Scholar-Led Council

About ISCN

A confidential, scholar-led Islamic Sharia adjudication body with clear religious and civil boundaries.

Who We Are

Islamic Sharia Council – Northern Britain is a religious adjudication body providing confidential, scholar-led guidance and services for Muslim individuals and families.

Our Purpose

We help applicants navigate religious matters through a clear administrative and scholarly process. Our approach is broadly Sunni and respectful of the applicant’s own madhab (school of jurisprudence) within the Sunni tradition.

Confidentiality

Private matters are handled discreetly. Named certificates, rulings and case records are not published.

Scholarly Care

Questions requiring a Fatwa or adjudication decision are referred to the appropriate scholars.

Clear Boundaries

We explain where religious guidance is separate from civil marriage, divorce, probate, adoption or guardianship.

Leadership

Sheikh Richard MacLeod, Head of ISCN

Religious adjudication matters requiring collective scholarly consideration are referred to the Islamic Adjudication Council (Majlis al-Shura).

Meet the leadership and scholars →

Religious, Not Civil, Jurisdiction

ISCN is not a UK civil court and has no civil jurisdiction. Our religious services, certificates and adjudication decisions do not replace any civil process or independent legal advice that may also be required.

Legal Entity

ISCN operates through The Islamic Centre Ltd, Company No. 15652088, incorporated in England and Wales.

The People Behind ISCN

Leadership & Scholars

Meet the leadership and scholars involved with ISCN and understand their roles, training and areas of contribution.

Leadership

Sheikh Richard MacLeod

Head of ISCN

Sheikh Richard leads the Council’s commitment to careful religious guidance, clear processes and compassionate service. His work brings together Islamic study, marriage counselling and organisational leadership.

Role: Head of the Islamic Sharia Council – Northern Britain
Islamic Study: More than a decade of study in Saudi Arabia, followed by formal study through Zad Academy and continuing scholarly study circles.
Counselling: Qualified marriage counsellor with training in Islamic marital guidance and family support.
Leadership: Entrepreneur, educator and organisational leader with more than two decades of business and community experience.

Scholarly Involvement

Scholars Involved with the Council

Each profile gives a concise account of relevant training, experience and contribution without identifying any private case assignment.

Deputy Head of ISCN

Sheikh AbdulBasith Mohammed

Supports the Council’s religious guidance, marital services and community-facing work.

Relevant Experience: Lead Imam at Newcastle Central Mosque; Islamic educator with experience in Qur’anic studies, Hadith and family guidance.

Islamic Adjudication Council Member

Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Elsaied AbuElezz

Contributes specialist scholarship in the principles of Islamic jurisprudence and scholarly review.

Relevant Experience: Lecturer in Usul al-Fiqh at Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Tanta Branch; certified Qari.

Islamic Adjudication Council Member

Sheikh Dr. Al-Saeed Abdel Fattah Badran

Supports scholarly consideration through expertise in Islamic legal theory and comparative jurisprudence.

Relevant Experience: Lecturer in Usul al-Fiqh at Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Tanta Branch.

Islamic Adjudication Council Member

Sheikh Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelhadi

Supports scholarly review across family matters, comparative fiqh and contemporary questions.

Relevant Experience: Lecturer in Comparative Fiqh at Al-Azhar University; former Fatwa Committee member at the Islamic Research Academy.

Special Consultant

Dr. Alyas Karmani

Advises the Council on mental health, relationships and community wellbeing.

Relevant Experience: Counsellor, consultant and community specialist with experience in psychology, family support and public policy.

Profiles describe each person’s Council role and relevant experience. Case assignments remain confidential and are determined according to the nature of each matter; not every matter is considered by every person shown.

Confidential Support

Speak to the Council

Begin with a brief enquiry. The team will explain the appropriate next step and how any supporting documents should be provided securely.

Make An Enquiry