Qadi

Qadi (also known as qaadi, qaadee, qazi, kazi or kadi) (Arabic: قاضي‎ qāḍī) is a judge ruling in accordance with Islamic religious law (sharia) appointed by the ruler of a Muslim country. Qadis traditionally have jurisdiction over all legal matters involving Muslims. The judgment of a qadi must be based on ijmah, the prevailing consensus of the Islamic scholars (ulema).

The origin of the institution of qadi is the old Arab arbitrator, the Hakam, but qualities from officials in areas conquered by Arabs have been added to the structure.