King Abdullah Sharia judiciary’s role in society

His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed that the Sharia judiciary is a major pillar to achieve justice among people and comprehensive social welfare. The King, who inaugurated the new premises of the Chief Islamic Justice Department and the Higher Institute for Sharia Judiciary yesterday, also expressed gratitude and support for the department and Sharia judges, highlighting their role in safeguarding justice and social stability. The King was briefed on the 23,000-square-metre complex, which opens at the time when the department is conducting a comprehensive review of legislation governing Sharia courts and its modernisation and development plans. During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel expressed his gratitude for the King's support for the department, highlighting the role of the Sharia judiciary in enhancing justice, social stability and family reform, on the basis of "reaching reconciliation before going to court". He added that the new premises will save the state budget JD500,000 annually as most of the rented Sharia courts were moved to the complex, which is located in the capital’s Tlaa Al Ali neighbourhood. Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, Royal Court Chief Khaled Karaki, the King's Media Adviser Amjad Adaileh and Royal Court Adviser Amer Hadidi also attended the ceremony.