Judgments - Bulugh al-Maram 1401

This noble hadith from the collection of Bulugh al-Maram addresses the essential conditions for judicial conduct in Islam. The prohibition against judging while angry establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic jurisprudence.

The Prohibition and Its Wisdom

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) explicitly forbade judges from issuing rulings while in a state of anger. Anger clouds the intellect, distorts perception, and impairs one's ability to weigh evidence objectively.

Scholars explain that anger prevents the calm deliberation required for just judgment. The judge must possess complete mental composure to properly analyze testimony, assess credibility, and apply legal principles correctly.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam al-Nawawi states that this prohibition applies to all forms of anger that might affect judicial reasoning, whether arising from the case itself or external factors.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani elaborates that the prohibition extends beyond overt rage to include any state of emotional agitation that might compromise impartiality. The judge must postpone judgment until tranquility returns.

Legal Implications

Most scholars consider judgments rendered while angry to be invalid and requiring reconsideration. The preservation of justice takes precedence over procedural expediency.

This ruling exemplifies Islam's comprehensive approach to justice, addressing not only substantive law but also the psychological state of those entrusted with judicial authority.