In a development which highlights the diversity in the United Kingdom’s legal system, a 40-year-old Muslim woman has become the first hijab-wearing judge in the country.
Raffia Arshad, a barrister, was appointed a deputy district judge on the Midlands circuit last week after 17-year career in law.
She said her promotion was great news for diversity in the world’s most respected legal system. She hopes to be an inspiration to young Muslims.
Ms Arshad, who grew up in Yorkshire, north England, has wanted to work in law since she was 11.
Ms Arshad said the judicial office was looking to promote diversity, but when they appointed her they did not know that she wore the hijab.
‘It’s definitely bigger than me,” she told Metro newspaper. "I know this is not about me.
"It’s important for all women, not just Muslim women, but it is particularly important for Muslim women."
Ms Arshad, a mother of three, has been practising private law dealing with children, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other cases involving Islamic law for the past 17 years.
She was the first in her family to go to university and has also written a leading text on Islamic family law.
Although the promotion by the Lord Chief Justice was welcome news for her, Ms Arshad said the happiness from other people sharing the news was “far greater”.
“I’ve had so many emails from people, men and women," she said.
"It’s the ones from women that stand out, saying that they wear a hijab and thought they wouldn’t even be able to become a barrister, let alone a judge."
Ms Arshad is regularly the subject of discrimination in the courtroom because of her choice to wear the hijab.
She is sometimes mistaken for a court worker or a client.
Ms Arshad said that recently she was asked by an usher whether she was a client, an interpreter, and even if she were on work experience.
“I have nothing against the usher who said that but it reflects that as a society, even for somebody who works in the courts, there is still this prejudicial view that professionals at the top end don’t look like me,” she said.
A family member once advised her to not wear a hijab at an interview for a scholarship at the Inns of Court School of Law in 2001, warning that it would affect her chances of landing the role.
“I decided that I was going to wear my headscarf because for me it’s so important to accept the person for who they are," Ms Arshad said.
"And if I had to become a different person to pursue my profession, it’s not something I wanted.”
The joint heads of St Mary’s Family Law Chambers said they were “delighted” to hear the news of her appointment.
“Raffia has led the way for Muslim women to succeed in the law and at the bar, and has worked tirelessly to promote equality and diversity in the profession,” Vickie Hodges and Judy Claxton said.
“It is an appointment richly deserved and entirely on merit, and all at St Mary’s are proud of her and wish her every success.”
Comments
U have been voted to develop ur area. Do that first. We muslims don't have any issues if your women's go to temple or not go to temple. It's ur internal matter. We don't interfere. Pls do not interfere in our matters. U have right to do whatever you want to do. We don't come there. So do good to your are in this 5 years and next time also u will get elected for your good deeds. I feel sorry for those who voted you. God bless India.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan welcome to all faith include prathap simha
If in case any muslim women tried to engter Sabarimala temple it is 100 percent her fault. As entry of women is not allowed in this temple, she should respect the rules and should not put herself in trouble. What is the need to her to enter in a restricted area. In case she believes Sabarimala as God, why is she represents as Muslim. None will stop her from follwoing Ayyappa religion as Islam or muslims will not lose anything if she ruins her present and future. As she has no respect to her own religion how can we expect her to respect other religions. she might be doing it to get publicity or she is bribed to do so.
My dear friend, none will stop entry of women of any religion in masjid, but they should pray separately. Many masjids have prayer room for women as they are not allowed to mix with males while praying. However, for your information, it is preferred to muslim women to pray in home and there is no force on them to go to masjid to pray. This is a facility provided to them and in case any woman wants to pray in masjid it is due to the nfluence and unnecesary advice of any person.
Dear ex bhakat, he is a member of kesari jihad organisation.
Yes All Women are welcome. Irrespective of Faiths.
Yes , all faiths are permitted to enter mosque .
E.g. Sheik Zayed Mosque , Abduhabi.UAE.
Please google it if am wrong.
Because u people are borries
Anyone can entre mosque. But women cannot mingle with men in mosque unlike in temples and churches. There will be separate place for men and women. Unfortunately, in India most of the mosques have no facility for women. But Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) warned men against preventing women’s entry into mosque.
What the hell you are asking sir? Are u promoting love jihad?
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