Dr. Ehab Talaat Abdelkhaleq
Message from the Head of the Department
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Who taught by the pen, created humankind from nothing, and taught humanity what it did not know. May peace and blessings be upon the noblest of creation and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
It gives me great pleasure to present this introductory message about the Department of Personal Status and Family Law, which stands as one of the fundamental pillars and core components of the academic and legislative structure of the College of Sharia and Law at the Islamic University of Minnesota.
This importance stems from the department’s close connection between Sharia principles and legislative frameworks, and from the subjects it addresses that touch the very essence of human life and regulate the most significant social bonds, in light of the noble Islamic Sharia and modern national legislation. These subjects include matters that deeply affect individuals and society, such as rulings on marriage, divorce, alimony, custody, inheritance, wills, and other family affairs.
The significance of the Department of Personal Status and Family Law lies in its reflection of the deep relationship between Islamic jurisprudence and positive law, through the study of Sharia rules, the analysis of legal texts derived from the sources of Islamic legislation, and the clarification of how these rulings are codified within modern legal systems. This is achieved by linking them to contemporary legal texts, demonstrating how Sharia rulings throughout history have formed an integrated system for regulating family affairs—particularly in the areas of marriage, divorce, alimony, custody, inheritance, and wills—thus achieving a balance between rights and duties, and preserving the integrity of the family and society.
This integration between jurisprudence and law grants students a profound understanding and qualifies them to deal competently with family cases across diverse social and legal contexts.
The Department of Personal Status and Family Law places great emphasis on preparing and qualifying students both academically and professionally, enabling them to understand, analyze, and apply Sharia and legal rulings in the field of personal status, and to provide sound opinions on emerging contemporary issues, with a disciplined academic spirit inspired by the objectives of Sharia and mindful of the requirements of reality.
It can be said that this department does not merely prepare graduates; rather, it contributes to building researchers and professionals capable of engaging with contemporary developments and presenting solid legal perspectives that adhere to Sharia principles while keeping pace with the demands of the modern age. It produces competent legal cadres who combine precise Sharia knowledge with the ability to apply legal texts, in pursuit of justice, the protection of rights and sanctities, the preservation of family dignity, and the reinforcement of social cohesion and stability.
The University, represented by its wise leadership, is keen to support and develop this department academically and methodologically, in line with contemporary developments and real-world challenges, striving to prepare an aware generation capable of contributing to the formulation of just legislative policies that reflect the spirit of Sharia and respond to societal needs.
On this occasion, I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to:
- His Excellency Prof. Dr. Walid Al-Munissi, President of the Islamic University of Minnesota,
- Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Maqrami, Vice President of the University,
- Prof. Dr. Muzahim Tareq, Dean of the College of Sharia and Law,
for their continuous support and enlightened vision in advancing the educational journey of the University-one that combines academic quality with a strong community mission-thereby contributing to the enhancement of the educational and research process and supporting all that serves students and society.
I also reaffirm our pride in the contributions made by the department in the academic and educational fields, which help build an enlightened legal community that balances authenticity and modernity, grounded in firm Sharia principles and disciplined, just legislation.
In conclusion, we ask Allah to bless this department, make it a platform for knowledge, a starting point for excellence, a beacon of learning and justice, and a source of qualified competencies that contribute to building a solid society founded upon the values of Islamic Sharia, the spirit of law, and the principles of fairness.
Allah is the Grantor of success.
With my sincere regards and best wishes for success to all.
