Fourthly: Al-muhkam
Its definition:
Al-Muhkam is the Lafzh (wording) guiding to the meaning that is intended from it in origin with a clear Dalaalah which is not open to interpretation or abrogation in the time of the Risaalah.
The Muhkam is therefore of the highest level of clarity because there is no openness (to change) within it and is clearer than the Mufassar because it is not open to being abrogated in the time of the Risaalah (i.e. time of revelation).
Example:
Allah (swt) said:
And do not accept their Shahaadah ever (An-Noor 4).
And Allah Ta’Aalaa said:
And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever (Al-Ahzaab 53).
These meanings mentioned in these two Aayah are not open to Ta’weel (interpretation) and are not open to Naskh (abrogation). This type is called ‘Muhkam Li’Ainihi’ (Muhkam in itself) and this is what is intended here.
The Hukm of the Muhkam:
1 – It is obligatory to work (act) in accordance to what it guides to definitely (Qat’an).
2 – It is from the highest level of clarity in respect to the Alfaazh of the Nusoos (worded expressions of the texts).
3 – It is put ahead (advanced) over all of the other clear texts at the time of conflict.