Resolution No.(79) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Comments Made on Children`s Rights` Bill, 2004"

Date: 17/5/1425 A.H, corresponding to 5/7/2004 A.D

The Board has reviewed the above bill and made the following comments:

Paragraph (4): "Despite what has been mentioned in any other law, each child enjoys the right to lineage, which is ascertained by the owner of the bed, confession, or evidence, including the employment of scientific methods."

The Board believes that this paragraph should be amended as follows: "Each child has the right to lineage, which is ascertained by the bed of a valid marriage contract, confession, or evidence, in line with the rules of Islamic Law."

Article (8), Paragraph (A): "Principles, conditions, and all rules pertaining to alternative care shall be determined by a law promulgated for this purpose."

The Board believes that this paragraph should be amended as follows: " Principles, conditions, and all rules pertaining to alternative care shall be determined by a law promulgated for this purpose, in line with the rules of Islamic Law."

Paragraph (W): "Guaranteeing the protection of children against factors that influence their instinct, drive them to go astray, violate social behavior and healthy life styles."

The Board believes that this paragraph should be amended as follows: "Guaranteeing the protection of children against factors that influence their instinct, drive them to go astray, violate Sharia as well as social behavior and healthy life styles"

Article (20), Paragraph (A): "Non-prosecuting a child before he/she completes ten years"

The Board recommends amending this paragraph as follows:

"Non-prosecuting a child before he/she completes puberty."

Article (25), Paragraph (A): The Board has noticed that the information given in this paragraph violate the principles of Islamic Law. For instance: " In Sharia  terms, the penalty set for sodomy is extremely severe because of the seriousness of this offence." As a result, the Board expresses its reservation over this article. And Allah Knows Best.

Iftaa` Board
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice, Izzaldeen Al-Tamimi
Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri
Dr. Abdulsalam  Al-Abbadi
Dr. Yousef Ghyzaan
Dr. Moh. Abu Yahia
Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi
Sheikh Abdulkareem Khasawneh