The Office of the Judge (Kitab Al-Aqdiyah)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3572

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "He who has been appointed a judge among the people has been killed without a knife."

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud serves as a grave warning about the immense responsibility of judicial authority. The metaphor "killed without a knife" indicates that accepting judgeship exposes one to spiritual destruction through potential injustice, even if no physical harm occurs.

Classical scholars explain that judges face constant peril to their faith and afterlife. Every judgment carries the risk of error, and unjust rulings—whether intentional or unintentional—constitute oppression against Allah's creation. The judge stands between the people and Allah's law, bearing accountability for every verdict.

Imam Al-Khattabi comments that this narration discourages seeking judgeship due to its severe responsibilities and consequences. Only those with comprehensive knowledge, impeccable character, and fear of Allah should accept such positions when necessary for maintaining justice in society.

The "killing" refers to the spiritual death that comes from violating divine trust, oppressing others, or distorting Allah's rulings. This emphasizes why early scholars considered judgeship among the most dangerous occupations for one's religion, despite its necessity for communal order.

Legal Implications

This hadith establishes that judges must possess: thorough knowledge of Islamic law, complete integrity, immunity from external influences, and constant consciousness of divine accountability. It serves as foundational principle in Islamic judicial ethics.

Scholars derive that while judgeship is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) for the Muslim community, it remains individually reprehensible (makruh) for those who fear they cannot fulfill its stringent requirements properly.