An Evaluation of The Implementation of Sharī‘ah Law of Malaysia in Protecting the Rights of a Child

Abstract This research is an observation of the implementation of Islamic law (Sharī‘ah) among the Malay Muslim in the Islamic courts (Mahkamah Syariah) of Malaysia. The author emphasizes on the roles of Islamic law that are related to the protection of the right of children especially those who were born out of wedlock among Malaysian Muslims. By employing the qualitative methodology, the author critically analyses some issues of right of children in Islam, comparing them with acts and provisions of laws and their relation to the implementation in Islamic court of Malaysia.  Findings indicate that the right of children born out of wedlock is covered under the Islamic laws of Malaysia. However, the implementation of Islamic laws pertaining to rights of children in Malaysia draws criticisms from many groups that include local and international. Keywords: Sharī‘ah, Children Rights, Islamic courts, Muslim, Malaysia