Article 8 of the Saudi Law of Sharia Procedure
المادة 8 من نظام المرافعات الشرعية · الباب الأول: أحكام عامة
Article 8 provides that the periods and time limits in the Law of Sharia Procedure are calculated by the Umm al-Qura calendar, and that sunset ends each day.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تحسب المدد والمواعيد المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام حسب تقويم أم القرى. ويعد غروب شمس كل يوم نهايته.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 8 explained in plain English
This article sets out the method of calculating the periods and time limits provided in the Law of Sharia Procedure, a highly important practical matter because missing a deadline may have consequences for the case.
The article establishes two things:
- The calendar used: periods and time limits are calculated according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, that is, the Hijri calendar adopted in the Kingdom, so if the Law provides a period in days, months or years, this calendar is what counts.
- The end of the day: the sunset of each day is considered its end. A day, in calculating time limits, does not end at midnight but at sunset.
The importance of this to the litigant is that a person who has to take a step on the last day of a given time limit should plan on the basis that the day ends at sunset, and should rely on the Umm al-Qura calendar, not any other, in counting days and months.
The article concerns the periods and time limits provided in this Law, and does not speak of time limits in other laws.
Among the general provisions connected to it is the definition of the place of residence in Article 9, which is the place where a person habitually lives, with special rules for nomadic Bedouins, detainees and prisoners.
Since a mistake in calculating a deadline can be costly, it is advisable, when in doubt, to consult a lawyer specializing in procedure and litigation.
Practical example
The last day of the time limit for a step required of Fahad falls on Thursday. Under this article, that day ends at sunset on Thursday, and the whole time limit is calculated by the Umm al-Qura calendar.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 8 of the Saudi Law of Sharia Procedure
What calendar is used to calculate court deadlines?
The periods and time limits provided in the Law of Sharia Procedure are calculated by the Umm al-Qura calendar.
When does the day end in calculating deadlines?
The sunset of each day is considered its end.
Does the article apply to all deadlines?
The article concerns the periods and time limits provided in this Law.
More articles on Notification and Deadlines
- Article 1
Article 1 provides that courts apply Sharia rulings as indicated by the Quran and the Sunnah and the regulations issued by the ruler that do not conflict with them, and follow the Law of Sharia Procedure in procedures.
تطبق المحاكم على القضايا المعروضة أمامها أحكام الشريعة الإسلامية، وفقًا لما دل عليه الكتاب والسنة، وما يصدره ولي الأمر من أنظمة لا تتعارض مع الكتاب والسنة، وتتق
- Article 2
Article 2 provides that every procedural step validly completed under a law in force remains valid, unless the Law of Sharia Procedure provides otherwise.
كل إجراء من إجراءات المرافعات تم صحيحًا في ظل نظام معمول به يبقى صحيحًا، ما لم ينص على غير ذلك في هذا النظام.
- Article 5
Article 5 provides that a procedure is void if the Law says so or if a defect defeats its purpose, but voidness is not ruled where the procedure's purpose was achieved despite an express provision.
يكون الإجراء باطلًا إذا نص النظام على بطلانه، أو شابه عيب تخلّف بسببه الغرض من الإجراء، ولا يحكم بالبطلان - برغم النص عليه - إذا ثبت تحقق الغاية من الإجراء.
- Article 7Amended (1442 AH)
Article 7 bars bailiffs, clerks and other court aides from performing work within their duties in cases concerning themselves, their spouses or their relatives or in-laws up to the fourth degree, on pain of voidness.
لايجوز للمحضرين ولا للكتبة وغيرهم من أعوان القضاء أن يباشروا عملاً يدخل في حدود وظائفهم في الدعاوى الخاصة بهم أو بأزواجهم أو بأقاربهم أو بأصهارهم حتى الدرجة الر
- Article 9
Article 9 defines a person's place of residence as where he habitually lives (with special rules for nomadic Bedouins, detainees and prisoners), allows choosing a special place to receive notices, and requires telling the court of any change.
يقصد بمكان الإقامة في تطبيق أحكام هذا النظام المكان الذي يقطنه الشخص على وجه الاعتياد. وبالنسبة إلى البدو الرحل يعد مكان إقامة الشخص المكان الذي يقطنه عند إقامة
- Article 14
Article 14 sets the order in which a bailiff delivers a copy of the notice (to the person, then someone standing in for him, then the neighborhood head, police, center head or tribal identifier), with a registered letter within 24 hours, and the notice takes effect from delivery.
يسلم المحضر صورة التبليغ ومرافقاتها إلى من وجهت إليه في مكان إقامته أو عمله إن وجد، وإلا فيسلمها إلى مَنْ يقرر أنه وكيله أو أنه يعمل في خدمته أو أنه من الساكنين
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.