Al-muhtasib

Definition of "Al-muhtasib"

Head of al-hisbah department during the Muslim history. His main responsibilities were: (i) enforcing the proper behaviour (’amr bil marwf ) and preventing the improper (nahi ‘anil munkar); (ii) supervision of markets; and (iii) helping the state keep flows of supply and demand unobstructed. He had wide executive and judicial powers. The muhtasib was often a scholar of the shari’ah.