Also known as: Al-Hakamu · Ya Hakam · Allah is al-Hakam
اَلْحَكَمُ
The Judge, the Arbiter.
Al-Ḥakam
Reference
Ibn Hāniʾ reported that when Hāniʾ (may Allah be pleased with him) came with his people to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and he heard them calling Hāniʾ by the kunya Abū al-Ḥakam, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) called him and said:
- Ibn Ḥibbān 736 · 1/495
Explanation
Al-Ḥakam comes from the root ḥ-k-m, which has to do with judging and deciding a matter. The ḥakam is the arbiter whose verdict settles a dispute. In the report the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah is al-Ḥakam and that judgement belongs to Him, and so asked why Hāniʾ was called Abū al-Ḥakam. Hāniʾ answered that when his people disagreed they accepted him as arbiter and he judged between them. The Prophet replied that this was good, then asked about his children, named him Abū Shurayḥ after his eldest son, and prayed for him and his children.
Questions and answers
What does Al-Hakam mean?
Al-Hakam means the Judge, the Arbiter. It comes from the root h-k-m, judging and deciding a matter; the hakam is the arbiter whose verdict settles a dispute.
Why did the Prophet ask about the name Abu al-Hakam?
In the report in Ibn Hibban 736, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah is al-Hakam and that judgement belongs to Him. For that reason he asked Hani why he was called Abu al-Hakam.