6. Diwanu’l-Azimmah Some writers have wrongly called it Diwanu’z Zirnam. This Diwan, founded by al-Mahdi (158-168 A.H.) was called Diwan’lAzimmah at the Centre and Diwan’z-Zimam in the provinces. This Board concerned itself with audit and accounts and was an effective means of improving the administration. All provincial audits and accounts officers were under its jurisdiction.
7. Diwanu’n-Nazir’fi’l-Mazalim The Prophet (PBUH) and, after him, his pious successors heard appeals from all parts of the empire, and investigated into all grievances of the subjects. After the assassination of ’Ali (Rad.A) and the attempt on Mu’awiya’s life, the Caliphs became less and less accessible to the public. But all the Umayyad rulers set apart some time for hearing appeals and the inspection of grievances. According to Ibnu’l-Athir, Abdul Malik was the first Caliph to devote a special day for hearing cases of al- Mazalim. Umar II followed the precedence set up by his uncle with great zeal.
The Abbasids continued this practice and established a regular department which was the highest court of criminal appeal. Under Harun Rashid, Ja’far presided over this Board. On a certain da> Ja’far decided a thousand cases and passed brief decrees. On an examination, it was found that none of the sentences were repeated and none was again the truth or right (al-haqq). Ma’mun set apart Sundays for deciding cases of al-Mazalim. A woman brought a case against the Caliph’s son. al-Ma’mun ordered Qazi to hear and decide the case in his presence The Qazi decided the case against the prince and the decree was executed.
