Definition
Al-Kitābu ʾl-Ḥukmī (الكتاب الحكمى) refers to a formal letter exchanged between Qāẓīs (Islamic judges) to facilitate legal proceedings when the involved parties or evidence are situated far apart. This letter must be an exact transcription of real evidence, ensuring that justice is administered efficiently regardless of distance.
Etymology
- Al-Kitāb (الكتاب): Arabic word for “book” or “letter.”
- Al-Ḥukmī (الحكمى): Derives from ḥukm (حكم), meaning “judicial ruling” or “judgment.”
Background
In Islamic jurisprudence, the requirement for swift and fair judicial proceedings necessitates mechanisms like Al-Kitābu ʾl-Ḥukmī. Historically, the magistrate or Qāẓī would send such letters when defendants or essential evidence resided beyond immediate jurisdiction, ensuring that cases could proceed without undue delays.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Islamic Context: These letters are particularly pivotal in Islamic jurisdictions where judicial integrity and diligent case management are prioritized.
- Western Context: Comparable mechanisms are seen in Western legal traditions through extradition treaties and transfer of legal documents between jurisdictions.
Synonyms
- Judicial Letter
- Qāẓī Communication
- Magistrate Correspondence
Antonyms
- Verbal Order
- In-person Testimony
Related Terms
- Qāẓī (قاضي): The appointed judge in Islamic courts.
- Sharia (شريعة): Islamic religious law.
- Fiqh (فقه): Islamic jurisprudence or the understanding of Sharia.
Exciting Facts
- Historical Validity: Al-Kitābu ʾl-Ḥukmī has maintained its importance since the early periods of Islam, exemplifying the broader Islamic commitment to justice.
- Comparative Flexibility: Similar methods are found across historical empires and civilizations, such as courier systems in ancient Persia or the Roman cursus publicus.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “The system of Al-Kitābu ʾl-Ḥukmī is a testament to the foresight embedded in Islamic law, ensuring that justice traverses the dominion of space with unwavering persistence.” — Aisha Bint Abdullah, Islamic Jurisprudence: A Timeless Paradigm
References and Suggested Literature
- Hallaq, Wael B. “The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law.” - Cambridge University Press.
- Schacht, Joseph. “An Introduction to Islamic Law.” - Oxford Clarendon.
- Weiss, Bernard G. “The Search for God’s Law: Islamic Jurisprudence in the Writings of Sayf al-Din al-Amidi.”
In your pursuit of knowledge and understanding, may the light of wisdom guide you through every step. By delving into the profound aspects of Al-Kitābu ʾl-Ḥukmī, we honor a legacy of justice and integrity that transcends time and space.
—Ibrahim Al-Hakim, October 2023
