Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 485
It is also stipulated that the judge should have knowledge of
the verdicts of previous judges, so that he will not drift away from
their way and so as to avoid chaos in rulings or things getting out of
hand. He should also be humble and should not have any reservations
about consulting men of knowledge, reason and wisdom, because
this consultation will help him to avoid misaes in his verdicts. He
should be courageous in adhering to the truth, so that he will not
delay giving his verdict, even if he angers the people in authority. All
of that is summed up in the words of 'Ali (&): "The judge cannot be
a judge unless he has five qualities: lack of interest in material gain, a
forbearing nature, knowledge of what came before him, willingness
to consult people of knowledge and wisdom, and not fearing the
blame of anyone for the sake of Allah (&)."45
2.4.4. Location for judgement
The judge should choose a place to hear cases that is located in
the middle of the city, so that it will not be difficult for anyone to get
there. 'Ali (&J) told Shurayh, the judge, to sit in the main mosque,46
so that it would he easy for the people to reach him.47
2.4.5. Free access to the judiciary system
Since establishing justice among people is one of the aims of
the Islamic state, Islamic law dictates that there should be no barrier
between one who has been wronged and restoration of his rights. The
two disputants should not have to pay the judge or the state any
money in order to obtain the verdict that settles the dispute between
them. Rather it is the Islamic state that covers the expenses of the
judge and the court. 'Ali (&) gave Shurayh a salary in return for
serving as a judge; when he appointed him as judge of Kufah, he paid
him five hundred dirhams every month.48