"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'You refer your disputes to me, but I am only human. And some of you may be more eloquent in arguing their case than others, and I may pass judgment on the basis of what I hear. If I pass judgment in favor of one of you against his brother's rights, then it is a piece of the fire that I am giving him.'"
The Book of the Etiquette of Judges - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5422
"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'You refer your disputes to me, but I am only human. And some of you may be more eloquent in arguing their case than others, and I may pass judgment on the basis of what I hear. If I pass judgment in favor of one of you against his brother's rights, then it is a piece of the fire that I am giving him.'"
Scholarly Commentary
This profound hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes fundamental principles of Islamic judiciary. The Prophet (ﷺ), despite his infallibility in conveying revelation, emphasizes his human limitations in judicial matters where evidence and presentation vary.
The declaration "I am only human" serves as a timeless reminder to all judges of their fallibility. It cautions against absolute confidence in judicial decisions based solely on apparent evidence, recognizing that eloquent presentation may obscure truth.
The grave warning about giving "a piece of the fire" underscores the spiritual responsibility of judges. Even when judging according to apparent evidence, if the judgment deprives someone of their rightful due, the judge bears responsibility before Allah for facilitating injustice.
Classical scholars derive from this that judges must exercise extreme caution, investigate thoroughly, and remain conscious that their verdicts have eternal consequences. The hadith also teaches litigants to present their cases truthfully, without relying on rhetorical skill to secure unlawful gains.