Many linguists have taken the word “Hukm” to mean to restrain or to stop and later it began to be used for judgment and authority because the Qazi and Hakim uses his position in authority to restrain people from breaking the laws or taking undue advantage through it. (2)
“Hakam” means the iron piece that is inserted into the mouth or the nose of the animals to keep them in control. When it is pulled the animals feel the pain and it is subdued and this too includes restraining or stopping in a sense.
The compiler of Lisan ol Arab says that “Hukm” has many meanings, like judging according to wisdom and knowledge and this is because they keep the people restrained from unlawful deeds.
The word “Hukm” can be used in all the three senses, creating laws, judging by the laws, and giving the rewards and the person responsible for any one of these duties is called “Haakim’
In some dictionaries the word “Hakam’ is taken to mean the delegation of authority or handing over the work to someone else.
The book al Aiyeen says the word ‘Hikmat” includes knowledge, justice and kindness and goes on to add the word means to restrain or stop from mischief. This interpretation is compatible to all the others mentioned above. The” clear verses” are so called they clearly define the laws and restrain other from wrongful
interpretations and excuses.