and judges with knowledge not granted to others, as the Most High says:

“And David and Solomon, when they judged concerning the field in which some people’s sheep had grazed by night; We were witness to their judgment.”

“We gave Solomon understanding of the case, and to each We gave sound judgment and knowledge.”

Judges must judge only with justice. “Justice” is what Allah has revealed, as the Most High says:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice. Excellent indeed is what Allah instructs you to do. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.”

Then the Most High says:

“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and best in outcome.”

Thus Allah has made obedience to those in authority obligatory alongside obedience to the Messenger. He has also obliged the Muslim community, whenever they disagree, to refer their dispute to Allah and His Messenger—to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. For Allah, glorified and exalted is He, is the Judge who judges between His servants, and judgment belongs to Him alone. Allah revealed the Scriptures and sent the messengers to judge between them. Whoever obeys the Messenger is among Allah’s pious allies and will enjoy happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever disobeys the Messenger is among those destined for misery and punishment.

The Most High says:

“Mankind was one community. Then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between people concerning their disagreements. None differed over it except those who had been given it, after clear proofs had come to them, out of envy