Shurayh al-Qadi

The Pillars of Just Governance

Among the salient features of Shurayh’s judicial philosophy is his adherence to the principle of justice as a divine mandate. He believed that law was not merely a compilation of rules but a moral guide that must resonate with the Qur’anic injunctions of fairness. This doctrinal foundation bore the imprint of his belief that the judge must serve as a paragon of virtue, facilitating equitable resolutions. His courtroom filled with the scent of integrity—a sanctuary where divine injunction and human affairs converged.

Shurayh’s judicial decisions often drew upon the principle of ‘Adalah (justice) and were accentuated by a profound sincerity that disallowed personal bias or favoritism. His well-known adage, “A judge must not be swayed by love or hatred,” reverberated through the ages, imparting critical insights into the ethical responsibilities inherent in judicial roles. In this regard, he emerges as an unwavering lighthouse in a sea of darkened moral ambiguity, guiding those seeking justice towards safer shores.