Hukumah
Definition
Hukumah, derived from the Arabic word “ḥukūmah” (حُكُومَة), generally refers to “government.” In contemporary usage, it describes the group of individuals or institutions wielding political authority within a state, but historically, it mainly emphasized the dispensation of justice. This contrasts with other classical terms such as “dawlah” (دَوْلَة) for the state, “wilayah” (وِلَايَة) for governance, “sultan” (سُلْطَان) for ruling authority, and “imarah” (إِمَارَة) for leadership or command.
Etymology
The term “hukumah” finds its roots in the Arabic verb “ḥakama” (حَكَمَ), meaning “to judge” or “to govern.” The Turkish equivalent is “hükûmet,” retaining similar implications within the context of governance and authority.
Evolution of Context
Classical Period
In classical Islamic thought, “hukumah” was primarily associated with justice and judicial administration rather than broad governmental authority. Government roles, responsibilities, and legitimacy were often covered by:
- Wilayah (وِلَايَة): Refers broadly to guardianship and authority.
- Sultan (سُلْطَان): Indicates sovereign power or rule, often associated with the Sultanate.
- Imarah (إِمَارَة): Denotes leadership or command, often used in the context of regional governance by an Emir.
The state as we understand it today did not exist as an institution with a distinct legal identity; instead, legitimacy was derived from divine authority and Islamic law (Shariah).
Modern Period
In modern contexts, hukumah has expanded to include notions of administrative structures, political power, and ruling institutions influenced by various European political terminologies. Prominent intellectuals and scholars engaged critically with these evolving concepts:
- Ali Abd al-Raziq (d. 1966) contended that Islam mandates no specific form of government, positing that governance practices could adapt to contemporary needs without a prescribed Islamic system.
- Muhammad Rashid Rida (d. 1935) asserted the caliphate was predominantly a spiritual entity rather than a juridical or political one.
- Abu al-Ala Mawdudi (d. 1979) argued for an integrated view where state, society, and government are inseparable within the Islamic order rooted in Shariah.
- Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (d. 1989) believed in establishing a governance structure underpinned by Islamic law, managed by qualified Islamic scholars or jurists.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam and the Secular State: Negotiating the Future of Shari’a” by Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im.
- “The Islamic State” by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani.
- “Ideals and Realities of Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
- “Islam and Good Governance” by Muqtedar Khan.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The term hukumah encapsulates both historical and modern nuances of governance in Islamic context - from its early association with justice and judicial authority to contemporary conceptualizations including political, administrative, and state governance influenced by European political structures.
Understanding this term’s evolution weaves together complementary concepts of authority within Islamic law, differing intellectual perspectives, and adaptive governance practices. The discussion on hukumah underscores the rich and multi-faceted nature of Islamic political thought—capable of dialoguing deeply and critically with various forms of governance throughout history.
In conclusion, while classical Islamic governance lacked a distinct notion of a modern state, today’s interpretations reflect the dynamism and adaptability of Islamic political theory in aligning with contemporary structures of political authority and administration.
