News of the Judges (Volume One)

Throughout the ages and successive eras, the biographies and accounts of judges have formed a clear mirror reflecting the spirit of justice and embodying the lofty principles upon which Islamic civilization rose in its most splendid form. The life of a judge, at every stage of Islamic history, has been a shining example of piety, devotion, and a keenness to uphold justice and redress injustices. These biographies have become an inexhaustible resource for scholars and researchers, and a mirror of the ethical and jurisprudential approach upon which Islamic judiciary is based. The book "Akhbar al-Qudat" (News of Judges) by the learned Imam Muhammad ibn Khalaf ibn Hayyan stands as one of the pillars of this immortal documentary legacy, as it is considered one of the most prominent works that immortalized the accounts of this great group of men of the nation. In this sublime work, the author combines an accurate account of events with a profound analysis of situations, employing a literary style that combines fluid narrative and profound presentation, presenting readers with a comprehensive portrait of the reality of the judiciary in the Islamic era. The book does not limit itself to conveying news or documenting facts, but rather goes beyond that to reveal the features of the Islamic judicial system, and to clarify its human and scientific dimensions. The Muslim judge appears not only as an enforcer of rulings, but also as an educator, advisor, and jurist, dealing with people before texts, and striving for reform as much as he strives for judgment.