qadis

Qadis, singular qadi, are judges who administer justice under Islamic law in religious courts or in civil courts empowered by Sharia. The office is one of the oldest in the Islamic legal tradition, with qadis serving in Muslim-ruled states from early centuries through the medieval and early-modern periods. The word derives from qaḍā, to judge or decide.

Role and duties: A qadi hears disputes on topics such as family law, property, contracts, and, in some jurisdictions, criminal matters under Sharia. They issue rulings called ahkam based on careful interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and its sources, including the Quran, Hadith, and legal maxims, while considering evidence, testimony, and procedural rules. Qadis may preside in formal Sharia courts within a state judiciary or operate in less formal settings where Sharia principles apply. Their decisions can be subject to appeal, oversight, or revision by higher authorities or by the sovereign, depending on the legal system.

Training and selection: Traditionally, qadis are trained in Islamic jurisprudence, often in madrasas or religious colleges, and are expected to master usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence) and local legal norms. Selection methods vary by era and polity, ranging from appointment by rulers or state ministries of justice to symbolic or advisory roles in customary systems. In modern states, some jurisdictions maintain dedicated Sharia courts with qadis selected or certified by the government, while others integrate Sharia principles into civil or personal status law.

Historical and regional variation: The institution appeared across the Islamic world, including the Abbasid and Ottoman dynasties, and persisted in South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East in various forms. Today, the authority and structure of qadi offices differ widely, reflecting local legal traditions, religious interpretations, and state governance.