Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 274
274 that beggars were compelled by the State to earn their livelihood by labour. The second duty of the State is to provide for the due administration of justice. Islam has made detailed provisions in this behalf. Judges are enjoined to admin- ister justice without fear or favour. They are prohibited from accepting bribes or acting upon recommendations, and people are prohibited from offering bribes or mak- ing recommendations to judges. It is laid down that every case must be decided on the pleas and on the evidence in the case. The burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or the complainant, but the defendant or ac- cused may, in the absence of conclusive proof clear himself of a prima facie charge affirming his innocence on oath. Judges are directed to weigh the evidence of each witness with reference to his character and antece- dents. It is laid down that judges must be qualified and capable of discharging the duties of their office. A judicial decision must be accepted as final, for although judges, like all human beings, are liable to err, disputes must be decided by human beings and there must be a finality to litigation. A person who refuses to accept a judicial decision cannot be regarded as a Muslim citizen for he upsets the whole machinery of government. The institution of Muftis or jurists was estab- lished to advise the poor and ignorant as to their rights. But a jurist could be appointed only by the State, and no man, however learned, could, of his own pleasure, undertake to advise people as to their legal rights.