Integration of Islamic Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provisions within the Bangladeshi Criminal Justice System An Analytical Legal Study

Islam represents a comprehensive way of life that combines spiritual beliefs, ethics, and legal principles. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered Allah's Will through Shariah, which means ‘road’ or ‘path,’ symbolizing a sacred law rooted in faith and trust. The main pillars of Shariah are the Al-Qur'an and the Sunna, with the Qur'an also guiding the interpretation of other sources. In Islam, dispute resolution relies mainly on religious teachings, traditional reconciliation rituals, and principles of coexistence, forming the basis of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). While there is extensive research on ADR in civil cases, its use in criminal cases is less studied and less effective in our country. This paper investigates criminal dispute resolution through Islamic ADR and compares it with our current legal system. It aims to address specific criminal offenses using ADR methods that are currently unlawful. The paper proposes a procedural framework based on Qur'anic verses and international legal standards. It also includes a comparative analysis of ADR systems of criminal cases in Germany and the United States of America (USA) to provide insights for improving ADR strategies in our country.