Diwan al-musadarin

Definition of "Diwan al-musadarin"

A department during the ‘Abbasid period (AD 750–945), which dealt with matters concerning those officials who were called to account for their conduct and performance with reference to their responsibilities. The department had powers to punish those found guilty of negligence and corruption. The methods employed at musadarah might range from a polite discussion in which the accused might voluntarily submit to pay a fine, to torture and even loss of life or property. The department was also responsible for the management of confiscated properties. Therefore, in certain cases it was also known as diwan al-maqbudat.