Judging Disputes and Testimonies

The basis of the justice system is the Qura'n, Sunnah and unanimity of scholars. It is important to appoint judges to settle disputes which earn great reward from God because it supports rights and combats corruption.

Conditions applicable to judges

Islam stipulates certain conditions in judges to assume their positions such as: Islam, sanity and adulthood, probity, sound constitution, Knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, and a degree of scholarship to exercise Ijtihad.

Manners and values to be observed by judges

Certain values must be observed by judges. Anything that may blur the judge's fairness should be avoided whether anger, fear, etc. Rulings have to be based on the Quran, and Sunnah, unanimity, Ijtihad, or a fatwa by a qualified Mufti.

Testimonies and witnesses

Giving testimony pertaining to the rights of human beings is a collective duty, witnesses must not refuse when they are called in. it is an obligation if one is summoned to testify which confirms Islam's protection of rights.

Acceptable witnesses

There are certain conditions required in a witness: Islam, adulthood and sanity, speech, accuracy and good memory, probity. Testimony of people of earlier divine religions is acceptable in certain cases.

Rulings pertaining to the testimony

Islam has established rulings pertaining to testimony to insure achieving justice and eliminate the possibility of favoritism or oppression. Islam considers perjury as a cardinal sin. The article discusses this in detail.