ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Selected Judgements of Imam Ali (a.s) Chapter One: Instructions to Judges Oath and Evidence The plaintiff should be first put on oath and should accept personal responsibility of the proof. This brings the case fully to light and makes the judgments easy. Presentation of Evidence Anyone who desires to present evidence in a case before you should be given opportunity and allowed sufficient time for presenting the witnesses in due course of time.

If he fails to do it during the time scheduled, you are free to deal with the case according to your own power of judgement. However, the benefit of doubt and full facilities of defence should be allowed to the accused. Conditions of Witnesses May it be known to you that all the Muslims are supposed to be just. Therefore, they should be accepted as witnesses except those who are already convicted in a previous case and have not offered penitence or are accused of mischief-making and plunderism.

Anxiety when in the Court of Law You should not feel pressure of anxiety under any circumstances in delivering just judgements according to your power of decision-making. Your judgements should, in all cases be the righteous one, which is a must in view of your high office and for which there is a good reward from Allah. How to go to the Court of Law You should not go to your Court when you are hungry.

You must first satisfy your hunger and then take up the hearing of cases brought to your Court therefore. Undue Haste in Decisions Judges should not make haste in delivering the judgement in any case.

When a case is taken up for judgement, it should never be left incomplete and should not, be delayed as according to a general saying “Justice delayed is justice denied.” If there is a delay in some case, it should not be insisted upon and in case it is quite evident, no weakness should be shown in delivering the judgement according to the provision of law. Everything should be decided according to the schedule and should be kept in its proper place.

Judgement without emotions You should keep control over your anger, fury and your tongue. No case should in any condition be decided under the influence of fury or anger. When you feel no iota of anger or strong emotion in your heart of hearts, you are free to decide the case according to the provision of law. This only is possible when you are sure of your return to Allah.