and to Him the truth in their regard is apparent, evident. He knows where vision trespasses
and what the breasts conceal. He sees and oversees; nothing in the high heavens nor in the
earth, nor in what is between them both, nor what is under the ground, can ever be concealed
from His vision, and He is the ever-Present Who is never absent.
One who realizes that Allah has such an attribute will be disciplined by constantly keeping a
vigil on his conduct, by being precise when holding his soul to account. One who safeguards
his hearing and vision against incurring the wrath of the Almighty, not committing anything
that does not beseem him or is not commendable, is loved by Allah, and he will be blessed
with hearing and vision as indicated in sacred traditions.
- "Al-Hakam"
The Almighty has said, "The judgment is only Allah's; He relates the truth and He is the best
of those who decide" (Qura'n, 6:57).
Both "al-Hakam" and "al-Hakim" convey the same meaning; the origin of the first means the
same as that of man`, prohibition, from which a word such as hakama, an iron rein piece used
to restrain horses, is derived.
"Al-Hakam" means: the One Whose word is final in determining what is right and what is
wrong, in distinguishing between acts of righteousness and those of sinning. He rewards each
soul according to what it earns, Who decides between His servants as He pleases, Who
distinguishes between the wretch and the lucky, tormenting the first and rewarding the latter.
Al-Hakam is the precise Arbitrator, the absolutely correct Judge Whose decision none can
overturn, nor can anyone repeal His decree.
Al-Hakam is the One in Whose promise there should be no doubt at all, in Whose action there
is no fault at all; He has decreed that the hearts must be contented and pleased with Him, that
the souls must be submissive, obedient, to Him. He separates the truth from falsehood. In
Surat al-Ana`m, we read: "Shall I then seek a judge other than Allah? He it is Who has
revealed to you the Book (which is) made clear" (Qura'n, 6:114). In Surat Younus we read:
"Follow what is revealed to you and persevere till Allah gives His judgment, and He is the
best of judges" (Qura'n, 10:109). Other such references are:
Then who calls you a liar with regard to the judgment after this? Is not Allah the best of
judges? (95:7-8) Judgment is only Allah's; on Him do I rely, and on Him let those who are
reliant rely. (12:67)