Two in Hell, One in Paradise

📖Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1322
Buraydah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The judges are three kinds: two judges are in Hellfire and one judge is in Paradise. A man who judges without the truth while he knows it, he is in Hellfire. A judge who has no knowledge and violates the rights of people, he is in Hellfire. A judge who judges with the truth, he is in Paradise.”

Description

This hadith classifies judges into three types based on their knowledge, integrity, and adherence to truth:

1. The corrupt judge – knows the truth but judges falsely; destined for Hellfire.
2. The ignorant judge – lacks knowledge and violates rights; also in Hellfire.
3. The just judge – judges truthfully and fairly; rewarded with Paradise.

It highlights that judging is a serious responsibility in Islam, and the outcome in the Hereafter depends on justice, knowledge, and honesty.

Why this is important

• Justice is a pillar of society – A judge influences many lives, and wrongful judgment causes harm to people and disrupts social order.
• Accountability before Allah – Even a well-intentioned judge who acts without knowledge can be punished; conversely, a knowledgeable and fair judge is greatly rewarded.
• Protection of rights – Islam places the protection of people’s rights above all, requiring judges to act with integrity and fairness.

Quranic Context

📖Quran 4:58
Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

📖Quran 5:42
They know the good of the people but they judge in favor of the wrong-doers. How wretched is that which they do!

📖Quran 5:8
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.