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A2 noun 9 min read

محكمة

Examples Notes & Tips محكمة in 30 Seconds
Explanation محكمة in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 'Mahkama' as a basic noun meaning 'court'. You will encounter it in simple sentences about locations in a city. You should know it is a feminine noun and that it is a place where a judge (Qadi) works. Focus on simple phrases like 'Where is the court?' (Ayna al-mahkama?) and 'This is a big court' (Hadhihi mahkama kabira). At this stage, don't worry about legal jargon; just think of it as a building like 'school' or 'hospital'. You might see it on a map or a signpost. It is important to start distinguishing the sound of the letter 'H' (ح) early on to ensure you are understood when asking for directions.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Mahkama' in the context of daily activities and news. You can describe what people do there: 'The judge is in the court' (Al-qadi fi al-mahkama). You should also learn the plural form 'Mahakim'. You will start to see it in basic news headlines about trials. You should be able to form sentences using 'Mahkama' with common verbs like 'go' (dhahaba) or 'see' (ra'a). You will also learn basic adjectives to describe it, such as 'high' (ulya) or 'local' (mahalliyya). Understanding the 'Idafa' structure starts here, such as 'Mahkamat al-madina' (The city's court).
At the B1 level, you use 'Mahkama' to discuss social issues and more complex events. You can talk about legal processes: 'The court issued a decision' (Asdarat al-mahkama qararan). You will encounter the word in more varied contexts, like 'Mahkamat al-Usra' (Family Court). You should be comfortable using the word in both spoken and written Arabic to express opinions about justice or the law. You will learn more specific collocations, such as 'qaa'at al-mahkama' (courtroom) and 'hukm al-mahkama' (court ruling). Your understanding of the root H-K-M will help you connect 'Mahkama' to 'Hukm' (judgment) and 'Hakim' (judge/ruler).
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At the B2 level, you can follow detailed news reports and debates involving 'Mahkama'. You understand the nuances between different types of courts, such as 'Mahkamat al-Isti'naf' (Court of Appeals). You can discuss the role of the court in a democracy or under Sharia law. You should be able to use the word in formal writing, such as an essay on human rights or legal reform. You will also recognize the word in literature, where it might be used metaphorically. Your vocabulary will include related terms like 'idira' (contempt) or 'shuhud' (witnesses) used in the context of the court.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the judicial terminology surrounding 'Mahkama'. You can read legal documents, court transcripts, and academic papers on jurisprudence. You understand the historical evolution of the 'Mahkama' in the Arab world from the colonial era to the present. You can engage in complex discussions about 'Mahkama al-Adl al-Dawliyya' (International Court of Justice) and its rulings. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 'Mahkama' versus 'Dar al-Qada'. You can use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as 'Mahkamat al-Tarikh' (The Court of History).
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Mahkama' is near-native. You understand the subtle legal implications of court rulings and can analyze the linguistic style of high-court judgments. You can participate in mock trials or professional legal settings in Arabic. You are aware of the dialectal variations and how they might affect the perception of the court's authority. You can interpret the philosophical underpinnings of the root H-K-M and how it manifests in the institutional structure of the 'Mahkama'. You can write professional legal briefs or scholarly articles that use 'Mahkama' and its derivatives with absolute precision and stylistic flair.
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Examples Notes & Tips

محكمة in 30 Seconds

  • Mahkama is the Arabic word for 'court'. It is a feminine noun used to describe the judicial building and the legal body itself.
  • It comes from the root H-K-M, which relates to judgment, wisdom, and ruling. This root is found in words like 'judge' and 'wisdom'.
  • The plural form is 'Mahakim'. It is commonly used in news, daily life for legal matters, and as a physical landmark in cities.
  • Common types include 'Mahkama Jinaiyya' (Criminal Court) and 'Mahkama Madaniyya' (Civil Court). It is essential for discussing law and justice.

The Arabic word محكمة (Mahkama) is a foundational noun in the Arabic language, primarily referring to a 'court' or 'tribunal'. Derived from the triliteral root H-K-M (ح-ك-م), which relates to judgment, wisdom, and governance, the word literally describes a place where decisions are made and justice is administered. In the modern world, it encompasses everything from a small local magistrate's office to the majestic halls of a Supreme Court. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition; it represents the intersection of social order, religious tradition, and modern civil law in the Arab world.

Legal Context
In a legal sense, it is the physical building and the judicial body. You will hear it in news reports concerning criminal trials, civil disputes, or international arbitration.

Historically, the concept of a Mahkama has evolved. In classical Islamic history, the court was often associated with the Qadi (judge) who would sit in a mosque or a dedicated administrative building. Today, every Arab country has a complex hierarchy of courts, including Mahkamat al-Naqd (Court of Cassation) and Mahkamat al-Isti'naf (Court of Appeals). The word carries a weight of authority; to say someone is 'going to the court' implies a serious resolution of a conflict.

ذهب المتهم إلى الـ محكمة لسماع الحكم الصادر بحقه.
(The defendant went to the court to hear the verdict issued against him.)

Culturally, the term is also used metaphorically. One might speak of the 'court of public opinion' or the 'court of conscience' (mahkamat al-damir). This highlights how the root of the word—justice and judgment—permeates daily thought. When you use this word, you are tapping into a linguistic tradition that values the 'Hukm' (ruling) as a means of maintaining social equilibrium. Whether you are discussing a traffic ticket or a constitutional amendment, the Mahkama is the central theater of these events.

In terms of usage frequency, 'Mahkama' is extremely common in media. If you open any Arabic newspaper like Al-Jazeera or Asharq Al-Awsat, you will find this word multiple times on the front page. It is also a common landmark in cities. If you are taking a taxi in Cairo or Amman, 'Al-Mahkama' is often a major stop or a point of reference for directions. The plural form is Mahakim (محاكم), which you will see when referring to the judicial system as a whole.

Etymological Depth
The prefix 'Ma-' (مـ) in Arabic often denotes a place. When added to the root 'H-K-M', it transforms the abstract concept of 'judging' into the physical 'place of judging'.

تعتبر الـ محكمة الدستورية أعلى سلطة قضائية في البلاد.
(The Constitutional Court is considered the highest judicial authority in the country.)

Using محكمة correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun (indicated by the ta marbuta at the end). This means any adjectives describing it must also be feminine. For instance, 'a large court' is mahkama kabira. In sentences, it often appears as the object of prepositions like 'into' (ila) or 'in' (fi).

Daily Interaction
'I have a session at the court today.' -> Ladayya jalsa fi al-mahkama al-yawm. This is a standard way a lawyer or a witness would speak.

When constructing more complex sentences, 'Mahkama' frequently acts as the first part of an Idafa construction (possessive phrase). For example, 'The Court of Justice' is Mahkamat al-Adl. In these cases, the word loses its definite article (al-) but remains the focal point of the phrase. You will also see it paired with verbs like hakam (to rule) or qada (to judge/decree).

أصدرت الـ محكمة حكماً بالسجن لمدة خمس سنوات.
(The court issued a verdict of five years in prison.)

In formal documents, the phrasing is very specific. You might see Amam al-Mahkama (Before the court), used to describe testimony or presence. If you are describing the action of the court, the verb usually precedes the noun in formal Arabic: Qarrarat al-mahkama... (The court decided...). This VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) order is standard for official reporting. For learners, practicing the transition from simple 'This is a court' to 'The court decided to postpone the trial' is key to reaching B1/B2 levels.

Furthermore, the word is used in various specialized judicial contexts. You might encounter Mahkama Jinaiyya (Criminal Court) or Mahkama Madaniyya (Civil Court). In social settings, if someone says 'We will meet in court' (Sanataqabal fi al-mahkama), it is a direct threat of legal action. Conversely, in a friendly debate, one might say 'Let the facts be the court' as a rhetorical device.

يجب على الجميع احترام قرارات الـ محكمة.
(Everyone must respect the court's decisions.)

The word محكمة is ubiquitous in Arabic daily life and media. You will hear it most frequently in news broadcasts. Every evening, news anchors discuss legal proceedings, international court rulings, or corruption trials. The phrase Mahkamat al-Adl al-Dawliyya (International Court of Justice) is a staple of political discourse in the Middle East, especially regarding regional conflicts.

Television and Cinema
Arabic 'Musalsalat' (dramas) often feature courtroom scenes. Shows like 'Al-Mahkama' (The Court) focus entirely on dramatized legal cases, where the shout of 'Mahkama!' (Court!) by the bailiff signals the entrance of the judge.

In everyday conversation, the word is used when discussing bureaucratic hurdles. If a person is getting a divorce, registering property, or dealing with a labor dispute, they will frequently mention 'going to the Mahkama'. It carries a connotation of a long, often arduous process. In some dialects, like Egyptian or Levantine, the pronunciation might slightly shift (e.g., the 'h' might be more or less emphasized), but the word remains universally understood.

سمعت في الأخبار أن الـ محكمة برأت المتهم.
(I heard on the news that the court acquitted the defendant.)

You will also see the word on street signs and government buildings. In many Arab cities, the court building is an architectural landmark, often built in a neo-classical or traditional Islamic style to project power and stability. For instance, the High Court in Cairo is a massive, iconic structure. Therefore, the word is part of the physical landscape of an Arabic speaker's life.

In literature and poetry, 'Mahkama' is used to symbolize the ultimate truth. Poets might call for a 'court of history' to judge the actions of leaders. This metaphorical usage is common in political essays and opinion pieces. When a writer wants to emphasize that an action will eventually be scrutinized, they invoke the image of the court.

رفعت القضية إلى الـ محكمة الكبرى.
(The case was filed in the High Court.)

The most common mistake for English speakers learning Arabic is confusing محكمة (Mahkama - Court) with حكومة (Hukuma - Government). Because they share the same root letters (H-K-M) and have similar vowel patterns, students often swap them. Remember: the 'M' at the beginning of 'Mahkama' indicates a *place* (the court building), while the 'H' at the beginning of 'Hukuma' leads into the general concept of 'governing'.

Gender Agreement
Failing to treat 'Mahkama' as a feminine noun. Beginners often say 'mahkama kabir' instead of 'mahkama kabira'. Always check your adjectives!

Another error involves the plural. The plural of 'Mahkama' is 'Mahakim' (محاكم). It is a 'broken plural', meaning it doesn't follow the standard 'at' ending for feminine nouns (like 'mahkamat' - which is incorrect in this context). Learners often try to pluralize it as 'mahkamat', which sounds like the singular 'Idafa' form. Using the correct plural 'Mahakim' is a sign of an advanced learner.

خطأ: الـ محكمة أصدر حكمه. (Wrong: The court issued *his* verdict.)
صح: الـ محكمة أصدرت حكمها. (Correct: The court issued *her* verdict.)

In terms of prepositions, English speakers often translate 'at court' literally. While 'fi al-mahkama' (in the court) is correct, sometimes 'amam al-mahkama' (before the court) is more appropriate for legal standing. Using the wrong preposition can change the nuance from 'I am physically in the building' to 'I am appearing as a witness'.

Finally, avoid using 'Mahkama' for sports courts (like a tennis court). For sports, the word is Mal'ab (playing field/court). If you say 'Mahkamat al-Tennis', an Arabic speaker will imagine a legal trial involving a tennis ball, which is quite humorous but incorrect.

يوجد في مدينتنا ثلاث محاكم رئيسية.
(There are three main courts in our city - Correct use of plural 'Mahakim'.)

While محكمة is the most common word for court, several synonyms and related terms exist depending on the register and specific legal system. Understanding these helps in reading formal literature and legal documents.

Dar al-Qada (دار القضاء)
Literally 'House of Judging'. This is a more formal or prestigious way to refer to the court system or a specific high-ranking court building.
Majlis (مجلس)
In some Gulf countries, a 'Majlis' can refer to a tribunal or a formal council where disputes are settled, though it is less formal than a 'Mahkama'.

Comparing Mahkama to Qada' (Judiciary): Mahkama is the institution or building, while Qada' is the concept of the judiciary as a branch of government. You might say 'The judiciary is independent' (Al-Qada' mustaqill), but you would say 'I am going to the court' (Ana dhahib ila al-mahkama).

تم استدعاء الشاهد إلى قصر العدل.
(The witness was summoned to the Palace of Justice - 'Qasr al-Adl' is a common synonym for the central court.)

Another related term is Hay'at al-Mahkama (The Court Panel/Bench). This refers specifically to the group of judges presiding over a case. If a lawyer addresses 'The Court', they might say Ya sayyidi al-qadi (My lord judge) or Hadarat al-mahkama (Honorable Court).

In some North African dialects, you might hear variations, but 'Mahkama' remains the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) term. When reading international law, Mahkama al-Jinayat al-Dawliyya (International Criminal Court) is the specific term used. Knowing these variations ensures you can navigate different social and professional levels of Arabic society.

تختلف إجراءات الـ محكمة العسكرية عن الـ محكمة المدنية.
(Military court procedures differ from civil court procedures.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root H-K-M also gives us the word 'Hikma' (Wisdom). This implies that in the Arabic worldview, a judge or a ruler must inherently possess wisdom to perform their function.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /maħ.ka.ma/
US /mɑːk.ə.mə/
The stress is on the second syllable: mah-KA-ma.
Rhymes With
مكرمة (Makrama) ملحمة (Malhama) مظلمة (Mazlama) مسلمة (Muslima) معلمة (Mu'allima) مترجمة (Mutarjima) منظمة (Munazzama) مقدمة (Muqaddima)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ح' as 'kh' (like 'Bach').
  • Pronouncing the final 'a' as a hard 't' when not in an Idafa.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Vocalizing the 'h' too much like an English 'h'.
  • Confusing the 'k' (ك) with 'q' (ق).
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Examples by Level

1

أين المحكمة؟

Where is the court?

Simple question with 'ayna'.

2

هذه محكمة كبيرة.

This is a big court.

Feminine demonstrative 'hadhihi' and adjective 'kabira'.

3

المحكمة في المدينة.

The court is in the city.

Prepositional phrase 'fi al-madina'.

4

أنا أذهب إلى المحكمة.

I am going to the court.

Verb 'adhhabu' followed by 'ila'.

5

المحكمة جميلة.

The court is beautiful.

Subject-Adjective agreement (feminine).

6

هل هذه هي المحكمة؟

Is this the court?

Interrogative 'hal'.

7

المحكمة قريبة من هنا.

The court is near here.

Adjective 'qariba' (feminine).

8

رأيت المحكمة اليوم.

I saw the court today.

Past tense verb 'ra'aytu'.

1

يعمل القاضي في المحكمة.

The judge works in the court.

Present tense 'ya'malu'.

2

المحكمة تفتح في الصباح.

The court opens in the morning.

Feminine verb 'taftahu'.

3

هناك محاكم كثيرة في مصر.

There are many courts in Egypt.

Plural 'mahakim' with feminine singular adjective 'kathira'.

4

ذهبت إلى المحكمة مع والدي.

I went to the court with my father.

Past tense 'dhahabtu'.

5

المحكمة بعيدة عن بيتي.

The court is far from my house.

Preposition 'an'.

6

سمعت عن المحكمة في التلفاز.

I heard about the court on TV.

Preposition 'an'.

7

المحكمة تطلب الشاهد.

The court requests the witness.

Feminine verb 'tatlubu'.

8

دخلنا قاعة المحكمة.

We entered the courtroom.

Idafa: 'qaa'at al-mahkama'.

1

أصدرت المحكمة حكماً عادلاً.

The court issued a fair verdict.

VSO order: Verb (feminine) + Subject + Object.

2

يجب أن نحترم قرار المحكمة.

We must respect the court's decision.

Modal 'yajibu an' + subjunctive verb.

3

المحكمة الدستورية تراقب القوانين.

The Constitutional Court monitors the laws.

Adjective 'dusturiyya'.

4

تأجلت جلسة المحكمة إلى الأسبوع القادم.

The court session was postponed to next week.

Passive verb 'ta'ajjalat'.

5

المحكمة هي المكان الذي تتحقق فيه العدالة.

The court is the place where justice is achieved.

Relative clause with 'alladhi'.

6

قدم المحامي الأدلة للمحكمة.

The lawyer presented the evidence to the court.

Dative use of 'li-'.

7

المحكمة الجنائية تنظر في قضايا القتل.

The criminal court looks into murder cases.

Verb 'tanzuru fi' (to look into).

8

فزنا بالقضية في المحكمة.

We won the case in court.

Verb 'faza bi' (to win).

1

استأنف المتهم الحكم أمام المحكمة العليا.

The defendant appealed the verdict before the Supreme Court.

Verb 'ista'nafa' (to appeal).

2

تعتبر المحكمة سلطة مستقلة عن الحكومة.

The court is considered an independent authority from the government.

Passive construction 'tu'tabaru'.

3

حكمت المحكمة عليه بغرامة مالية.

The court sentenced him to a financial fine.

Verb 'hakama ala' (to sentence someone).

4

المحكمة ترفض قبول الشهادة الزور.

The court refuses to accept false testimony.

Compound verb 'tarfudu qabul'.

5

تجري المحاكمة في محكمة أمن الدولة.

The trial is taking place in the State Security Court.

Specific legal term 'amnu al-dawla'.

6

المحكمة الدولية أصدرت مذكرة توقيف.

The International Court issued an arrest warrant.

Adjective 'dawliyya'.

7

تستند المحكمة في قرارها إلى الدستور.

The court bases its decision on the constitution.

Verb 'tastanidu... ila'.

8

المحكمة برأت ساحة المتهم من جميع التهم.

The court cleared the defendant's name of all charges.

Idiomatic 'bara'at sahat' (cleared the field/name).

1

شهدت أروقة المحكمة نقاشات قانونية حادة.

The court corridors witnessed sharp legal debates.

Metaphorical use of 'arwiqa' (corridors).

2

تعد المحكمة حجر الزاوية في صون الحريات.

The court is the cornerstone in protecting freedoms.

Metaphor 'hajar al-zawiya'.

3

طعن المحامي في نزاهة إجراءات المحكمة.

The lawyer challenged the integrity of the court procedures.

Verb 'ta'ana fi' (to challenge/stab).

4

المحكمة ملزمة بتطبيق القانون بحذافيره.

The court is obliged to apply the law to the letter.

Idiom 'bi-hadhafirihi' (to the letter/entirely).

5

أثارت قرارات المحكمة جدلاً واسعاً في الأوساط السياسية.

The court's decisions sparked widespread controversy in political circles.

Verb 'athara' (to spark/stir up).

6

المحكمة تنظر في مدى دستورية هذا القانون.

The court is examining the constitutionality of this law.

Abstract noun 'dusturiyya'.

7

يتمتع القضاة في هذه المحكمة بحصانة قانونية.

The judges in this court enjoy legal immunity.

Verb 'yatamatta'u bi-' (to enjoy/possess).

8

المحكمة هي الملاذ الأخير للمظلومين.

The court is the last resort for the oppressed.

Metaphor 'al-maladh al-akhir'.

1

تتداخل اختصاصات المحكمة مع صلاحيات السلطة التنفيذية.

The court's jurisdictions overlap with the powers of the executive branch.

Advanced verb 'tatadakhal' (overlap).

2

المحكمة هي الضامن الأسمى لسيادة القانون في الدولة.

The court is the supreme guarantor of the rule of law in the state.

Superlative 'al-asma' (supreme).

3

فصلت المحكمة في النزاع القائم بين الشركتين.

The court adjudicated the ongoing dispute between the two companies.

Verb 'fasala fi' (to adjudicate/decide).

4

تستوجب إجراءات المحكمة الالتزام بالبروتوكولات القضائية الصارمة.

Court procedures require adherence to strict judicial protocols.

Verb 'tastawjibu' (necessitate).

5

أرست المحكمة مبادئ قانونية جديدة في حكمها الأخير.

The court established new legal principles in its latest ruling.

Verb 'arsa' (to establish/lay down).

6

المحكمة لا تألو جهداً في تقصي الحقائق.

The court spares no effort in investigating the facts.

Idiom 'la ta'lu juhdan' (spares no effort).

7

يعكس تاريخ المحكمة التحولات العميقة في البنية الاجتماعية.

The history of the court reflects deep shifts in the social structure.

Abstract noun 'tahawwulat' (shifts).

8

المحكمة هي الحصن المنيع الذي يحمي الحقوق المدنية.

The court is the formidable fortress that protects civil rights.

Metaphor 'al-hisn al-mani' (formidable fortress).

Common Collocations

قاعة المحكمة
قرار المحكمة
جلسة المحكمة
ازدراء المحكمة
إجراءات المحكمة
أمام المحكمة
المحكمة العليا
المحكمة الدستورية
حكم المحكمة
استدعاء للمحكمة

Common Phrases

باسم المحكمة

— In the name of the court. Used when delivering a verdict.

باسم المحكمة، نحكم بالآتي...

رفع القضية للمحكمة

— To take the case to court. Used when starting legal action.

قرر رفع القضية للمحكمة.

في أروقة المحكمة

— In the corridors of the court. Used to describe rumors or informal legal talk.

يقال في أروقة المحكمة إن الحكم قريب.

المحكمة هي الحكم

— The court is the decider. Used to defer to a legal ruling.

لا نجادل، المحكمة هي الحكم.

خارج المحكمة

— Out of court. Used for settlements.

اتفق الطرفان خارج المحكمة.

محكمة صورية

— A mock court or kangaroo court. Used for practice or unfair trials.

كانت المحاكمة مجرد محكمة صورية.

تحت رحمة المحكمة

— At the mercy of the court. Used by defendants seeking leniency.

أنا تحت رحمة المحكمة.

المحكمة المختصة

— The competent court. The court with the right jurisdiction.

يجب الذهاب للمحكمة المختصة.

أروقة المحاكم

— Court corridors. Often implies the long process of law.

قضى سنوات في أروقة المحاكم.

هيبة المحكمة

— The prestige/dignity of the court. Used regarding behavior in court.

يجب الحفاظ على هيبة المحكمة.

Idioms & Expressions

"العدل أساس الملك"

— Justice is the foundation of the state. Often written on court walls.

تذكروا دائماً أن العدل أساس الملك.

Formal
"محكمة الضمير"

— The court of conscience. One's internal sense of right and wrong.

لا يهرب أحد من محكمة الضمير.

Literary
"محكمة التاريخ"

— The court of history. How future generations will judge actions.

سيحاكمكم التاريخ في محكمته.

Rhetorical
"بين مطرقة الظلم وسندان المحكمة"

— Between the hammer of injustice and the anvil of the court. Feeling trapped by legal processes.

وجد نفسه بين مطرقة الظلم وسندان المحكمة.

Literary
"كلمة المحكمة هي العليا"

— The court's word is supreme. Finality of law.

في النهاية، كلمة المحكمة هي العليا.

Neutral
"في قفص الاتهام"

— In the dock / in the prisoner's cage. Being accused.

وقف المتهم في قفص الاتهام داخل المحكمة.

Neutral
"ميزان العدل"

— The scales of justice. Symbol of the court.

ميزان العدل لا يميل.

Poetic
"حبال المحاكم طويلة"

— The ropes of the courts are long. Meaning court cases take a long time.

احذر، فحبال المحاكم طويلة جداً.

Informal
"صوت الحق في المحكمة"

— The voice of truth in the court. Refers to a brave witness or judge.

كان صوته هو صوت الحق في المحكمة.

Literary
"المحكمة لا تغفل"

— The court does not overlook. Meaning everything is recorded.

المحكمة لا تغفل عن أي تفصيل.

Formal

Word Family

Nouns

حكم (Hukm - Judgment)
حاكم (Hakim - Judge/Ruler)
حكمة (Hikma - Wisdom)
تحكيم (Tahkim - Arbitration)
محاكمة (Muhakama - Trial)

Verbs

حكم (Hakama - To judge)
أحكم (Ahkama - To tighten/perfect)
تحكم (Tahakkama - To control)
حكّم (Hakkama - To appoint as judge)

Adjectives

حكيم (Hakim - Wise)
محكم (Muhkam - Tight/Solid)
حكومي (Hukumi - Governmental)

Related

قانون (Law)
عدالة (Justice)
محامي (Lawyer)
قاضي (Judge)
سجن (Prison)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'MA-H-KA-MA' as the 'MAke-A-decision' place. The 'M' at the start is common for places (like Masjid or Mat'am).

Visual Association

Imagine a large building with a massive 'Gavel' (the hammer) on the roof. The building is the 'Mahkama'.

Word Web

Judge Lawyer Gavel Prison Verdict Witness Justice Evidence

Challenge

Try to use 'Mahkama' in a sentence that also includes the word 'Hakim' (judge) and 'Hukm' (verdict).

Word Origin

From the Arabic root ح-ك-م (H-K-M). This root is ancient and common across Semitic languages, meaning to decide, to prevent from acting (like a horse's bit), and thus to govern or judge.

Original meaning: A place of judgment or a place where disputes are prevented/resolved.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Cultural Context

Legal matters can be sensitive. Avoid joking about the 'Mahkama' in formal settings, as it represents the state's power.

English speakers might think of 'Court' as both a legal place and a sports area. In Arabic, 'Mahkama' is ONLY for law.

The International Court of Justice (Mahkamat al-Adl al-Dawliyya) The play 'Al-Mahkama' by various Arab troupes Quranic references to Allah as the 'Ahkam al-Hakimin' (The Best of Judges)
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