by entrusting her with the very first proclamation of the completed Gospel. If women were not central to God’s redemptive plan, they would have remained marginalized in the shadows; instead, they are the first heralds of the most important event in the Christian faith.
References:
Al-Haq Thobes. (2024, June 6). What is the difference between abaya and hijab? https://ca.alhaqthobes.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-abaya-and-hijab
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2024, May 24). Sharia. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/sharia
Collins, J. (2017, May 19). Minneapolis Muslims protest ‘sharia’ vigilante in Cedar-Riverside area. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/05/19/minneapolis-muslims-protest-sharia-vigilante-in-cedar-riverside-area
Hassan, R. (1995). Rights of women within Islamic countries. Canadian Woman Studies, 15(2-3), 40-44.
Health and human rights: Sharia punishment, treatment, and speaking out. (1999). BMJ: British Medical Journal, 319(7207), 445–447. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1127048/
Rahman, A. (2024). Early Marriage Law (Perspective of Islamic Law and Juridic/State Law). Sakena: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga, 9(1), 27-34.
Wikipedia contributors. (2026, January 25). Application of Sharia by country. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_of_Sharia_by_country