Al-hisbah

Definition of "Al-hisbah"

Lit: Reward, calculation. Tech: An institution that existed throughout the Muslim history for implementing what is proper and preventing what is improper. The main role of al-hisbah remained the regulation of markets and provision of municipal services. The depart- ment of al-hisbah used to have a head with technical staff well versed in various products and processes. The department was often assisted by the police. The al-hisbah staff used to summon recalcitrant debtors to pay their debts, prevent too heavy charges required by ships and street porters, destroy old and weak houses that were near falling off and check accuracy of the weights and measures.