Quranic root
حكم
ḥ · k · m
The root centers on restraint that prevents wrongdoing or disorder, extending to judgment, authoritative decision, wisdom, and sound or perfected ordering.
The semantic development runs from curbing an animal or restraining a person, to judging between parties or imposing a ruling, and to wisdom as knowledge that restrains ignorance and guides right action. The same orientation also yields the sense of making something firm, sound, and free from defect.
- Maqāyīs · row 1427
- Mufradāt · row 349
- Lane · entry 15240
- Lane · entry 15250
- 11
- Quran-attested forms
- 18
- Quran senses
- 210
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
حَكَمَ
ḥakama
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 45 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To judge, arbitrate, or decide between parties or concerning a matter.
Used for judicial or arbitrating decisions, including deciding for or against someone and judging between people. Voice, tense, and subject vary across the Quranic occurrences.
- Lane · entry 15240
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:58word 14
“judge”
Quran 3:23word 13
“that (it should) arbitrate”
To decree, ordain, or establish a binding ruling.
Used when a decision is presented as an authoritative determination or ordinance, including divine decreeing.
- Lane · entry 15240
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 5:1word 21
“decrees”
حَكَّمَ
ḥakkama
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form II
- Form
- II
- Quran occurrences
- 2 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To appoint, authorize, or make someone the judge or arbiter in a matter.
The construction takes the person whose judgment is accepted or assigned, especially in a dispute or contested affair.
- Lane · entry 15241
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:65word 6
“they make you judge”
Quran 5:43word 2
“they appoint you a judge”
أَحْكَمَ
ʾaḥkama
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form IV
- Form
- IV
- Quran occurrences
- 2 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To make firm, sound, perfected, and secure from defect or corruption.
In Quranic usage this includes making revealed verses firm or established; the passive form describes what has been made firm or perfected.
- Lane · entry 15243
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 11:1word 3
“are perfected”
Quran 22:52word 22
“Allah will establish”
تَحَاكَمَ
taḥākama
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form VI
- Form
- VI
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To seek judgment from a judge or authority and litigate with one another.
The reciprocal construction describes disputing parties taking their case to an adjudicator or authority in order to obtain a judgment.
- Lane · entry 15245
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:60word 17
“go for judgment”
أَحْكَم
ʾaḥkam
- Part of speech
- Adjective · superlative
- Quran occurrences
- 2 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Most judicious, most just, or most qualified to judge.
A superlative used of the one who possesses the attributes of sound judgment, wisdom, and justice to the highest degree, especially among judges.
- Lane · entry 15254
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 11:45word 14
“(are) the Most Just”
Quran 95:8word 3
“(the) Most Just”
حَاكِم
ḥākim
- Part of speech
- Active participle
- Quran occurrences
- 6 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A judge, arbiter, or person exercising authority to decide.
The singular citation form covers the Quranic plural forms حَاكِمِينَ and حُكَّام; the role may be judicial, arbitrating, or authoritative.
- Lane · entry 15254
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 10:109word 11
“(of) the Judges”
Quran 2:188word 9
“the authorities”
حَكَم
ḥakam
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 3 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
An appointed arbitrator or judge who decides for or against the parties.
The Quranic term is used for an individual assigned to exercise independent judgment in a dispute or case.
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:35word 6
“an arbitrator”
Quran 6:114word 4
“(as) judge”
حَكِيم
ḥakīm
- Part of speech
- Adjective / noun
- Quran occurrences
- 97 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Wise; possessing wisdom and sound judgment.
Used as an attribute of God and of human beings. When predicated of God, it denotes divine knowledge and wise ordering in a manner unlike the corresponding human attribute.
- Lane · entry 15252
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 12:6word 25
“All-Wise”
Characterized by wisdom and firm, sound ordering; of revelation, wise and free from defect.
Applied to the Quran or its discourse, the adjective can emphasize both its wisdom-bearing content and its coherent, perfected, and soundly ordered character.
- Lane · entry 15252
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 43:4word 7
“full of wisdom”
حِكْمَة
ḥikmah
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 20 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Wisdom: sound knowledge joined with right judgment and action.
Includes attaining what is true or right through knowledge and acting according to it; it may be granted by God or possessed by a human being.
- Lane · entry 15250
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 31:12word 4
“the wisdom”
A divinely granted prophetic wisdom or prophetic office.
In Quranic descriptions of prophets, the term can denote the special wisdom, authority, or prophetic gift bestowed by God.
- Lane · entry 15250
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 3:48word 3
“and [the] wisdom”
Revealed wisdom or divinely taught understanding embodied in scripture.
Used for understanding, interpreting, and rightly applying revealed guidance; the Quranic discussion also applies it to revealed books and their wisdom-bearing instruction.
- Lane · entry 15250
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 33:34word 9
“and the wisdom”
حُكْم
ḥukm
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 30 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Judgment, judicial decision, ruling, or authority to decide a matter.
Covers judgment between parties, an authoritative ruling concerning a case, and the exercise or possession of deciding authority.
- Lane · entry 15248
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 21:74word 3
“judgment”
An authoritative command, ordinance, decree, or prescribed determination.
Used when the ruling is presented as a command or ordinance imposed by a recognized authority, especially divine authority.
- Lane · entry 15248
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 52:48word 2
“for (the) Command”
Wisdom or sound judgment granted as a cultivated or divinely bestowed capacity.
In descriptions of prophets and the righteous, this denotes the capacity for wise understanding and right judgment; the term is broader than حِكْمَة in the lexical discussion.
- Lane · entry 15248
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 12:22word 5
“wisdom”
مُحْكَم
muḥkam
- Part of speech
- Passive participle
- Quran occurrences
- 2 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Made firm, sound, precise, or secure from defect.
The normalized citation form covers the Quranic feminine and plural forms; it may describe something whose construction or arrangement has been made firm and exact.
- Lane · entry 15256
- Lane · entry 15243
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 47:20word 10
“precise”
Of Quranic verses: unequivocal, firmly established, and not open to corrupting alteration.
In the technical description of revelation, the term denotes verses whose wording and meaning are clear and secure, and which do not require an interpretation contrary to their evident import.
- Lane · entry 15256
- Mufradāt · row 349
Selected Quran examples
Quran 3:7word 8
“absolutely clear”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:32ٱلْحَكِيمُthe All-Wise
- 2:113يَحْكُمُwill judge
- 2:129وَٱلْحِكْمَةَand the wisdom
- 2:129ٱلْحَكِيمُthe All-Wise
- 2:151وَٱلْحِكْمَةَand the wisdom
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 28 Classical meanings
حَكَمَ
To prevent, restrain, curb, or withhold someone from an action, especially wrongdoing.
The primary non-judicial sense; it may concern preventing a person from acting corruptly or from doing what he desires.
- Lane · entry 15240
حَكَمَ
To control or bring events under control.
A tropical extension describing control over events.
- Lane · entry 15240
حَكَمَ
To turn back or revert from a matter or affair.
Used with عن to describe turning away or returning from something.
- Lane · entry 15240
حَكُمَ
To reach the utmost degree of excellence in judgment, as a term of praise.
A distinct stative usage with damma on the middle radical, applied to a man highly accomplished in judging.
- Lane · entry 15240
حَكَمَة
A curb, bit-fitting, or bridle appliance used to restrain and manage a horse or other animal.
Includes the appliance surrounding the jaw or mouth and related equipment; the passive expression مَحْكُومَة describes a horse furnished with one.
- Lane · entry 15240
- Lane · entry 15251
- Lane · entry 15260
تَحْكِيم
The doctrinal or sectarian assertion that judgment belongs only to God.
A historical designation associated with the Khawarij and the al-Muḥakkima; this is a conventional religious-political usage, not a general verb sense.
- Lane · entry 15241
- Lane · entry 15259
حَاكَمَ
To summon someone before a judge, litigate with him, or bring a complaint against him.
Used in the construction حاكمه إلى الحاكم and related expressions of taking a dispute to adjudication.
- Lane · entry 15242
تَحَكَّمَ
To act according to one's own judgment or exercise authority over a matter.
May describe legitimate or claimed authority to decide, pass sentence, or control another's property or affairs.
- Lane · entry 15244
اِسْتَحْكَمَ
To refrain from what would injure one's religion or worldly concerns.
A specialized usage describing self-restraint from harmful conduct.
- Lane · entry 15247
اِسْتَحْكَمَ
To become firm, established, sound, or securely ordered.
Used of a thing, quality, or affair that reaches a stable and well-founded condition.
- Lane · entry 15247
اِسْتَحْكَمَ
To become confused, doubtful, or difficult to discern.
A reported usage applied to an affair that becomes perplexing; the lexical source itself marks this explanation as requiring confirmation.
- Lane · entry 15247
حُكْم
A judgment or proposition affirming or denying a relation between things.
A technical logical usage concerning the attribution or denial of an attribute to a subject.
- Lane · entry 15248
حُكْم
A rule governing the grammatical or technical treatment of something.
Used in expressions such as the rule applying to a grammatical agent or to an item treated like another item.
- Lane · entry 15248
حُكْم
The status, predicament, or virtual treatment assigned to something.
A technical use contrasted with what is merely verbal or literally and really the case.
- Lane · entry 15248
حُكْم
Knowledge of religious law and its practical determinations.
A specialized religious-legal usage.
- Lane · entry 15248
حَكَم
The Judge, a divine name denoting the one who judges and decides.
A theonymic use distinct from the ordinary human arbitrator or judge.
- Lane · entry 15249
حَكَم
A person advanced in age to the utmost degree.
An archaic nominal usage reported for the headword حَكَم.
- Lane · entry 15249
حِكْمَة
Equity or justice in judgment.
A specialized extension of wisdom applied specifically to judicial decision-making.
- Lane · entry 15250
حِكْمَة
Forbearance, clemency, or control of one's temper when anger is aroused.
A usage equated with حِلْم and connected with the equitable management of the soul.
- Lane · entry 15250
حِكْمَة
Religious obedience, piety, reverential fear, and acting according to divine command.
A religious-moral usage emphasizing knowledge joined to obedient conduct and avoidance of unlawful things.
- Lane · entry 15250
حَكَمَة
The chin or fore part of the face, and by extension the head, condition, rank, or station.
These are metaphorical or anatomical extensions from the horse's curb; the rank sense appears in expressions about raising or elevating one's ḥakama.
- Lane · entry 15251
حَكِيم
A skilled and thorough practitioner who executes affairs or technical arts soundly; in later usage, a physician.
This practical-expertise branch is distinct from the basic adjective meaning wise.
- Lane · entry 15252
حُكُومَة
Judicial authority, jurisdiction, or government over an affair or case.
A substantive derived from the judicial and self-authorizing uses of the root.
- Lane · entry 15253
حَكَمَة
Mockers, scoffers, or deriders.
A reported plural usage that the source itself treats as possibly involving substitution of ه for ح and therefore distinct from the ordinary root branch.
- Lane · entry 15254
مَحْكَمَة
A place of judging: a tribunal or court of justice.
A locative noun for an institution in which judicial decisions are made.
- Lane · entry 15257
مُحَكَّم
A person given a choice between renouncing faith and being killed who chooses steadfastness and death.
A specialized religious-historical designation for the people associated with the Companions of the Trench and similar cases.
- Lane · entry 15258
مُحَكَّم
An old person tried, strengthened, and made wise by experience.
The passive and active interpretations are both reported: one whom events have controlled and tested, or one who has controlled and experienced events.
- Lane · entry 15258
مُتَحَكِّم
A judge who judges without evidence, or one who questions in order to create perplexity and doubt.
A specialized critical term for arbitrary or deliberately confusing judgment.
- Lane · entry 15261
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
حُكْم is lexically broader than حِكْمَة; the Quranic judgment, command, and wisdom-related uses are therefore kept as distinct senses rather than treated as interchangeable.
حَكِيم and مُحْكَم overlap in descriptions of revelation, but the former foregrounds wisdom or wise ordering while the latter foregrounds firmness, precision, and freedom from ambiguity.
The plural active participle حُكَّام and the feminine and plural passive-participle forms مُحْكَمَة and مُحْكَمَات are normalized under singular dictionary citation forms; QAC occurrence counts are preserved.
Unassigned or ambiguous evidence
The reported Form X use of اِسْتَحْكَمَ for an affair becoming confused or dubious is included as a Classical meaning, but the lexical source itself notes that this explanation requires confirmation.