ʿAbd Allāh ibn Qays. Peace be upon you. To proceed: administering justice is a firmly established obligation and a sunnah to be followed. Understand what is presented to you, and enforce the judgments you give, for pronouncing the truth is of no benefit unless it is put into effect. Treat people equally in your attention, your justice, and your court, so that no person of rank hopes for partiality from you, nor any weak person despairs of your justice. The burden of proof rests on the claimant, and the oath falls upon the one who denies the claim. Reconciliation is permissible among Muslims, except a settlement that makes the unlawful lawful or the lawful unlawful.
Do not let a judgment you have passed today prevent you from returning to the truth when you reconsider it and are guided to the right course. Truth is enduring, and returning to the truth is better than persisting in falsehood. Seek understanding—true understanding—of whatever troubles your heart concerning matters not addressed in the Book or the Sunnah. Then identify similarities and parallels, reason by analogy accordingly, and adopt the conclusion closest to Allah’s guidance and most consistent with the truth.
Set a deadline for anyone claiming a right or evidence that is not at hand. If he produces evidence, secure his right for him; otherwise, you may lawfully rule against him. This is more effective in dispelling doubt and bringing clarity. Muslims are deemed upright witnesses in relation to one another, except someone who has been flogged as a prescribed punishment, someone proven to have given false testimony, or someone under suspicion regarding clientage or lineage. Allah has taken charge of your innermost secrets and has made evidence and oaths safeguards.
Beware of agitation, impatience, annoyance with litigants, and an unfriendly manner during disputes. For upholding the truth where it is due is something for which Allah grants a great reward and stores up a fine recompense. Whoever is sincere in his intention and attends to his own conduct, Allah will suffice him in his dealings with people. Whoever affects before people qualities that Allah knows he does not possess, Allah will disgrace him. What, then, do you think Allah’s reward will be, in the provision He grants now and the treasures of His mercy? Peace.”