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Meet Founder

Dato' Haji Zainul Rijal Bin Abu Bakar

It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I present the Chambers of Zainul Rijal (CZAR) and its esteemed counterpart, the Shariah Chambers of Zainul Rijal (SCZAR). Together, these firms stand as a testament to a lifelong commitment to the law and an unwavering pursuit of justice in its many forms. My journey in the legal field began with the founding of Messrs Zainul Rijal Talha & Amir in 1996, a period during which I witnessed firsthand the dynamic evolution of the legal landscape in Malaysia. It was this invaluable experience and a keen foresight for the growing need for specialized legal services that led to the establishment of CZAR in 2020, focusing on civil law. Recognizing the equally vital and distinct domain of Islamic jurisprudence, SCZAR was subsequently established in 2022 to provide dedicated expertise in Shariah law.

CZAR and SCZAR represent a continuation and an amplification of the core values that have been the bedrock of my career: unwavering integrity in every action, a relentless commitment to achieving excellence for our clients, and a profound compassion for those we are privileged to serve. We firmly believe in upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our clients receive not only the best possible legal representation but also counsel that is both sound and principled. More than just navigating legal complexities, we are dedicated to a holistic approach to justice. This philosophy acknowledges the intricate tapestry of human relationships and underscores our commitment to finding solutions that transcend the often limiting adversarial nature of legal disputes, now enhanced by our integrated civil and Shariah capabilities.

This unique dual-expertise structure is born from the understanding that the needs of our clients often traverse the perceived boundaries of civil and Shariah law. By fostering a seamless synergy between CZAR and SCZAR, we aim to provide comprehensive, nuanced, and effective legal solutions that are tailored to the specific circumstances of each individual and entity we represent. Our vision is to be a beacon where the diverse streams of legal thought converge, offering clarity and resolution. This is the essence of our motto, “We See The Law Differently” – not merely as a set of rules, but as a dynamic instrument for achieving fairness, equity, and harmony in society.

We are committed to not only upholding the letter of the law but also its spirit, ensuring that justice is accessible and meaningful. As we look to the future, we are dedicated to continuous learning, mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, and contributing positively to the ongoing development of the Malaysian legal system. We invite you to experience the dedication, expertise, and compassionate service that define the Chambers of Zainul Rijal and the Shariah Chambers of Zainul Rijal.

Principal Partner at Chambers of Zainul Rijal (CZAR) & Shariah Chambers of Zainul Rijal (SCZAR)

Hallmarks of His Legal Career

His distinguished career is marked by a deep commitment to justice, a breadth of expertise, and an unwavering dedication to the legal profession.

Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya

Demonstrating his mastery of civil law and his right to represent clients in the highest courts of the land.

Sharie Lawyer

Expert Islamic legal counsel across Peninsular Malaysia, serving Johor, Melaka, KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pulau Pinang, and Perak with specialized Shariah jurisprudence.

Founder of the legal firm Tetuan Chambers of Zainul Rijal (CZAR)

Testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for a modern, forward thinking legal practice.

Founder of the legal firm Tetuan Chambers of Zainul Rijal (Shariah) (SCZAR)

Dedication to provide legal services in Islamic jurisprudence.

Darjah Dato' Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP)

A recipient which carries the title Dato', an honor bestowed by the Sultan of Perak in recognition of his significant contributions to society.

Columnist for Utusan Malaysia

Regular contributor to Malaysia's prominent national newspaper, offering expert legal analysis on contemporary Shariah issues for public education.

Advisor for Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PPMM)

Providing strategic guidance and Islamic legal expertise to Malaysia's premier Muslim legal association, supporting ethical advocacy within the nation's dual legal framework.

Former President of the Syarie Lawyers Body of the Federal Territories

Led the prestigious association of Syarie legal practitioners in Malaysia's Federal Territories, advancing professional standards and Shariah legal excellence.

Former President of the Syarie Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM)

Provided national leadership for Malaysia's premier Shariah legal organization, driving professional excellence and advancing Islamic jurisprudence across the country.

Former President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PPMM)

Led Malaysia's principal Muslim legal organization, enhancing professional standards and advocating for Islamic jurisprudence in Malaysia's legal landscape.

Former Member of the Technical Committee on Civil and Shariah Law

Contributed expert guidance in harmonizing Malaysia's dual legal system, shaping national legal policy and legislative frameworks.

Former Member of the Rules Committee of the Shariah Judiciary Department of Malaysia (JKSM), Selangor, and Perak

Helped develop and refine procedural frameworks for Malaysia's Shariah courts across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring judicial efficacy.

Certified Mediator

Professionally qualified to facilitate dialogue and guide disputing parties toward mutually beneficial resolutions within Islamic legal contexts.

Certified Conciliator

Specialized in reconciling differences through structured dialogue, with particular expertise in family and matrimonial dispute resolution.

Certified Arbitrator

Authorized to render binding decisions in disputes, combining Shariah principles with international best practices in alternative dispute resolution.

Chief Trainer in professional Mediation and Conciliation in Malaysia

Leading expert developing Malaysia's next generation of dispute resolution professionals through comprehensive training programs.

Assistant Commissioner (Associate) of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM)

Serves in advisory capacity to Malaysia's national emergency response organization, bridging legal expertise with civil defense initiatives.

Reference Panel for the Establishment of a Shariah Court in Thailand

International legal consultant providing expertise to Thailand in developing Shariah judicial frameworks based on Malaysian best practices.

Expert Witness and International Speaker

Dato' Zainul Rijal's expertise is recognized internationally. He has served as an expert witness in courts in Australia, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. He is also a sought-after speaker, having presented papers in various countries including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Academic and Community Contributions

He was also appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Multimedia University. He also serves as a member of the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Law/Shariah and Industry Advisor for six public and private universities. He was also appointed as a Member of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

Professional Certificates

This impressive array of accomplishments and roles underscores Dato' Zainul Rijal's profound impact on the Malaysian legal landscape. His experience, expertise, and unwavering dedication to justice are the cornerstones upon which CZAR is built.

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Brunei Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Kelantan Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Wilayah Perseketuan Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Melaka Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Negeri Sembilan Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Perak Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Selangor Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate

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Pulau Pinang Sharia Court

Sharia Lawyer Certificate