How to Pronounce cadi

Meaning and Context

A cadi (also commonly transliterated as qadi) is a judge who presides over matters of Islamic law, or Sharia. This judicial role, foundational to the Islamic legal system, involves adjudicating a wide range of civil and criminal disputes, from family law and property conflicts to commercial transactions and moral injunctions. The cadi's authority is derived from a deep knowledge of the Quran, Hadith (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), and established schools of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Historically, cadis were appointed by the caliph or sultan and served as the central figure in local courts, ensuring justice was administered in accordance with divine principles. Their rulings (ahkam) were not only legal decrees but also carried significant moral and social weight, reinforcing the cadi's position as a pillar of community trust and religious authority. The institution remains vital in many Muslim-majority nations today, often operating within modern state judicial frameworks, and is a key subject of study in Islamic law, Sharia courts, and comparative legal systems.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term originates from the Arabic "qāḍī" (قاضي), leading to multiple transliterations into English and other languages due to differing approaches to representing the Arabic letter "qaf" (ق). The most academically prevalent spelling is qadi, which is considered standard in scholarly texts on Islamic law. The spelling cadi is also widely accepted, particularly in older English and French contexts. Common alternative spellings include kadi (reflecting a Turkish/Ottoman influence), kazı (Turkish), and qazi (common in South Asian contexts, such as in Pakistan and India). A frequent error is misspelling the term as "cadie," "quadi," or "kazi," which often stems from phonetic guesses. It is also sometimes incorrectly capitalized as a title (e.g., "Cadi Jones") when it is a common noun, though it may be capitalized when preceding a name in historical contexts, similar to "Judge."

Example Sentences

The community sought the cadi's wisdom to resolve the intricate inheritance dispute according to the principles of Sharia.

After the Ottoman conquest, a kadi was appointed to oversee the legal affairs of the newly established province.

Modern reforms in several countries have integrated the traditional qadi court system into the national judiciary, particularly for personal status law.

His reputation for fairness and profound knowledge of fiqh made him the most respected qazi in the region.

The historical records contained detailed registers of the cases brought before the cadi of Cordoba during the Caliphate.

Scholars note that the role of the qadi evolved significantly from the early Islamic period to the Ottoman era, adapting to changing administrative needs.

Related Pronunciations

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• How to pronounce kadi