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Justice
#9
القاضي (al-qāḍī) means 'judge' or 'the judge' - a person who presides over a court and makes legal decisions. It can also be used metaphorically to mean someone who passes judgment or makes authoritative decisions. The word is derived from the root ق-ض-ي (q-ḍ-y), which relates to judgment and decision-making.
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القاضي أصدر حكمه في القضية.
Al-qāḍī 'aṣdara ḥukmahu fī al-quḍiyyah.
The judge issued his ruling in the case.
استمع القاضي إلى شهادة الشاهد.
Istamaʿa al-qāḍī 'ilā shahādat al-shāhid.
The judge listened to the witness's testimony.
القاضي العادل يحترمه الجميع.
Al-qāḍī al-ʿādil yuḥtarimuhu al-jamīʿ.
The fair judge is respected by everyone.
ذهبنا إلى مكتب القاضي للحصول على التوقيع.
Dhahabna 'ilā maktab al-qāḍī li-al-ḥuṣūl ʿalā al-tawqīʿ.
We went to the judge's office to obtain his signature.
القاضي نظر في الأدلة بعناية كبيرة.
Al-qāḍī naẓara fī al-'adillah bi-ʿināyah kabīrah.
The judge examined the evidence very carefully.
In Islamic tradition, the position of a judge (qāḍī) has been highly respected and holds significant authority in both religious and civil matters. The term is used extensively in Arabic-speaking countries and Islamic law, where judges are entrusted with interpreting both secular and religious laws. In modern contexts, القاضي remains a central figure in the judicial system across the Arab world, and the role carries considerable prestige and responsibility.
Remember that القاضي is typically used with the definite article 'al-' when referring to a specific judge in context. When addressing a judge directly or respectfully, you might use the title 'يا سيادة القاضي' (yā siyādat al-qāḍī - 'Your Honor'). The word can also be used metaphorically in everyday speech to mean someone who acts as a judge or arbitrator in personal disputes.
The Arabic word القاضي (al-qāḍī) is one of the most important legal and judicial terms in the Arabic language. It refers to a judge—a person who presides over a court of law and has the authority to make legal decisions and pronounce judgments. This word carries significant weight in both modern legal systems and Islamic jurisprudence across the Arab world.
القاضي comes from the Arabic root ق-ض-ي (q-ḍ-y), which fundamentally relates to the concept of judgment, decision-making, and completion. The same root gives us other important words like القضاء (al-qaḍā') meaning the judiciary or justice system, and القضية (al-qaḍiyyah) meaning a case or lawsuit. Understanding this root helps learners grasp the interconnected nature of judicial vocabulary in Arabic.
In its most literal sense, القاضي refers to a judge in a court of law. However, the word can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who makes authoritative decisions or serves as an arbiter in disputes. In classical Islamic texts, the qāḍī held both judicial and religious authority, making the position particularly significant in Islamic civilization.
The word is typically used with the definite article al- (ال) when referring to a specific judge: القاضي (the judge). When speaking about judges in general or multiple judges, the plural form القضاة (al-quḍāh) is used.
القاضي is a masculine noun in Arabic. When referring to a female judge, the corresponding word would be القاضية (al-qāḍiyah). The word follows standard Arabic noun patterns and can be declined with various grammatical cases depending on its function in a sentence.
Common grammatical patterns include:
Throughout Islamic history, the position of القاضي has been one of great prestige and responsibility. During the Islamic Golden Age, qāḍīs were highly educated scholars who were expected to understand both Islamic law (Sharia) and the practical aspects of governance. They served as judges, administrators, and sometimes even as teachers and advisors.
In modern times, القاضي remains a respected position across Arab countries. The role continues to be central to the judicial system, though contemporary judges typically focus exclusively on legal matters rather than religious or administrative functions. The title commands respect in society, and judges are expected to uphold principles of justice, impartiality, and fairness.
Several common expressions use the word القاضي:
"حكم القاضي نهائي" (Ḥukm al-qāḍī nihā'ī) - "The judge's ruling is final" This phrase emphasizes that a judge's decision cannot be overturned by ordinary individuals.
"في رأي القاضي" (Fī ra'y al-qāḍī) - "In the judge's opinion" This expression is used when referring to what a judge thinks or decides.
"أمام القاضي" ('Amām al-qāḍī) - "Before the judge" This phrase indicates appearing in court or having a case heard by a judge.
When learning to use القاضي, it's important to understand the contexts in which it appears. In legal documents, news reports about court cases, or discussions about the justice system, you'll frequently encounter this word. For example:
When addressing a judge in Arabic-speaking countries, proper respect must be shown. The formal way to address a judge includes using "سيادة" (siyādah), which means "Your Honor." The full respectful address would be "يا سيادة القاضي" (Yā siyādat al-qāḍī) or sometimes simply "سيدي القاضي" (Sayyidī al-qāḍī).
To fully understand القاضي, learners should also familiarize themselves with related terms:
The word القاضي is fundamental to understanding Arabic legal vocabulary and culture. Whether you're learning Arabic for professional purposes, academic study, or general fluency, this word and its related concepts are essential. By understanding not just the translation but also the cultural weight and proper usage of القاضي, learners gain deeper insight into how Arabic-speaking societies structure their legal systems and value justice.