When Hani went with his people in a deputation to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he heard them calling him by his kunyah (surname), AbulHakam.
So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called him and said: Allah is the judge (al-Hakam), and to Him judgment belongs. Why are you given the kunyah AbulHakam?
He replied: When my people disagree about a matter, they come to me, and I decide between them, and both parties are satisfied with my decision.
He said: How good this is! What children have you? He replied: I have Shurayh, Muslim and Abdullah. He asked; Who is the oldest of them? I replied: Shurayh. He said: Then you are AbuShurayh.
Abu Dawud said: This is Shuraib who broke the chain, and who entered Tustar.
Abu Dawud said: I have been told that Shuraib broke the gate of Tustar, and he entered it through tunnel.
Narrated by Narrated Hani ibn Yazid:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses the practice of using the title 'Abu al-Hakam' (Father of Judgment) and clarifies that true judgment belongs to Allah alone. The Prophet appreciated the individual’s role in resolving disputes among his people, reinforcing the value of fair arbitration and respectful communication in community matters.
Modern Application
Today, the importance of mediation and conflict resolution is evident in various settings, from family disputes to workplace disagreements. Encouraging open dialogue and fair judgment can lead to more harmonious relationships and communities.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Respectful Communication because it highlights the Prophet's guidance on the importance of fair judgment and respectful interaction in resolving conflicts.
[Hud] said, "Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them, you and your fathers, for which Allah has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."
When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds. He said, "O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?"
This hadith is #4957 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab). It is graded Hasan in chain and narrated by Narrated Hani ibn Yazid:.