What is حق?

حق (Haqq)

"Haqq" (حق) is an Arabic word that translates to truth, right, justice, and reality. It encompasses a broad range of meanings and is a central concept in Islamic theology, law, and ethics. Understanding Haqq is fundamental to grasping many aspects of Islamic thought.

Key aspects of Haqq include:

• Truth (الحقيقة al-Haqiqa): Haqq represents the absolute and ultimate truth, often associated with God (Allah). This aspect is linked to the divine nature and the understanding of the true reality of existence. See: Truth
• Right (الحق al-Haqq): Haqq defines what is morally and legally right. This relates to the rights that individuals have, the obligations they owe to others and to God, and the principles of justice that should govern society. See: Right
• Justice (العدل al-'Adl): Closely tied to the concept of right, Haqq embodies the principle of justice. It necessitates fairness, equity, and the upholding of the rights of all individuals within a community. See: Justice
• Reality (الواقع al-Waqi'): Haqq signifies the real, the authentic, and the tangible. It contrasts with falsehood, illusion, and deception. This can pertain to both the physical world and the spiritual realm. See: Reality

In Islamic thought, Allah is often referred to as "Al-Haqq" (The Truth), emphasizing that He is the ultimate source of all truth, justice, and reality. Muslims believe that striving for Haqq is a fundamental duty, and that living in accordance with Haqq leads to both individual and collective well-being.

The concept of Haqq is deeply intertwined with other core Islamic concepts such as Adl (Justice), Ihsan (Excellence), and Tawhid (Oneness of God). It serves as a guiding principle for all aspects of life, from personal conduct to governance and international relations.