As clear as day
Al-Risala (English), June 1993, p. 29
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
As clear as day
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1993 6 June 29 As clear as day (228)
He said that a qazi should not pass judgement until the truth was ‘as clear as day’ to him.
It is not only judges who have to decide the rights and wrongs of human affairs, but individuals in all walks of life. Sometimes this is extremely difficult because perhaps not all of the facts are readily available or concerned individuals have suppressed vital information. Sometimes the person who has to settle a dispute is of weak and wavering judgement. What then should be done in such a dilemma? The principle laid down by Abu Musa is perhaps the most helpful in such cases. One of the leading companions of the Prophet, Abu Musa was appointed Governor of Aden during the Prophet’s lifetime. Then, during the rule of the second caliph ‘Umar, he was given the governorship of Basra. Having held such high and responsible positions in which it was his duty to pass judgements every day, which could have far-reaching consequences, affecting the lives of innumerable individuals, he laid down a principle, which is applicable not only to judges but to every human being. He said that a qazi (Judge) should not pass judgement until the truth was ‘as clear as day’ to him. When this statement was reported to Caliph ‘Umar, he heartily endorsed it, saying that this should be the policy of each and every qazi.
