Allah, mighty and majestic, says:

“Indeed, the righteous will be amid shade and springs.” [al-Mursalāt: 41]

He also says:

“Its fruit is everlasting, and so is its shade.” [al-Ra‘d: 35]

Whoever is within Allah’s shade and mercy on the Day of Resurrection will be safe from the terror and severity of the standing, spared the hardship and distress that will afflict people there. This is the utmost reward and recompense.

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Injustice in judgments and following one’s desires when passing them are among the gravest sins and the greatest major sins. Allah, mighty and majestic, says:

“As for the unjust, they will be firewood for Hell.” [al-Jinn: 15]

The Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him, said: “The most insolent toward Allah, the most hateful to Allah, and the furthest from Allah on the Day of Resurrection is a man whom He entrusted with authority over any part of Muhammad’s nation, but who failed to treat them justly.”

He, blessings and peace be upon him, also said: “No one will be nearer to Allah on the Day of Resurrection, after a chosen angel or a prophet sent by Him, than a just ruler; and no one will be further from Allah than an unjust ruler who follows his own preferences”—that is, who judges according to his desires.

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Judicial office is an ordeal, and whoever assumes it faces a tremendous trial, for he has exposed himself to ruin, and emerging unscathed from the trial he faces is difficult. It is reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I wish I could emerge from this office with nothing to my credit or against me.” It is also reported from Abū