ÿþ<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>HUKAM</TITLE> <style type="text/css"> .BODY { background:#EAF1F7 url('../images/gtbh.jpg') no-repeat fixed center; color: #0066CC} .C1{text-align: justify;color: #0066CC;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .BIB{text-align: center;color: #000099;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .CONT{text-align: right;color: #FF0000;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} </style><META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="HUKAM"> <META http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"></HEAD> <BODY class="BODY" oncontextmenu="return false" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false"> <FONT ALIGN="JUSTIFY" FACE="Tahoma"> <p class="C1">&#65279HUKAM, Arabic <i>hukm</i> for command, order, decree, law, has acquired in Sikh usage a metaphysical shade connoting the Divine Law or Order, regulating the entire universe. Its importance in Sikh theology is indicated by its occurrence at the very beginning of the &#256di Granth (Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib, the Sikh Scripture), in the first verse of the <i>Japu</i>. In the penultimate line of the stanza, Gur&#363 N&#257nak puts the fundamental question of how enlightenment is to be gained:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How is Truth to be attained?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How is the veil of falsehood torn asunder?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the final line of the stanza, he provides the answer:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N&#257nak, thus it is written:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Submit to the <i>hukam</i>,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Walk in its way.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the next stanza, Gur&#363 N&#257nak proceeds to explain the nature of <i>hukam</i>:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The <i>hukam</i> is far beyond our describing, though all that exists is its visible expression.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All life was created by <i>hukam</i>, and by <i>hukam</i> alone distinction comes to some.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some are exalted by the <i>hukam</i>, some are abased;</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some must suffer while others find joy.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some receive by the <i>hukam</i> blessing,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Others are from birth to birth rotated.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All come within the <i>hukam</i>, none beyond its authority.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They who comprehend the <i>hukam</i>, O N&#257nak,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Renounce their self-centred pride.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several conclusions regarding the nature of <i>hukam</i> emerge from this description. The first is that just as Ak&#257l Purakh (Person beyond Time) Himself is in his fullness beyond human comprehension, so too is the <i>hukam</i>, in its total range, more than the understanding of man can grasp. Secondly, however, it can be understood to a sufficient degree and this much at least a man can comprehend that <i>hukam</i> is the source of those differences and distinctions in men's condition which are seemingly beyond human control. It is the principle which determines different forms of created beings. It determines who will rank virtuous and who will be cast into the pit of vice, who will find happiness and who will suffer misery, who will obtain release and who to circuiting from birth to death to birth be decreed. Thirdly, all are subject to <i>hukam</i>; all are under its authority. Fourthly, understanding of this divine principle leads to the destruction of man's self-centred pride, the cause of his alienation from God and of his suffering. In stanza III of the <i>Japu</i> again <i>hukum</i> is set forth as the principle which regulates the cosmos in accordance with the divine intention:</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The <i>hukam</i> of Him who exercises <i>hukam</i> directs the path ahead.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forever is He rejoiced, declares N&#257nak, forever free from care.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This divine Order is manifested in a variety of ways. It is represented as the agent of creation:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By Thy <i>hukam</i> Thou didst create all forms</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 150).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It determines the regular cycle of human existence:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My friend, (you who) trade (in the things of the world),</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the first watch of the night</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(the first stage of the human life),</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You are placed in the womb in accordance with the <i>hukam</i> </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 74).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All are under it:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking, seeing, moving, living, and dying -- all are transitory.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thou, the True (Lord), having established the <i>hukam</i>,</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Placed all under it (literally, in it) </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG, 145).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it gathers into a single principle the sum total of all God's activity:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Of itself, i.e. apart from the <i>hukam</i>) the soul does not die.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it neither sinks nor crosses over.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He who has been active (in creation) is still active.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In accordance with the <i>hukam</i>, we are born and we die.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahead and behind the <i>hukam</i> pervades all </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG,151).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This principle is most immediately perceptible in the laws governing the structure and functioning of the physical universe. It also regulates such dichotomies as <i>udkarkh</i> and <i>&#257karkh</i> (expansion and contraction of manifest reality) and <i>sañjog</i> and <i>vijog</i> (unification and alienation of beings and events) . But <i>hukam</i> is not only constructive energy or a controlling power; it also signifies ethical discipline. In moral terms, it is the law of <i>karma</i>, the law of cause and effect. This is as much an aspect of the <i>hukam</i> principle as the regular movement of the physical universe. Indeed, it is a vital aspect, for on a number of occassions Gur&#363 N&#257nak explicitly affirms the law as a given fact. The conclusion which must be drawn from this is that each individual should perform those deeds which will, in accordance with the law of <i>karma</i>, bring the supreme reward. The <i>hukam</i> is sure. The goal of human life is to know or understand <i>hukam</i>, to accept it and to mould one's life in conformity with it.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But <i>hukam</i> is beyond the reach of human comprehension. Knowledge of <i>hukam</i> is not an intellectual accomplishment, it is a spiritual achievement. Knowing <i>hukam</i> does not mean knowing its nature, scope and bounds. Knowing <i>hukam</i> is realizing the existence of such a principle. This is internal comprehension, not an external or physical perception. Even such a realization is possible only through the grace of God, and it can fall to the lot of him alone who has subordinated his will to the Will of the Gur&#363 (God) .</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Obedience to the <i>hukam</i> or bringing one's life in harmony with the principle of <i>hukam</i> is stressed, but realization of <i>hukam</i> is a mystical experience. It cannot be explained through the medium of human language. The realization of <i>hukam</i> is not merely the feeling of the existence of such a principle, but it is also the attainment of a blissful internal sight. With this inner light one can see or know the ethical path which one has to follow under <i>hukam</i>.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Man does have the necessary, measure of freedom to make a decision to live in conformity with the <i>hukam</i>. The capacity for him to exercise free will also permits him to live in discord with the <i>hukam</i> instead of in harmony with it. This faculty is obviously of critical importance, for the manner in which it is exercised brings either release or continued transmigration. Disharmony is the normal condition, but it does not lead to truth and its inevitable consequence is continued movement within the cycle of transmigration, with all the attendant sufferings of this condition. Submission, on the other hand, leads to union, the consequence whereof is freedom. He who recognizes the <i>hukam</i> perceives the truth, which makes men free; and he who has recognized it brings his life into conformity with it and ascends to that eternal union with Ak&#257l-Purakh which transcends all expression.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some other terms used in the Sikh Scripture in line with <i>hukam</i> are <i>&#257gi&#257</i> (Sanskrit <i>&#257jñ&#257</i>), <i>amar</i> (Arabic <i>amr</i>), <i>phurm&#257n</i> (Persian <i>farm&#257n</i>), and <i>raj&#257</i> (Arabic <i>raz&#257</i> and Punjabi <i>bh&#257&#7751&#257</i>) . These are, however, not identical with it. While <i>amar</i> and <i>phurm&#257n</i> both mean command, they refer to a particular order, fiat or commandment rather than to a system like the divine Order signified by the Sikh concept of <i>hukam. &#256gi&#257</i>, too, means command but it also stands for permission, a connotation not in accord with the firm nature of the <i>hukam. Raj&#257</i> and <i>bh&#257&#7751&#257</i> emanate from divine Will and Pleasure, but the translation of <i>hukam</i> as 'will' or 'pleasure' is unsuitable in the context of Gur&#363 N&#257nak's usage, for it fails to convey his precise meaning and is liable to be equated with the Islamic doctrine of the Will of Allah. In the thought of Gur&#363 N&#257nak the <i>hukam</i> signifies the divinely instituted and maintained principle governing the existence and movement of the universe. It controls the universe, physical and psychical, and governs everything within it. The principle is regular and constant, and to the extent that it can be comprehended, it functions according to a predictable pattern. This regularity and consistency distinguish it from the Muslim concept. In Islam the divine Will is at least unpledged whereas the <i>hukam</i> of Gur&#363 N&#257nak's belief is definitely pledged and dependable. An apter translation of <i>hukam</i> would be "divine Order." The double meaning of the English word better reflects the range of meaning covered by <i>hukam</i>. The word "order' can mean both the regularity of a system and also a command. In Gur&#363 N&#257nak's usage, <i>hukam</i> covers both of these meanings, though not exclusively one or the other as is the case with the translation.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>hukam</i> is accordingly an all-embracing principle, the sum total of all divinely instituted laws; and it is a revelation of the nature of Ak&#257l-Purakh. In this latter sense it is identical in meaning with <i>&#347abda</i>, the Word. The identity is of the same nature as that which links <i>&#347abda</i> with <i>n&#257m</i> and <i>gur&#363</i>, with differing functions postulated only in order to bring out the fundamental truth with greater clarity. The creation is constituted and ordered by the <i>hukam</i>; and in this creation, physical and otherwise, the <i>&#347abda</i> is made manifest in order that the <i>n&#257m</i> may be truly revealed. Understanding hukam means understanding God's Will and intention <i> (bh&#257&#7751&#257</i> or <i>raz&#257) </i>, just as understanding the <i>&#347abda</i> helps to perceive the glories of the <i>n&#257m</i> which lie manifested all around or hidden within the self. Herein is Ak&#257l-Purakh revealed as single, as active, and as absolute; as Nira&#7749k&#257r (the One without form), as Nirañjan (the One without blemish), as the eternal One beyond all that is transient and corruptible. By understanding the <i>hukam</i> and meditation upon <i>n&#257m</i> through the <i>&#347abda</i> one annihilates one's <i>haumai</i> (self-centred pride) and finds the ultimate reward of harmony and peace.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The process is a gradual one, but discipline and persistence lead progressively upwards and the ultimate reward is absolute harmony and peace. With the disciple in the final stage of union (<i>sach kha&#7751&#7693</i>) there is absolute fulfilment of the <i>hukam</i>.</p> <blockquote class="C1"><p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the <i>hukam</i>, so too the deed!</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (GG,8)</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote> </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Summing up, <i>hukam</i> is that vital principle which creates, sustains and regulates the universe. All creatures get birth, live and die under the definitive order. Evil and virtue both are the creation of <i>hukam</i>. If one is good, it is because of the <i>hukam</i>; if somebody is bad that too is under the <i>hukam</i>. The <i>hukam</i> is the controlling authority of the Supreme Being who is true. His <i>hukam</i> as such is also true. The aim of life is to realize <i>hukam</i> and to abide by it. This realization is, finally, attained through the grace of God.</p> </font> <p class="BIB"> BIBLIOGRAPHY<p class="C1"><ol class="C1"><li class="C1"> Sher Singh, <i>The Philosophy of Sikhism</i>. Lahore, 1944<BR> <li class="C1"> Nirbhai Singh, <i>Philosophy of Sikhism</i>. Delhi, 1990<BR> <li class="C1"> Nripinder Singh, <i>The Sikh Moral Tradition</i>. Delhi, 1990<BR> <li class="C1"> K&#257hn Si&#7749gh, <i>Gurmat M&#257rta&#7751d</i>. Amritsar, 1962<BR> <li class="C1"><i>Sikh Rahit Mary&#257d&#257</i>. Amritsar, 1975<BR> </ol><p class="CONT">W. H. McLeod<br></p><BR> </font> <img src="counter.aspx" width="1px" height="1px" alt=""> </HTML></BODY>