The “slaughter without a knife” that accompanies the position of judge covers two matters:

a. Punishment in the Hereafter awaits anyone who, after assuming the judiciary, neglects its due by failing to investigate thoroughly, exert himself to reach the truth, and ascertain the divine ruling to the extent of his ability.

b. The very toil of judging—gathering facts, forming a clear picture of the case, determining its ruling, hunting for proof, and driving oneself to exhaustive research until the correct verdict is reached—weakens the body, drains its strength, and can even end one’s life. This, too, is slaughter without a knife; the blade is the cluster of difficulties and the physical and psychological strain.

Perhaps herein lies a scientific insight that only modern medicine has brought to light.

The report also shows that slaughtering with a knife or any sharp instrument is actually merciful to the one slaughtered. The sacred law likewise enjoins kindness toward animals destined for slaughter, for the Prophet ﷺ said, “Let one of you sharpen his blade and spare his animal needless pain.” Recorded by Muslim (1955).

By contrast, slow death is torment and hardship. The judge experiences this himself: exhausting duties and a conscience that keeps reproaching him until the burden wears him out and kills him—followed by sorrow and regret on the Day of Resurrection. In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad (23943), ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that the Prophet ﷺ said, “A time will surely come upon the just judge on the Day of Judgment when he will wish he had never judged between even two people in his entire life.” Al-Bayhaqī also recorded it (10/96) with the wording, “…over a single date.”