In this brief article based on my previous works, I reflect upon the formation of a new judicial system during the first two centuries of Islam. Originally, the qadi was just one piece among many on the chessboard of imperial judicial institutions. However, as of the eighth century, this figure acquired a more notably Islamic character, and the proceedings it implemented grew increasingly distinct from those applied by other community courts. Nonetheless, though the qadis’ courts became ever more religious in nature, they continued to be viewed as the expression of imperial justice aimed at all of the caliph’s subjects.
Qadi, justice, mosques, proceedings, testimony, evidence, non-Muslims.