The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent me to the Yemen as judge, and I asked: Messenger of Allah, are you sending me when I am young and have no knowledge of the duties of a judge? He replied: Allah will guide your heart and keep your tongue true. When two litigants sit in front of you, do not decide till you hear what the other has to say as you heard what the first had to say; for it is best that you should have a clear idea of the best decision. He said: I had been a judge (for long); or he said (the narrator is doubtful): I have no doubts about a decision afterwards.
The Office of the Judge (Kitab Al-Aqdiyah)
Sunan Abi Dawud 3582 - Commentary by Classical Scholars
Hadith Text & Context
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent me to the Yemen as judge, and I asked: Messenger of Allah, are you sending me when I am young and have no knowledge of the duties of a judge? He replied: Allah will guide your heart and keep your tongue true. When two litigants sit in front of you, do not decide till you hear what the other has to say as you heard what the first had to say; for it is best that you should have a clear idea of the best decision. He said: I had been a judge (for long); or he said (the narrator is doubtful): I have no doubts about a decision afterwards.
Scholarly Commentary
This narration establishes fundamental principles of Islamic judiciary. The Prophet's appointment of young Mu'adh ibn Jabal demonstrates that judicial qualification is based on piety and divine assistance rather than mere age or experience.
The Prophet's assurance "Allah will guide your heart and keep your tongue true" emphasizes that divine guidance is the primary support for judges. Scholars explain this means Allah grants judges special insight (firasah) and protection from error when they sincerely seek truth.
The instruction to hear both parties completely before judgment embodies the Islamic principle of impartial justice. Classical commentators stress that interrupting litigants or deciding prematurely violates judicial ethics and may lead to injustice.
The phrase "clear idea of the best decision" (ahsan al-qada') indicates that judges must strive for the most equitable resolution, considering all evidence and circumstances. Scholars note this requires patience, thorough investigation, and rejecting haste in judicial matters.
Mu'adh's final statement about having no doubts afterward demonstrates how divine assistance manifests in judicial certainty when proper procedures are followed. This became a guiding principle for Islamic judiciary throughout history.
Legal Principles Derived
1. Judicial appointments based on piety and divine reliance rather than worldly qualifications alone.
2. The necessity of hearing both disputants fully without interruption.
3. Prohibition of premature judgment before complete presentation of cases.
4. The obligation to seek the most equitable resolution (ahsan al-qada').
5. Divine assistance as the ultimate source of judicial wisdom and protection from error.