In a Position to Judge

In a Position to Judge

1885 2 February 7 In a Position to Judge (331) Abu Moosa was one of the leading companions of the Prophet Mohammad. During the Prophet’s time he was appointed governor of Aden. Then, during the rule of the second Caliph Umar, he was given the governorship of Basra. Abu Moosa once said that a qazi should not pass judgment until the truth is to him “as clear as day.” When AI-Ashari’s statement was reported to Umar, the Caliph ratified it, saying that this should be the policy of every qazi. In fact, the principle that Abu Moosa laid down is applicable, not only to judges, but to every human being. It is not only judges who have to deal with other people’s cases: every human being is required at times to make decisions regarding matters pertaining to others. With an ordinary individual it is a personal decision that has to be made, with judges a judicial one. But it is a decision all the same. The only difference is that a judge’s word is law, while ordinary people cannot enforce their decisions by legal means. Still, everyone will finally have to answer before God for every utterance and judgment that he makes. In real terms, therefore, there is no difference between someone who passes judgment in a court of law, and one who makes a decision in the home, office or village. Both will be taken to task in exactly the same fashion. Those who believe that one day they will come before God should follow Abu Moosa AI-Ashari’s advice: they should not pronounce judgment on a matter until the rights and wrongs of it have become as clear to them as day is clear from night; if the truth is not “as clear as day” then there is only one thing to do, and that is hold one’s peace. Those who really fear God should only pass judgment on matters which are absolutely clear to them. The judgment of what they are not clear about should be left to God.