According to Hazrat Ali (RA), who is a true judge?

Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam, is renowned for his deep wisdom, justice, and understanding of human affairs. According to his teachings, a true judge is not someone who seeks personal recognition or relies solely on personal opinion, but one who delivers decisions based on Nisaar and Basirah. These two principles form the foundation of fair and righteous judgment in Islam.

Nisaar refers to justice without bias or favoritism. A judge must treat all parties equally, regardless of status, wealth, power, or personal relationships. Hazrat Ali (RA) emphasized that justice loses its value when personal interests interfere with decision-making. A true judge must rise above emotions, pressure, and external influence to ensure fairness.

Basirah, on the other hand, means deep insight, awareness, and recognition of truth. It goes beyond surface-level facts and requires wisdom, understanding, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. A judge guided by Basirah carefully examines evidence, intentions, and circumstances before passing judgment. This insight protects society from injustice and prevents misuse of authority.

Hazrat Ali (RA) warned against judges who seek fame through verdicts or blindly follow their own opinions. Such behavior leads to injustice and corruption. In Islamic governance, a judge is considered a trustee of Allah’s law and must act with humility and responsibility.