Syria's new leadership is integrating Islamic teachings into police training as part of efforts to reconstruct the country's security forces following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad.

Officers from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led faction, which currently governs parts of Syria, are bringing recruits into Damascus from the northwestern region of Idlib, where they previously held control.

The newly formed police are emphasizing Islamic sharia law and the ethical conduct it seeks to promote among officers.

Though these efforts aim to address the security void left after Assad's forces were dissolved, the training's religious component raises concerns among Syria's minority communities, especially non-Muslims and secular Sunnis.

There is widespread apprehension that the focus on sharia could exacerbate sectarian divides and deter foreign governments, particularly given HTS's past associations with Islamist extremism.

Despite reassurances from HTS leaders, their approach to police recruitment and training has ignited fears about the future of Syria’s legal framework.

With over 200,000 applicants for the new police force, authorities are working swiftly to restore order, yet tensions regarding the role of religion in governance are still high.

Though the police force originally adhered to religious principles, the group has demonstrated pragmatism in the past, easing some strict religious mandates.

The force is anticipated to expand, bringing with it more comprehensive training programs that include lengthy sessions and a broader scope of legal education.

Nevertheless, the ongoing emphasis on Islamic principles in the reconstruction of Syria's police remains a subject of heated discussion both nationally and globally.