Legal Rulings

The word aḥkām is the plural of ḥukm, which in its linguistic sense means “judgment” or “decision.” Technically, it is whatever the Lawgiver’s address requires concerning the acts of those subject to the law, whether as a demand, an option, or a declarative stipulation.

By “the Lawgiver’s address” we mean the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

By “concerning the acts of those subject to the law” we include all their deeds—speech or action, commission or omission. Matters of belief are therefore excluded and are not termed rulings in this technical sense.

By “those subject to the law” we mean anyone who can in principle be held legally responsible, which includes the minor and the insane.

By “demand” we refer to both commands and prohibitions, whether these are binding or merely preferable.

By “option” we refer to that which is permissible (mubāḥ).

By “declarative stipulation” we refer to categories such as valid and invalid and the like—signs and descriptions the Lawgiver has established to indicate the effectiveness or nullity of an act.

Categories of Sharʿī Rulings

Sharʿī rulings are divided into two kinds: prescriptive (taklīfī) and declarative (waḍʿī).