Definition
QAẒĀʾ (قضاء), derived from the Arabic root “ق ض ي” (q-d-y), holds multiple dimensions within Islamic jurisprudence and theology:
- The Office of a Qāẓī: A Qāẓī is a judge who holds the authority to adjudicate legal matters in accordance with Sharia (Islamic law).
- The Sentence of a Qāẓī: It refers to the legal decisions pronounced by a Qāẓī, which are based on Islamic legal principles.
- Repetition of Prayers: This pertains to the practice of making up missed prayers (Salat) that were not performed at their prescribed times.
- Making Up for Omitted Duties: Extends beyond prayers to include other religious obligations like fasting which may have been missed.
- Divine Decree: It denotes the eternal decree present in the Divine Mind and its execution and declaration at a destined time.
- Sudden Death: In some contexts, QAẒĀʾ can also refer to an unexpected death, perceived as a divine decree.
Etymology
The term derives from the Arabic root “ق ض ي” (q-d-y), which fundamentally means “to execute,” “to judge,” or “to fulfill.”
Background
QAẒĀʾ reinforces that every action—whether judged by a human Qāẓī or decreed by God—falls under a systematic and divinely ordained order.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While Islam posits QAẒĀʾ within its own jurisprudential and theological framework, parallels can be drawn with Roman concepts of “iurisdictio” (jurisdiction) and medieval Christian notions of God’s “Decree.”
Synonyms
- ḥukm (حكم): Refers to judgement or ruling.
- qarār (قرار): A decision or resolution, though less judicially focused.
Antonyms
- bāṭil (باطل): Refers to invalid or void actions.
- fasād (فساد): Indicates corruption or invalidity.
Related Terms and Definitions
- Qāẓī (قاضي): The judge or magistrate in charge of adjudicating legal matters according to Sharia.
- Sharia (شريعة): Islamic law derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and centuries of jurisprudence.
- Qadar (قدر): Reflects the concept of divine predestination, closely linked to QAẒĀʾ.
Exciting Facts
- QAẒĀʾ responsibilities were traditionally extended to overseeing trade markets and maintaining public order.
- Ancient scholars like Al-Mawardi elaborated extensively on the qualifications for a Qāẓī, emphasizing justice and piety.
Quotations
“Ibn Qayyim notes, ‘The execution of justice by the Qāẓī is the manifestation of QAẒĀʾ and a reflection of divine will on Earth.’” - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
References
- Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah’s “I’lam al-Muwaqqi’in”
- Al-Mawardi’s “Al-Ahkam As-Sultaniyyah (The Ordinances of Government)”
Further Reading
- “The Concepts of Qaẓāʾ and Qadar in Islam” by A. S. Bazzi
- “Islamic Jurisprudence and Judiciary” by Muhammad Al-Ghazali
As we reflect on QAẒĀʾ’s encompassing virtue of judgment and divine order, may we strive for justice and strengthen our trust in the ethical frameworks intended to navigate our worldly lives and spiritual duties.
Happy studying, 📚 Mohammed Al-Rashid
