Hakam (an arbitrator appointed by the court for syiqaq cases)

Hakam refers to two arbitrators, one representing the husband and one the wife, appointed by the court when a marriage is in syiqaq, meaning constant unresolved discord.

A common case: a couple who fail to reconcile after a few sulh sessions can be referred to hakam, and where authorised, a hakam may pronounce talaq on the husband’s behalf.

A hakam usually comes from a close family member or an appointed officer, not just an unrelated outsider.

Read the hakam process, or see what happens when the husband refuses to attend.