Dr. Ehab Talaat Abdelkhaleq
Head of the Department's Message
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Who taught by the pen, created humankind from nothing, and taught humanity what it did not know. Peace and blessings be upon the noblest of creation and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions all together.
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 foundations of the academic and legislative structure of the College of Sharia and Law at the Islamic University of Minnesota.
The significance of this department stems from the close and profound connection it establishes between Islamic jurisprudence and statutory law, as well as from the vital subjects it addresses—subjects that touch the very essence of human life and regulate the most important social relationships in light of the noble Islamic Sharia and contemporary national legislations. These include matters that deeply affect individuals and society alike, such as marriage, divorce, alimony, custody, inheritance, wills, and other family-related issues.
The importance of the Department of Personal Status and Family Law is evident in its reflection of the deep integration between Islamic jurisprudence and positive law. This is achieved through the study of Sharīʿah principles, the analysis of legal texts derived from the sources of Islamic legislation, and the clarification of how these principles are codified within modern legal systems. By linking classical Sharīʿah texts with contemporary legal provisions, the department demonstrates how Islamic legal texts have, throughout history, formed a comprehensive and coherent system for regulating family affairs—particularly in matters of marriage, divorce, khulʿ, alimony, custody, inheritance, wills, and other personal status issues—thereby ensuring a balanced relationship between rights and obligations and safeguarding the integrity of the family and society.
This integration between jurisprudence and law grants students of the department a deep and comprehensive understanding, qualifying them to address family-related issues efficiently across various social and legal contexts.
The Department of Personal Status and Family Law places great emphasis on the academic and professional preparation of its students, enabling them to understand, analyze, and apply Sharīʿah and legal rulings related to personal status matters, and to provide sound and well-reasoned opinions on emerging contemporary issues, guided by a disciplined academic approach inspired by the objectives of Islamic law and mindful of the realities of modern life.
It can be confidently stated that this department does not merely graduate students; rather, it contributes to the development of researchers and professionals capable of engaging with contemporary challenges and presenting well-grounded legal perspectives that adhere to the principles of Sharia while meeting the demands of the modern era. It prepares competent legal professionals who combine precise Sharīʿah knowledge with the ability to apply legal texts effectively, 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 continuously develop this department academically and methodologically, in line with contemporary developments and societal challenges. This reflects its commitment to preparing a conscious generation capable of contributing to the formulation of fair legislative policies that embody the spirit of Sharia and respond to the needs of society.
On this occasion, I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to
His Excellency Prof. Dr. Walid Al-Minissi, President of the Islamic University of Minnesota,
His Excellency Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Muqrami, Vice President of the University, and
His Excellency Prof. Dr. Muzahim Tariq, Dean of the College of Sharia and Law,
for their continuous support and their enlightening vision in advancing the educational mission of the University—one that harmonizes academic excellence with societal responsibility—thereby contributing to the enhancement of the educational and research process and supporting all efforts that serve students and the community.
I also affirm our pride in the department’s academic and educational contributions, which play a vital role in building an enlightened legal community that balances authenticity and modernity, and is grounded in solid Sharīʿah principles and well-regulated, just legislation.
In conclusion, we ask Allah to bless this department, to make it a platform for knowledge, a starting point for excellence, a beacon of learning and justice, and a source of qualified professionals who contribute to building a resilient society founded upon the values of Islamic Sharia, the spirit of law, and the principles of fairness and equity.
And Allah is the Grantor of success.
With my sincere regards and best wishes for continued success.
