Is it permissible for a judge to engage in acts of worship such as visiting the sick or attending funerals excessively?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Judiciary

Book 62 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A judge is permitted to visit the sick, attend funerals, visit the representative of an absent person, and visit his brothers and righteous people, as these are acts of devotion and obedience. However, if these activities become excessive, the judge must not neglect their judicial duties for them because these acts are voluntary (*tabarru'*) and must not supersede obligatory duties.

Supporting text

The judge may attend some of these gatherings but not others, as he performs these acts for his own benefit to attain reward and devotion. Regarding banquets, the right of the host must be considered, as the heart of the one not invited will be broken if the host invites others instead.