Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Hakkam (The Judge)
Table of Contents
The Significance of the Name Al-Hakkam (The Judge)
The Judge; The Ultimate Authority and Arbiter of Justice.
Indeed, "Allah (The Almighty) is the Judge" (Arabic: الله حكم) is a significant belief in Islamic theology. Muslims believe that Allah (The Almighty) is the ultimate authority and the final arbiter of justice. He is the one who will judge all human beings fairly and justly on the Day of Judgment, weighing their deeds and intentions. This belief underscores the idea that ultimate justice rests with Allah (The Almighty) alone, and it instills a sense of accountability and responsibility in adherents. Muslims strive to live righteous lives according to the teachings of Islam, knowing that they will ultimately be held accountable before Allah (The Almighty), the ultimate Judge.
Evidence from the Sunnah
It was narrated from Shuraih bin Hani' from his father, that: When he came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he heard them calling Hani' by the nickname of Abu Al-Hakam, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called him and said to him: "Allah (The Almighty) is Al-Hakam (The Judge) and judgment is His. Why are you known as Abu Al-Hakam?" He said: "If my people differ concerning something, they come to me, and I pass judgment among them, and both sides accept it." He said: "How good this is. Do you have any children?" He said: "I have Shuraih, and 'Abdullah, and Muslim." He said: "Who is the eldest of them?" He said: "Shuraih." He said: "Then you are Abu Shuraih," and he supplicated for him and his son.
(أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ، وَهُوَ ابْنُ الْمِقْدَامِ بْنِ شُرَيْحٍ {عَنْ أَبِيهِ،} عَنْ شُرَيْحِ بْنِ هَانِئٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، هَانِئٍ أَنَّهُ لَمَّا وَفَدَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سَمِعَهُ وَهُمْ يَكْنُونَ هَانِئًا أَبَا الْحَكَمِ فَدَعَاهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ لَهُ " إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَكَمُ وَإِلَيْهِ الْحُكْمُ فَلِمَ تُكَنَّى أَبَا الْحَكَمِ ". فَقَالَ إِنَّ قَوْمِي إِذَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِي شَىْءٍ أَتَوْنِي فَحَكَمْتُ بَيْنَهُمْ فَرَضِيَ كِلاَ الْفَرِيقَيْنِ. قَالَ " مَا أَحْسَنَ مِنْ هَذَا فَمَا لَكَ مِنَ الْوُلْدِ ". قَالَ لِي شُرَيْحٌ وَعَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَمُسْلِمٌ. قَالَ " فَمَنْ أَكْبَرُهُمْ ". قَالَ شُرَيْحٌ. قَالَ " فَأَنْتَ أَبُو شُرَيْحٍ ". فَدَعَا لَهُ وَلِوَلَدِهِ.)
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran. It is mentioned in the Hadith.
The concept of divine justice permeates every aspect of Islamic theology and ethics. Muslims believe that Allah (The Almighty) is the supreme authority who will judge every individual fairly and justly based on their deeds, intentions, and faith on the Day of Judgment.
This belief serves as a powerful motivator for Muslims to lead righteous lives and adhere to the teachings of Islam. It instills a deep sense of accountability and responsibility, knowing that every action and decision will be subject to divine scrutiny.
The idea that ultimate justice rests with Allah (The Almighty) alone provides solace to believers, especially in the face of injustice and oppression in the world. It assures them that, ultimately, justice will prevail in the sight of Allah (The Almighty), even if it may not be apparent in this world.
Furthermore, this belief fosters humility and a sense of reliance on Allah (The Almighty)'s mercy and forgiveness. While Muslims strive to do good deeds and avoid wrongdoing, they also recognize their inherent human flaws and imperfections. Thus, they turn to Allah (The Almighty) in repentance, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and mercy.
Ultimately, the belief in Allah (The Almighty) as the ultimate Judge serves as a guiding principle for Muslims, shaping their moral compass and guiding their actions as they navigate through life, always mindful of their accountability before the Divine.
Al-Hakkam (The Judge): The Foundation of Islamic Justice
The belief in Allah (The Almighty) as Al-Hakkam (The Judge) is central to the foundation of Islamic justice. It underpins the entire structure of Sharia, the Islamic law, which governs not only religious rituals but also personal, social, and political aspects of Muslim life. Divine justice, as epitomized by Allah (The Almighty), serves as the ultimate standard that human justice strives to emulate.
"Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so that you may judge between people by that which Allah (The Almighty) has shown you." [Quran 4:105]
"إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ" (النساء 4:105)
This verse emphasizes the responsibility placed on Muslims to uphold justice in accordance with divine guidance. The concept of Allah (The Almighty) as Al-Hakkam (The Judge) encourages a justice system that is not only fair but also compassionate, reflecting the divine attributes of mercy and fairness. This foundational belief motivates Muslims to ensure fairness in all dealings and judgments, striving always to mirror the divine justice that Allah (The Almighty) exemplifies.
Al-Hakkam (The Judge): Personal Accountability and Divine Surveillance
Recognizing Allah (The Almighty) as Al-Hakkam (The Judge) profoundly influences personal behavior and ethics. This belief instills a deep sense of accountability in Muslims, as they are aware that Allah (The Almighty), the ultimate Judge, monitors all thoughts, intentions, and actions. Every individual is held accountable not only for their actions but also for their underlying intentions.
"And that Allah (The Almighty) is He to Whom you shall be gathered." [Quran 29:8]
"وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الَّذِي إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ" (العنكبوت 29:8)
The knowledge that one will ultimately return to Allah (The Almighty) and be judged by Him serves as a powerful deterrent against wrongdoing. It also motivates believers to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct and to seek repentance when they falter. This constant awareness of divine surveillance guides Muslims to live righteous lives, emphasizing sincerity and integrity in all actions.
Al-Hakkam (The Judge): Solace in Divine Justice
For many believers, the world can sometimes seem unjust or filled with suffering. In such times, the belief in Allah (The Almighty) as Al-Hakkam (The Judge) provides essential solace and comfort. Muslims find peace in knowing that, ultimately, divine justice will prevail, and every wrong will be righted in the Hereafter.
"And the word of your Ar-Rabb (The Lord) has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is As-Sami (The All-Hearer), Al-Alim (The All-Knowing One)." [Quran 6:115]
"وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ" (الأنعام 6:115)
Frequently Asked Questions About Al-Hakkam (The Judge)
Q: What is the meaning of the Name Al-Hakkam (The Judge)?
A: Al-Hakkam (The Judge) signifies The Judge or The Ultimate Authority. It emphasizes that Allah (The Almighty) is the final arbiter of justice who will evaluate all human deeds, intentions, and faith with absolute fairness on the Day of Judgment.
Q: Is the name Al-Hakkam (The Judge) mentioned in the Quran?
A: The specific name Al-Hakkam (The Judge) is mentioned 0 times as a noun in the Holy Quran, but the concept is central to the text, and it is explicitly affirmed in the authentic Sunnah and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Q: Why did the Prophet (ﷺ) ask a companion to change his nickname from Abu Al-Hakam?
A: The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed him to change it because "Al-Hakam" (The Judge) is exclusively an attribute of Allah (The Almighty). Only Allah (The Almighty) possesses ultimate judgment, so adopting it as a title was inappropriate, leading the Prophet to rename him "Abu Shuraih" after his eldest son.
Q: How does the belief in Al-Hakkam (The Judge) provide solace to believers?
A: Believing in Al-Hakkam (The Judge) reassures Muslims that despite worldly injustices, true and perfect justice will ultimately prevail. This acts as an emotional anchor, helping them endure trials with hope in Allah (The Almighty)'s infallible judgment.