ḤUKM (حكم‎)

Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam

ḤUKM (حكم‎) refers to a command, rule, order, judgment, or sentence—whether from God, the prophets, or a ruler or judge. The term encapsulates a broad spectrum of meanings, each contextually grounded in the Qur’anic text and Islamic jurisprudence.

Etymology

The word ḤUKM (حكم‎) derives from the Arabic root ح ك م (ḥ-k-m), which connotes judgment, ruling, or decision-making. The plural form is aḥkām (أحكام‎). The term carries profound legal and theological weight, underscoring the divine and human exercise of judgment and order.

Qur’anic Usage

The term ḤUKM appears in various contexts within the Qur’an, each illustrating its multifaceted nature:

1. Sūrah Āl ʿImrān (3:73):

   <p>&ldquo;It beseemeth not a man, that God should give him the Scriptures and the Judgment and the Prophecy, and that then he should say to his followers, &lsquo;Be ye worshippers of me, as well as of God&rsquo;; but rather, &lsquo;Be ye perfect in things pertaining to God, since ye know the Scriptures and have studied deep.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>

   • Here, al-ḥukm is rendered as “the judgment,” signifying the wisdom and discernment granted by God.

2. Sūrah Yūsuf (12:40):

   <p>&ldquo;Judgment is God’s alone: He bids you worship only Him.&rdquo;</p>

   • In this verse, the sovereignty of divine judgment is emphasized.

3. Sūrah al-Anbiyāʾ (21:79):

   <p>&ldquo;To each [David and Solomon] we gave judgment and knowledge.&rdquo;</p>

   • This verse highlights the bestowal of judicial wisdom and knowledge upon the prophets.

Islamic Jurisprudence

In Islamic law, al-ḥukmu ʾsh-sharʿī (الحكم الشرعي) refers to “the injunction of the law.” This term signifies divine commands pertaining to the life and conduct of an adult Muslim, encompassing various legal rulings (aḥkām) that govern ethical and religious behavior (Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrīfāt, in loco).

Significance

ḤUKM underpins the moral and legal fabric of Islam. As a divine command, it shapes legislation, social justice, and ethical standards within the Islamic world.

Cultural Context

In many Muslim-majority cultures, ḤUKM serves not only as a religious term but permeates the day-to-day life via legal rulings in family law, criminal justice, and personal conduct. Judges (qāḍīs) and scholars (ʿulamāʾ) seek to interpret the divine judgment aligned with the Qur’an and Hadith.

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Arabic: حكم (ḤUKM)
• Turkish: Hüküm

Suggested Readings

For further study on ḤUKM and its implications, consider the following works:

1. “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Wael B. Hallaq: An accessible introduction to Shari’a and Islamic jurisprudence.
2. “Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali: An in-depth look at the foundations and practices of Islamic legal theory.
3. “The Spirit of Islamic Law” by Bernard G. Weiss: Explores the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of Islamic legal thought.

Takeaways and Conclusion

ḤUKM is a multifaceted concept within Islam, fundamentally tied to divine and human judgments affecting every aspect of Muslim life. Understanding its depth and applications reveals the harmonization of life and law in Islamic doctrines.

Conclusion: The exploration of ḤUKM provides insight into the core principles guiding Muslim conduct and the sanctity of divine commands in shaping an equitable society.

Tags

tags:
  - ḤUKM
  - Islamic jurisprudence
  - Qur'an
  - Islamic theology