اسلامی نظامِ عدل میں قانونِ شہادت کا کردار: قرآن و حدیث کی روشنی میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

THE ROLE OF THE LAW OF EVIDENCE IN THE ISLAMIC JUDICIAL SYSTEM: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY IN THE LIGHT OF THE QUR’AN AND HADITH

Abstract

Islamic Law of Evidence constitutes a fundamental and indispensable pillar of the judicial system, without which the establishment of justice is inconceivable. This article presents a comprehensive study of the principles, objectives, and practical applications of the law of evidence in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Qur’an does not regard testimony as a mere legal requirement; rather, it defines it as a sacred trust (amānah) that must be discharged solely for the sake of Allah with complete justice, integrity, and piety—even if such testimony is given against one’s own self, parents, or close relatives. The study clearly emphasizes that personal interest, desire, fear, greed, hostility, or kinship must not influence testimony in any way, and that concealing evidence, distorting facts, or giving false testimony constitutes a grave sin in Islam.The research provides a detailed analysis of Qur’anic injunctions related to testimony, including the prohibition of concealing evidence, the requirement of just and reliable witnesses, the rights and protection of scribes and witnesses, the significance of testimony in wills and financial transactions, and the standards of evidence in ḥudūd and ta‘zīrāt. It further examines the strict evidentiary requirements in serious crimes such as adultery (zinā) and false accusation (qadhf). In the light of Prophetic traditions and juristic opinions, the article highlights the severity of false testimony, the prescribed legal punishments for it, and the virtue of steadfastness in truthful testimony. Moreover, the concept of testimony as embodied by the Prophets—particularly the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—and the collective responsibility of the Muslim Ummah as an “ummatan wasaṭan” (a just and balanced community) are also discussed.The study concludes that the objective of the Islamic law of evidence extends beyond the mere resolution of disputes; rather, it seeks to promote truth, justice, trustworthiness, and moral responsibility within society. Truthful and impartial testimony forms the cornerstone of an effective Islamic judicial system, safeguarding individuals, society, and the state from oppression, corruption, and social disorder, and thereby ensuring the establishment of a just and equitable system of justice.