Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Hakkam.

Indeed, “Allah is the Judge” (Arabic: الله حكم) is another significant belief in Islamic theology. Muslims believe that Allah 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 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 ultimate Judge.

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 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 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.

Indeed, “Allah is the Judge” (Arabic: الله حكم) is another significant belief in Islamic theology. Muslims believe that Allah 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 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 ultimate Judge.

The concept of divine justice permeates every aspect of Islamic theology and ethics. Muslims believe that Allah 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 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, even if it may not be apparent in this world.

Furthermore, this belief fosters humility and a sense of reliance on Allah’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 in repentance, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and mercy.

Ultimately, the belief in Allah 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.

 It is mentioned  0 times in the Holy Quran. It is mentioned in the Hadith.

Al-Hakkam: The Foundation of Islamic Justice

The belief in Allah as Al-Hakkam 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, serves as the ultimate standard that human justice strives to emulate.

“إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللَّهُ” (النساء 4:105)

“Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so that you may judge between people by that which Allah has shown you.” (Quran 4:105)

This verse emphasizes the responsibility placed on Muslims to uphold justice in accordance with divine guidance. The concept of Allah as Al-Hakkam 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 exemplifies.

Al-Hakkam: Personal Accountability and Divine Surveillance

Recognizing Allah as Al-Hakkam profoundly influences personal behavior and ethics. This belief instills a deep sense of accountability in Muslims, as they are aware that Allah, 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.

“وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الَّذِي إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ” (العنكبوت 29:8)

“And that Allah is He to Whom you shall be gathered.” (Quran 29:8)

The knowledge that one will ultimately return to Allah 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: Solace in Divine Justice

For many believers, the world can sometimes seem unjust or filled with suffering. In such times, the belief in Allah as Al-Hakkam 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.

“وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ” (الأنعام 6:115)

“And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran 6:115)

This assurance that divine justice is infallible and unchangeable offers a psychological and emotional anchor, especially when earthly justice systems fail or when believers face personal injustices. The faith that Allah’s judgment is perfect and final helps sustain believers through trials and tribulations, reinforcing their hope in the ultimate realization of justice under Allah’s supreme authority.