Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
In the Islamic judicial system, there is no requirement to appoint two fixed individuals for the verification of witnesses in cases related to factual testimony. This is because there is no specific, designated group in any given area or court who would be universally aware of the personal circumstances of all witnesses appearing before the judge.
Rather, when the need for verification arises, the judge may consult any reliable and trustworthy person, known for honesty and competence in investigating matters, and who is familiar with the conditions of the witnesses. This flexibility is due to the fact that:
✔ The locations and residences of witnesses can be far apart.
✔ Their conditions, states, and motivations may differ.
✔ Many aspects of their lives and credibility may remain unknown to most people.
Hence, witness verification in Islamic courts is handled on a case-by-case basis through trusted individuals, and not by appointing permanent verifiers.
[اللجنة الدائمة: 3339]
❖ Verifying Witnesses
In the Islamic judicial system, there is no requirement to appoint two fixed individuals for the verification of witnesses in cases related to factual testimony. This is because there is no specific, designated group in any given area or court who would be universally aware of the personal circumstances of all witnesses appearing before the judge.
Rather, when the need for verification arises, the judge may consult any reliable and trustworthy person, known for honesty and competence in investigating matters, and who is familiar with the conditions of the witnesses. This flexibility is due to the fact that:
✔ The locations and residences of witnesses can be far apart.
✔ Their conditions, states, and motivations may differ.
✔ Many aspects of their lives and credibility may remain unknown to most people.
Hence, witness verification in Islamic courts is handled on a case-by-case basis through trusted individuals, and not by appointing permanent verifiers.
[اللجنة الدائمة: 3339]
