"The people asked 'Abdullah too many questions one day, and 'Abdullah said: 'There was a time when we did not pass so many judgments, but now that time is over. Now Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has decreed that we reach a time when, as you see, (we are asked to pass many judgments). Whoever among you is asked to pass a judgment after this day, let him pass judgment according to what is in the Book of Allah. If he is faced with a matter that is not mentioned in the Book of Allah, let him pass judgment according to the way His Prophet [SAW] passed judgment. If he is faced with a matter that is not mentioned in the Book of Allah and concerning which His Prophet did not pass judgment, then let him pass judgment according to the way the righteous passed judgment. If he is faced with a matter that is not mentioned in the Book of Allah, and concerning which His Prophet and the righteous did not pass judgment, then let him strive to work it out, and let him not say 'I am afraid, I am afraid.' For that which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between them are matters which are not as clear. Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.'"
The Book of the Etiquette of Judges - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5397
This narration from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the fundamental hierarchy of Islamic legal judgment that every judge and jurist must follow when issuing rulings.
The Hierarchy of Legal Judgment
First, judgment must be based on the Qur'an - the definitive word of Allah. This is the primary source of Islamic law and takes absolute precedence.
Second, if the matter is not explicitly addressed in the Qur'an, one must refer to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for his judgment is divinely inspired.
Third, if neither the Qur'an nor Sunnah provide direct guidance, one follows the judgments of the righteous predecessors (salaf as-saliheen) who understood the spirit of Islamic law.
Ijtihad and Avoiding Doubt
When no clear precedent exists, the judge must exercise ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) without fear, for Allah has made the lawful and unlawful generally clear.
The final counsel to avoid doubtful matters reflects the Prophetic teaching to leave what causes doubt for what causes certainty, ensuring judicial decisions remain firmly grounded in clear Islamic principles.