76 out of 357 pass Shari’a bar exams

Seventy-six out of 357 or 21.29 percent passed the 2016 special bar examinations for the Shari’a Courts held on two Sundays last January.

Topping this year’s Shari’a Bar examinations was Johayra A. Datlan with a rating of 86.1%. The rest of the top 10 are: Jihannor K. Hadji Amer (84.15%); Aysia F. Kunting (83.3%); Nabeeha M. Omar (82.1%); Noronisah P. H. Camal (81.9%); Muiz-za M. Elang-Salam (81.65%); Johairah M. Samad (81.6%); Camar M. Bato (81.55%); Omar-Ali M. Sharief and Maulana P. Macadato (81.5%); and Moh. Abdulfoutouh B. Assiong (81.35%).

This year’s Shari’a Bar examinations were held at the Supreme Court-Court of Appeals Gymnasium in Manila on January 24 and 31, 2016.

Bar Confidant and Deputy Clerk of Court Ma. Cristina B. Layusa said there were 413 applicants, but only 357 were able to complete the examinations on all four subjects ― Persons, Family Relations and Property; Jurisprudence (FIQH) and Customary Laws (ADATS); Procedure in Shari’a Courts; and Succession, Wills/Adjudication and Settlement of Estate.

Shari’a law practitioners, also called Shari’a counselors, litigate cases in the Shari’a district and circuit courts, most of which are located in Mindanao. Although they are recognized as special members of the Philippine Bar, Shari’a law lawyers are not allowed to practice law in regular courts and may not use the title “attorney.”

Shari’a courts were created in 1977 to resolve certain cases involving Muslims who are covered by Islamic law. Cases include those on personal status, marriage, matrimonial and family relations, succession and inheritance, and property relations between spouses.

The first Shari’a bar exams were held in 1983.