Figh meaning

Figh (more commonly spelled fiqh) describes the body of Islamic jurisprudence—principles used to assess Sharia‑compliant conduct, transactions and dispute resolution. In UK and Irish legal practice it arises mainly in Islamic finance documentation, arbitration/ADR and as expert evidence. It is not defined in UK or Irish legislation; it is a descriptive term. Courts do not apply fiqh as a system of governing law. English case law has held that a non‑state system cannot be the governing law of a contract; references to Sharia/fiqh are usually construed as compliance standards within a contract governed by a national law. Courts may receive expert evidence on fiqh to interpret such clauses, but will enforce outcomes only insofar as compatible with public policy. In arbitration, parties may adopt procedures or standards informed by fiqh; any award remains subject to the Arbitration Act 1996 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010, and the Arbitration Act 2010 (Ireland), including public‑policy controls. In Islamic finance, structures avoid riba (interest/usury) and gharar (excessive uncertainty) and are vetted by Sharia boards; tax and regulation derive from ordinary law, not fiqh. Usage and judicial approach are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.