ABSTRACT
Disputes will arise from time to time between the parties in all forms of contractual agreements. The resolution of such disputes often involves litigation, although a range of alternative dispute resolution procedures are available, such as mediation and arbitration. For Islamic finance products, a further complication is added as products offered by Islamic financial institutions must comply with both Islamic law principles (Shari’ah) as well as the laws of the jurisdiction in which they operate. This chapter raises a number of questions concerning the settlement of Islamic finance disputes with the aim of increasing awareness of the alternatives to litigation, and to contribute to the debate concerning the possible way forward. To do this, the chapter discusses five case study jurisdictions which provide further insights into the complexities in resolving such disputes. The chapter concludes by pointing out that whilst there are some unique characteristics between the diverse case study jurisdictions there are also common characteristics that can inform the way Islamic finance disputes can be resolved.
