Bethany Vierra’s story is a heartbreaking one.
After moving from Washington state to Saudi Arabia with her devout Muslim husband, she soon found herself in the middle of a difficult custody battle.
Under Sharia law, fathers are favored to be legal guardians, and ultimately Vierra was denied custody of her 4-year-old daughter Zeina despite providing video evidence capturing her ex-husband using illegal drugs in front of their daughter.
Her Westernized behavior even went against her in court as they dismissed the photos she provided that were taken back in the United States.
With pressure from the international community, this woman hopes to get justice for herself and her daughter who is scared and confused by the court’s decision.
When Bethany Vierra first met her Muslim husband, she had no idea that their cultural differences could eventually lead to such an emotional battle over child custody.
Although interests can be malleable, our core values must be compatible for a marriage or relationship to stand any chance at success—something Vierra unfortunately learned too late for comfort.
Sharia law holds religion above all else which explains why fathers are favored when it comes to determining legal guardianship during a divorce proceeding.
This type of law is based on religious principles derived from both Quranic verses and Islamic traditions established by Muhammad’s time on Earth.
It has been used since then as an Islamic code of conduct throughout much of the Middle East and other parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America where Muslims reside.
Vierra wasn’t alone when it came to facing inequality due to Sharia law; countless women find themselves dealing with unfair treatment because they don’t fit into society’s standards or expectations.
The fact that these laws go against basic human rights makes them especially hard for Westerners who come from countries where equality is valued more highly than religious piety.
Vierra was unable to provide adequate enough proof that she would make a good mother simply because she didn’t follow these strict rules while living abroad with her ex-husband (even though he was abusing drugs).
Ultimately this costed her full custody even though both parents were deemed unfit according to courts judgement.
