Can Muslims serve on a jury?

Jury service is a legal duty

In the US, a jury summons comes from a state or federal court, and ignoring it can lead to a fine. In England and Wales, a summons is also compulsory unless the court defers or excuses you. Islam asks you to keep the agreements you live under, so answering the summons is part of being a good citizen. See Do I have to follow the laws of my country as a Muslim?

What about judging by secular law?

Some scholars have hesitated, because Muslims are meant to judge by what Allah revealed. Most contemporary scholars in the West, though, point out that a juror doesn't write the law. Your main job is to decide facts: did this person do it, based on the evidence? That's close to giving testimony, and the Quran says, "do not conceal testimony" (Quran 2:283). Honest jurors also protect innocent people, Muslims included, from unfair verdicts. Allah commands that "when you judge between people to judge with justice" (Quran 4:58).

If a case troubles your conscience

Sometimes a case or a possible sentence may sit badly with your faith. Don't pretend or lie to get out of it. Instead:

• Speak up early: tell the court officer or judge during jury selection (voir dire in the US) if you can't be impartial.
• Ask about excusal: courts can defer or excuse jurors for good reasons, and a sincere objection is often taken seriously.
• Get advice: ask a local imam who knows your country's courts if you're unsure.

Praying on jury days

Court days usually include a lunch break and short recesses, which often cover Dhuhr. Ask the jury officer or clerk for a quiet room to pray; most courts will find somewhere. Bring a small mat and keep wudu where you can. If a long session makes it truly hard, some scholars allow combining Dhuhr and Asr in genuine need. See Can I combine prayers because of my class schedule?

You may also be asked to take an oath before serving. You can usually swear by Allah or simply affirm. See Can I take a citizenship oath as a Muslim?