(RNS) Islamic marriages typically include a basic marriage contract -- but when it comes time to divorce, some judges see the dowry as a simple contract, others as a prenuptial agreement, and others as a strictly religious matter in which they don’t want to get involved. By Omar Sacirbey.

(RNS) Members of the Syrian opposition generally want a democratic government that protects the rights of minorities, though many also want a constitution based on Islam, according to a recent survey. By Oren Dorell.

PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) The largest mosque in Oregon stands out for its traditional focus and charismatic imam. The imam has been at the center of a mysterious FBI probe, and he's suing over being placed on a no-fly list. Many at the mosque suspect the government is trying to harass people into a more westernized Islam. By Helen Jung.

(RNS) Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill preventing judges from considering foreign law in their deliberations, a move that Muslim groups say is a direct and unnecessary assault on Shariah, or Islamic law. By Lauren Markoe.

 (RNS) When asked whether they thought American courts should apply Shariah to non-Muslims in the legal system, all of the respondents answered no. Just three of the 41 imams said they wanted parallel Shariah tribunals where Muslims could handle civil issues like marriage, divorce, and inheritance. By Omar Sacirbey.