Which types of shariah cases can women judges preside over?

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Women Shariah Judges Can Preside Over Non-Criminal Cases in Selangor

Women Shariah judges in Selangor are permitted to preside over non-criminal cases, also known as 'Mal' cases. This includes matters related to family property, marital disputes, and the determination of faraid (inheritance distribution). The Selangor government has clarified that no blanket restrictions have been imposed on the appointment of women to these judicial roles.
Scope of 'Mal' Cases for Women Judges

The scope of cases that women Shariah judges can handle in Selangor encompasses civil matters within the Shariah court system. These are defined as 'Mal' cases, which are distinct from criminal proceedings. Examples of such cases include those concerning family property disputes, issues arising within marriages, and the intricate process of determining inheritance shares according to Islamic law, known as faraid.
Fatwa Committee's 2006 Edict

A fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Council Committee in June 2006 outlined specific limitations regarding the appointment of women as Shariah judges. This edict stipulated that women should not be appointed to preside over cases involving hudud and qisas, which are Islamic criminal law categories. This specific exclusion does not, however, preclude their involvement in other areas of Shariah jurisprudence.
No General Restrictions on Appointments

Datuk Setia Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa, chairman of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, has stated that the state government has never imposed general restrictions on appointing women as Shariah judges. The 2006 fatwa, therefore, is understood to be a clarification of scope rather than a prohibition on women serving in judicial capacities within the Shariah court system. This position was articulated in response to remarks questioning the decisions of state fatwa councils on this matter.

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Which types of shariah cases can women judges preside over?

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