Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tdlib 477
2.2. Distinguishing features of the judiciary
at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs
The judiciary at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may
AUah be pleased with them) represented the second stage, after that
of the prophetic era, which formed the roots and foundations. On the
one hand, it represented the complete shucture and comprehensive
system; on the other hand, it gave an excellent image of the Islamic
judiciary. It is regarded as an example and a model, a focal point for
all subsequent eras. We may sum up the most important
distinguishing features of the judiciary at the time of the Rightly
Guided Caliphs (may Allah he pleased with them) as follows:
1. The judiciary at that time was a continuation of the way it was at
the time of the Prophet (g); it adhered to and followed its
method. Religious education was widespread, and the people
were strongly connected to faith and correct beliefs. mere was a
strong religious awareness and simplicity in the way claims and
cases were dealt with, and judicial procedures were
straightforward. There were few claims and disputes in
relation to the size of the state. and the number of people and
countries it encompassed. Judges were chosen carefully and had
all the qualities required to fill this position.
The judges then are regarded as giving a true and sound image of
the Islamic judiciary; hence that era became a reference point for
researchers and Muslim jurists. Their judicial rulings and
systems became a source of Sharia rulings, judicial opinions and
interpretations of Islamic law throughout the ages on the basis of
consensus, at least theoretically, among all scholars and schools
of thought, even though there are some differences in some
subtle details. An example of that is the differences among the
imams as to whether the view of a Companion may he used as
evidence or not, as is discussed in the fields of principles of