The Ramadan television series Tash Ma Tash has repeatedly made our courts, judges, Sharia scholars, and jurists the subject of its episodes and a preferred source of material, supposedly for the entertainment and amusement of fasting viewers.
By Allah, they have neither been truthful in what they have presented nor fair in the manner in which they have portrayed these matters.
I therefore question the purpose of those responsible for the series. If they claim that their intention is to contribute to the reform of the judiciary, can such reform be achieved through falsehoods, misrepresentation, and an approach that, in many respects, mocks the judiciary and those who serve within it, while portraying them as misguided or lacking integrity?
This is particularly concerning when such portrayals are themselves based on a lack of understanding of Sharia and judicial procedures.
I disassociate myself before Allah from such conduct and offer my apologies to our scholars and judges for the actions of those responsible for these portrayals. I can only say:
“Glory be to You; this is a grave false accusation.”
I advise those responsible to reflect on the consequences of mocking the judiciary and those entrusted with Sharia knowledge. I fear for them the consequences of such conduct and remind them of the incident involving a group during the Expedition of Tabuk who sought to entertain themselves during their journey by engaging in mockery concerning the Messenger of Allah and his Companions, and thereby became deserving of Allah’s anger and severe punishment.
Allah Almighty says:
“If you ask them, they will surely say, ‘We were only talking idly and joking.’ Say, ‘Was it Allah, His revelations, and His Messenger that you were mocking? Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after your belief.’”
Before concluding, I must state what I believe to be the truth, based on more than twenty years of professional practice and dealings with courts both inside and outside our beloved Kingdom, so that readers and viewers may understand the reality of the matter.
I say with pride that I have not encountered judges more committed to integrity, the application of the law of Allah, and justice than the distinguished judges of this country, who are bearers of jurisprudence and Sharia knowledge.
Yes, there are sometimes shortcomings and delays in resolving cases, and this cannot be denied. Such delays arise for several reasons, including the large number of cases, particularly given that, unlike in many other countries, litigation in our country is free of charge.
There is also a shortage in the number of courts, judges, and administrative staff. The State, represented by the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Judicial Council, has been working to address these matters by establishing additional courts, appointing more judges and court clerks, developing electronic judicial systems, and expanding their implementation across the courts in order to simplify and accelerate procedures.
These efforts are tangible and deserving of appreciation, although we continue to hope for further reform and development.
It must also be acknowledged that some judges may, on occasion, display unnecessary strictness or harshness in their dealings with litigants and lawyers. I hope that such conduct can be avoided, although in many cases I can understand the pressures involved given the heavy workload and the large number of people appearing before the courts.
