Seeking common ground: The feasibility of harmonizing Islamic and international legal norms on child protection

Abstract

This study examines how Islamic legal traditions and international child protection standards can work together in practice. While both systems share core commitments to children's wellbeing, they sometimes approach protection differently whether defining childhood, permitting discipline, or balancing family and state roles. Through analysis of legal texts, scholarly debates, and case studies from Muslim-majority countries, we identify where these frameworks naturally align (like on education rights) and where tensions persist (such as corporal punishment). The research reveals promising developments, including contemporary Islamic scholars reinterpreting traditional concepts through modern child development lenses. Practical recommendations emerge for bridging differences through dialogue and contextual adaptations. Though challenges remain, the findings suggest that respectful engagement between these legal traditions can strengthen protections for children across diverse communities. The study draws solely on existing literature, highlighting both the potential and limitations of current knowledge in this evolving field.