"When the judge passes a judgement in which he strived and was correct, then he receives two rewards. And when he judges and is mistaken, then he receives one reward."
The Chapters On Judgements From The Messenger of Allah - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1326
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith establishes the immense virtue and spiritual reward for judges who undertake the heavy responsibility of adjudication between people. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) informs us that when a judge exerts sincere effort in reaching a judgment and arrives at the correct ruling according to Islamic law, he is granted two rewards: one for his diligent effort (ijtihad) and another for arriving at the truth.
When he similarly exerts sincere effort but errs in his judgment, he still receives one reward for his striving in the path of Allah. This demonstrates Allah's immense mercy and recognizes the difficulty of judicial work.
Conditions for Reward
Scholars clarify that these rewards are contingent upon the judge meeting certain conditions: he must be qualified for judgeship, possess knowledge of legal proofs, understand how to derive rulings, and strive to the best of his ability to reach the truth. His intention must be purely for Allah's sake, seeking to establish justice rather than personal gain or fame.
The judge must follow proper methodology in deriving rulings, consulting relevant texts and principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He should not rush to judgment without proper investigation and deliberation.
Scholarly Perspectives
Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). Scholars from all madhahib have consensus on its meaning and application.
This ruling applies specifically to matters of ijtihad where textual evidence may be ambiguous or require interpretation. In matters clearly established by definitive texts (qat'iyyat), there is no room for error, and judges must adhere to the clear rulings.
The single reward for erroneous judgment is a manifestation of Allah's mercy, encouraging qualified scholars to take up judicial positions without fear of sin for unintentional mistakes made after sincere effort.
Practical Implications
This teaching encourages qualified individuals to accept judicial appointments despite the heavy responsibility, assuring them of divine reward regardless of outcome when they strive sincerely.
It teaches Muslims to respect judicial decisions even when they disagree, recognizing that judges may be rewarded for their effort even when mistaken.
The hadith establishes an important principle in Islamic law: the moral and spiritual value of sincere effort in seeking truth, which Allah rewards regardless of the earthly outcome.