Price Fixation in Islamic Law

Adl and Qisṭ is indeed a manifestation of God’s mercy, rather, it may also be seen as a principal objective of Shariʿah. The origin or sources of administration of justice in Islām are the Quran, Sunnah of the holy Prophet, consensus of opinions of the jurists of Islamic jurisprudence and Analogy (Qiyās). Justice is a sacred obligation of supererogatory. It is obligatory upon the Muslim rulers to appoint judges for the dispensation of justice to attain equality, to protect the human rights from their violation, to safeguard the lives and properties, and to maintain law and order in society. As a judge is supposed to accomplish a very important and noble task being a regent of Allāh, hence, some vital merits and criteria regarding the conditions and qualifications for the appointment of the Qāḍī or judge in the light of the Qur’ān, Sunnah and Islamic jurisprudence and the code of conduct for the Pakistani judges must be observed at all costs. The author of this paper has discussed these conditions and qualifications in this article. There are some unanimous conditions for the appointment of judges, while some others are not agreed upon. While presenting the difference of opinions of the Islamic jurists, the author tried to explain, reconcile the opinions and at some places presented her own view in the light of her analysis and arguments. These conditions are around thirty, but the author according to her own discretion chose some of the most important ones to discuss in this paper.

An Analysis of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine in Public Emergency Centres in Kenya

Objectives: To describe the case mix, interventions, procedures and management of patients in public accident and emergency departments (A&Es) in Kenya. Methods: This was an observational study of patients who presented to 15 A&Es from 1 October to 31 December 2010. The study was conducted across Kenya in two national referral hospitals, five secondary level hospitals, and eight primary level hospitals. All patients presenting alive to the A&E during the 24 hour study period that were seen by a doctor or clinical officer were included in the study. A data collection form was completed by the primary investigator at the time of the initial A&E consultation documenting patient demographics, presenting complaints, investigations ordered, procedures done, initial diagnosis and outcome of A&E consultation. Results: Data on 1887 patient presentations were described with adults (≥13 years) accounting for the majority (70%) of patients. There were two peak age groups, 0-9 and 20–30 years accounting for 27% and 25% of the patients respectively. Respiratory and trauma presentations each accounted for 21% of presentations with a widespread of other presentations. Over half (58%) of the patients were investigated in the department and an equal number (56%) were treated and discharged from the A&E. Only one in three patients admitted or transferred to specialist units received any immediate therapy. Conclusions: Public accident and emergency departments in Kenya provide care to a widespread undifferentiated patient population yet most of the immediate therapy is provided only to patients with minor conditions who are subsequently discharged from the A&Es. Sicker patients have to await transfer to the wards or specialist units to start receiving treatment.