How to Pronounce kazi

Meaning and Context

A Kazi, more commonly transliterated as Qadi (from the Arabic قاضي), is a judge who presides over matters of Islamic law, or Sharia. This pivotal role, with origins in the early Islamic caliphates, involves adjudicating a wide range of civil and criminal disputes, from family law and inheritance to commercial contracts and public order. The Kazi's authority derives from a deep knowledge of the Quran, Hadith, and classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and their rulings (ahkam) are binding within the legal framework of traditional Muslim courts. Historically, the institution of the Qadi has been a cornerstone of Islamic legal systems, ensuring the application of divine law in societal governance. In many contemporary Muslim-majority nations, the role has been integrated into modern state judiciaries, often specializing in personal status law or serving in Sharia courts. The position commands immense social and religious respect, embodying the Islamic pursuit of justice (‘adl).

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term originates from the Arabic root q-ḍ-y, meaning "to judge." The standard and most academically accepted transliteration in English is Qadi (or Qāḍī with the diacritical mark). Kazi is a common alternative spelling, particularly prevalent in South Asian contexts (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) due to phonetic influences from languages like Urdu, Bengali, and Persian. Another frequent variant is Kadi, often seen in Turkish and older European texts. The spelling Cadi is an archaic, now less common, Anglicization. Common typos arise from phonetic guessing and include Qazi, Qadie, Kazy, and Cady. It is important to note that Qazi is also a common surname in South Asia, derived from the occupational title. When referring specifically to the judicial office, consistency in using one transliteration (preferably Qadi in formal writing) is recommended for clarity, though recognizing the regional validity of Kazi is essential for comprehensive understanding.

Example Sentences

The community sought the guidance of the village kazi to resolve the intricate inheritance dispute according to Islamic law.

After years of study in classical jurisprudence, she was appointed as a Qadi to the Sharia court, specializing in family law cases.

Historians note that the Ottoman Kadi was not only a judge but also a crucial local administrator and notary.

The ruling issued by the Qadi was respected for its thorough grounding in the principles of fiqh and local custom.

In the documentary, the elder recalled how his grandfather, the town's Kazi, would settle conflicts with wisdom that left both parties feeling heard.

Many modern legal systems in the Gulf states integrate the role of the Qadi into their constitutional judiciary.

Related Pronunciations

• How to pronounce khalas
• How to pronounce I seek forgiveness from God and I repent to Him
• How to pronounce shaykh
• How to pronounce sharif
• How to pronounce niqab