An Islamic judge who administers justice according to sharia law, appointed to hear legal cases and resolve disputes in Muslim communities.
From Arabic 'qada' meaning 'to decide' or 'to judge,' emphasizing the role of making legal determinations. The position required extensive knowledge of Islamic law and jurisprudence.
Medieval qadis were remarkably independent—they could rule against caliphs and sultans if they violated Islamic law, and some famously resigned rather than make unjust decisions, creating a tradition of judicial integrity that influenced legal systems worldwide!
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