Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah: what it means and when you go there

Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah is the main Syariah court in each state that hears Islamic family law cases. This covers fasakh, taklik and khuluk divorces, maintenance claims, matrimonial property and child custody.

When you file for divorce or a related claim, your case is registered at the Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah in the state where you live or where your marriage was registered. Sulh sessions, hearings and the final decision all happen at this court.

Every state runs its own Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah, with its own forms and registration steps, though the case flow is broadly similar. If you are unsure where to start, the Syariah divorce process walks through the first steps.

If you want to challenge a decision from this court, the next stage is the Mahkamah Rayuan Syariah.