Second international expert workshop on the missing under Islamic law

The workshop brought together Sharia Court judges, parliamentarians, Islamic law professors, religious leaders, military personnel, forensic experts, and practitioners to discuss the legal status of missing persons and explore solutions to strengthen the legal framework in national legislation across relevant Muslim contexts. The discussions centered on how both international humanitarian law (IHL) and Islamic law can inform national laws and policies to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, prevent disappearances, and better support the needs of their families. The workshop was attended by 22 participants from many countries, including Chad, Jordan, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Senegal, and Syria. 

The workshop began with opening remarks by Doris El Doueihy, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Abuja. James Matthews, Deputy Head of the ICRC Delegation in Abuja, provided an overview of the ICRC’s operations in Nigeria. Jean Franco Olivera Astete, Operational Legal Coordinator based in Abuja, introduced the "Basic Principles of IHL," while Ximena Londono, Thematic Legal Adviser based in Geneva, delivered an online presentation on the "Protection of Missing Persons and Their Families under IHL." Namita Khatri, Global Alliance Adviser, discussed "The ICRC and the Missing: Humanitarian Challenges and ICRC Activities," and Eyad Al Hakeem, ICRC Forensic Manager in Sudan, presented online on the "Dignified Management of the Dead and Humanitarian Forensic Challenges in Muslim Contexts." Ahmed Aldawoody, Senior Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, presented on the protection of missing persons and their families under Islamic law. 

Professor Ibrahim Muhammad Ahmad, Professor of Sharia Law at the University of Maiduguri, Justice Ibrahim Barkindo, Kadi at the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Justice Kasim Muhammad Kasim, Kadi at the Yobe State Sharia Court of Appeal presented on missing persons and their families under Islamic law and domestic legislation in Nigeria. 

Judge Omar Nofal, Judge at the Sharia Court and Head of the Committee of Families of Missing Persons in Gaza, Judge Hazim Ahmad Awad Alhazaimmeh, Shariah Courts inspector and Head of Judiciary affairs in Jordan and Judge Ayman Mohssy, Head of the Sharia Commission at the Court of Cassation in Syria presented on the protection of missing persons and their families under the domestic legislation of their respective countries.

Dr. Abakar Walar Madou, Secretary General of the National Council of Islamic Affairs in Chad and Sheikh Mohamed Salem Al Majlissi, an Islamic scholar from Mauritania, discussed respectively policies and recommendations to support the protection of the missing as well as the rules concerning missing persons and their families under the Maliki school of law and Mauritanian legislation. 

This workshop was the second in a series of expert gatherings aimed at addressing the legal status of missing persons under Islamic law and the challenges faced by missing persons and their families. The first workshop, initially planned to take place in Jordan, was ultimately held online on 4 December 2025 due to financial constraints. This ongoing engagement on the protection of the missing persons and their families under Islamic law provides a vital platform for exchanging expertise, sharing best practices, identifying challenges and legal gaps, and exploring legal solutions to address the needs of families of missing persons. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, these workshops aim to overcome the legal and administrative challenges faced by families.