Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "Indeed, you bring your disputers to me, and perhaps some of you are more eloquent in their plea than others, so that I give judgement on their behalf according to what I hear from them. Therefore, whatever I rule for anyone which by right belongs to his brother, I am only granting him a portion of Hell-fire."[Agreed upon].
Bulugh al-Maram 1404: The Prohibition of Unjust Judgments
This profound hadith from the collection "Bulugh al-Maram" by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani serves as a critical warning to judges and arbitrators in Islamic jurisprudence. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes the principle that judicial rulings must be based on truth and evidence, not merely eloquent presentation.
Scholarly Commentary on Judicial Responsibility
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) acknowledges the reality of litigation where parties present their cases with varying degrees of articulateness. However, he clarifies that a judge's duty is to discern truth through evidence, not be swayed by rhetorical skill alone.
The severe warning "I am only granting him a portion of Hell-fire" emphasizes the grave responsibility borne by judges. This applies even when ruling in ignorance, highlighting the necessity for thorough investigation and reliance on legitimate evidence in all judicial matters.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that a judge must rule based on apparent evidence (zahir al-bayyinah) while being conscious that the actual truth (haqiqah) may differ. The ruling stands legally valid but carries spiritual responsibility if it contradicts reality.
Scholars explain that if a judge strives to ascertain truth through proper Islamic legal procedures and still errs, he receives one reward. However, if he rules based on mere eloquence without proper investigation, he bears the sin of unjust judgment.
Practical Implications for Islamic Judiciary
This teaching necessitates that Islamic judges develop expertise in evaluating evidence, detecting deception, and maintaining neutrality. They must not favor the articulate over the inarticulate when truth lies with the latter.
The hadith also serves as warning to litigants against using false eloquence to usurp others' rights, as both the unjust claimant and the negligent judge face divine accountability in the Hereafter for such transgressions.