ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Department of Justice One of the important functions of the state is the dispensation of justice to the people. It has to constitute such courts that unbiased and fair judgments are made on disputes between the citizens. If the poor and needy are not protected by the state, the foundations of such a state become weak and peace will not prevail there for long.

This will bolden the perpetrators of cruelty on one side and on the other, the suffering poor might rise in rebellion. Therefore, it is said, “A country can exist with infidelity but not under oppression.” The constitutional regimes of the world form courts for civil, criminal and small causes, but people have to make rounds of the courts for hearings and pay heavy fees to the attorneys seeking redressal for, in most cases, a just cause.

But Islam has devised such system of justice that, if it is followed properly, neither there will be any difficulty in delivering justice nor will the supplicant have to be burdened with heavy expenses. In this system, there is no scope for partiality or bribery. In Islam, only such persons are authorized to deliver justice who have attained a high degree of piety and have an interpretational awareness of the Islamic law of justice. They must be self-respecting and with a clear conscience.

They have to be highly respected persons in the society so that they do not stoop to bribery and favoritism in dispensing justice. Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) gave special attention to the department of justice during his regime. At every prominent place, he constituted courts. He appointed as qadis only persons of piety, honesty, integrity, and knowledge about the Islamic Laws and jurisprudence.

`Ali (a.s) himself had served as a qadi during the time of the Prophet (a.s) and he is known for his dispensation of justice in the annals of the History of Islam. After this practical experience, none could match his skills in the organization of the department of justice. Keeping the human weakness in mind, he provided sufficient compensation to the qadis that they need not think of malpractices and bribery in the discharge of their duties.

As a check, strict vigilance was kept on their activities and the lifestyles. If any suspicions arose, they were either reprimanded or removed from their positions.