Ibne Battuta: His Experiences as a Judge/Qadi in Medieval India

Abstract

Ibne Battuta is known for his extensive travels, accounts of which were published in the Rihla (lit. "Journey"). He visited most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim lands in thirty years. He is generally considered one of the greatest travellers of all time. During his journey, he met many religious scholars, jurists, Sufis, Judges/Qudat, chief justices and kings. He entered India on the day of the new moon of Muharram, the first day of the year 734 A. H., which was 12 September 1333 C.E. during the reign of Muhammad bin Tuglaq. He was appointed as judge/Qadi of the capital; Delhi city. He remained for six years as a judge of Delhi. Later on, he was also appointed as a chief judge of Al-Muhal Jazira of the Maldives. Although the role of Ibne Battuta as a judge in Delhi is not much action when he became a chief judge of the Maldives, he played a very active role in enforcing Islamic law, Islamic traditions and rule of law.