Alternative Spelling:
Ahkam / Ahkaam / Ahkaam / Ahkaam
What is Ahkam?
- Ahkam refers to the plural of the Arabic term hukm, meaning “ruling” or “judgment,” and denotes the comprehensive set of divine laws and regulations that govern the actions and conduct of individuals in Islamic tradition.
- Theologically, Ahkam are considered the explicit expressions of Allah’s will, providing a framework for distinguishing between what is obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked, or forbidden, thus shaping the moral and ethical landscape of a believer’s life.
- In usage and context, Ahkam encompasses rulings derived from primary Islamic sources, such as the Qur’an and Sunnah, and is applied by scholars to address various aspects of worship, transactions, personal conduct, and social interactions.
- On a spiritual level, Ahkam serve as a means for individuals to align their intentions and actions with divine guidance, fostering a sense of accountability, discipline, and closeness to Allah through conscious adherence to prescribed rulings.
- Practically, Ahkam provide clear criteria for daily decision-making, enabling Muslims to navigate complex situations with confidence by understanding the religious status of their actions and striving to fulfill their duties in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Examples of Ahkam
- Prayer Times: "Muslims must follow the Ahkam regarding the five daily prayers."
- Fasting in Ramadan: "The Ahkam of fasting require abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset."
- Business Transactions: "Islamic finance is guided by the Ahkam that prohibit interest (riba)."
- Dietary Laws: "The Ahkam specify which foods are halal and which are haram."
- Inheritance: "Distribution of property after death must comply with the Ahkam of Islamic inheritance."
References in Qur'an & Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "When a judge gives a ruling, having tried his best to decide correctly and is right, he will have two rewards. But if he gives a ruling, having tried his best and is wrong, he will have one reward. This is regarding the Ahkam (legal rulings) among you."
[Sahih al-Bukhari 7352] (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Allah does not take away knowledge by removing it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away the scholars, until when no scholar remains, the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders; they will be asked and they will give Ahkam (legal rulings) without knowledge. They will go astray and will lead the people astray."
[Sahih al-Bukhari 100] (Sunnah.com)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "If a judge passes a judgment and makes every effort and is correct, he will have two rewards. If he passes a judgment and makes every effort and is mistaken, he will have one reward. This is in matters of Ahkam (legal rulings)."
[Sahih Muslim 1716] (Sunnah.com)
FAQs for Ahkam
What does Ahkam mean in English?
It means rulings or legal judgments.
When should Muslims refer to Ahkam?
Muslims refer to Ahkam when seeking guidance on what is permissible, forbidden, or recommended in Islamic law, especially in matters of worship, daily life, and ethical decisions.
Are Ahkam the same as Shariah?
While Ahkam are specific rulings or judgments, Shariah is the broader Islamic legal system that encompasses all laws and principles, including the Ahkam.
How many main categories of Ahkam are there?
There are generally five main categories of Ahkam: obligatory (fard), recommended (mustahabb), permissible (mubah), disliked (makruh), and forbidden (haram).
Who determines the Ahkam in Islam?
Qualified Islamic scholars and jurists determine the Ahkam by interpreting the Quran, Hadith, and other sources of Islamic law.
