Whenever I hear people say stuff like “Sharia law is coming to London” or is practiced in London, I can’t help but pause. I’ve traveled to London myself, walked its busy streets, and spoken to locals. And I can tell you for a fact that London is still very much governed by British law, not Sharia law. But where does this claim come from, and is there any truth in it?

What the Law Actually Says in the UK

The United Kingdom is built on English common law, and that applies to everyone, regardless of religion. Parliament makes the laws and the courts subsequently enforce them. No religious system can override these laws.

That means whether you’re in London, Manchester, or a small village in Wales, the law of the land is the same. Traffic violations, property rights, family disputes, and criminal justice all fall under UK law. There’s no special exemption that allows Sharia to run the show.

But what about the Sharia Councils?

Here’s where things get a little more complicated. Across the UK, there are entities known as Sharia councils or tribunals. These entities are not government-run courts. According to my research, I found out that these councils in question are community-based bodies that Muslims can voluntarily approach for religious guidance, mainly in matters like the following:

  • Divorce and marriage settlements
  • Inheritance distribution under Islamic tradition
  • Religious arbitration between community members

But – and this is very critical – their decisions are not legally binding in UK law. If any ruling contradicts British law, the UK courts step in and overrule it.

So, while Sharia councils exist, they are more about religious practice than replacing the legal system. This is where a lot of people get confused and spread misinformation about London being ruled by Sharia law.

Trump’s Comments on Sharia Law in London

In September 2025, just a few days before I began writing this article, U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the debate when he stood before the United Nations General Assembly and made a shocking claim that London “wants to go to Sharia law”. His remarks were directly aimed at London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who is a practicing Muslim. President Trump followed that up with a broader criticism of immigration policies and multiculturalism in the UK.

Trump went further to say that London had been “changed” under Khan’s leadership, and he painted a picture of a city leaning toward Sharia governance. But these words were not backed by any legal or governmental evidence. In fact, they were widely criticized in the UK as bigoted and misleading.

Mayor Khan’s office quickly responded, saying they would not dignify Trump’s comments with a detailed reply, calling them “appalling and bigoted”.

And here’s where I pause as a traveler who has been to London. Walking through its streets, exploring its neighborhoods, and interacting with its people, I never once felt like I was stepping into a city run by Sharia law. Instead, I experienced a diverse, vibrant capital that, like every other city, has its challenges but still operates firmly under British law.

Trump’s comments may stir headlines, but for travelers, the truth is simple. London remains a global city under UK law and not Sharia law.

Aerial view of London city with Tower Bridge and the River Thames, showcasing the modern skyline at dusk.

London’s Cultural and Religious Diversity

When Trump talks about Sharia law in London, it paints a picture that doesn’t match the reality on the ground. London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and that’s what makes it so exciting for travelers. Over 300 languages are spoken here, and you’ll find communities from every corner of the globe living side by side.

For Muslims in particular, London is home to popular neighborhoods like Brick Lane and Edgware Road. In these communities, you can walk down the street and smell the aroma of freshly baked naan, grilled kebabs, and rich curries. Far from being a sign of Sharia law taking over, I think it’s simply a celebration of culture and tradition.

For travelers, this diversity is a gift. You can visit historic London Central Mosque near Regent’s Park, which welcomes visitors and is an architectural gem in its own right. You can also take halal food tours, enjoy international festivals, and shop in areas that feel like a mini-world within one city.

My personal opinion is that London thrives because of its diversity, not in spite of it. For me as a traveler, this is exactly what makes the city so fascinating. You can stand in one borough and taste the world on a single street.