Hakeem (Hakim)

2. Detailed Meaning of Hakeem (Hakim)

Hakeem is a frequently used Quranic word that means wise, judicious, sagacious; one who possesses wisdom.

Hakeem is derived from the root ح ك م (ḥ–k–m), which relates to:

• Wisdom (ḥikmah)
• Judgment (ḥukm)
• Ruling/governing (ḥākim)

In classical times Hakeem was used to refer to doctors, sages and philosophers. Many classical Muslim scientists and doctors were referred to as Hakeem, such as Ḥakīm Ibn Sina (Avicenna).

The name Hakeem, when preceded by definite article ‘Al’ (Al-Hakeem) it becomes one of the 99 Attributes of Allah and cannot be used as a name, however without the ‘Al’, the use of Hakeem as a name is allowed, according the mainstream opinion of Islamic scholars, such as the scholar Abu Mansur Al-Azhari.

On that night it is made distinct, every wise, decisive command [of your Lord]. {44:4}

[Prophet], this news that we recite for you are among God’s signs and belong to the Decisive Remembrance [i.e. the Quran]. {3:58}

Further Quranic Verses

“And He brought their hearts together. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (8:63)

“If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’ And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (9:40)

“Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the wise/judicious/decisive Book. (1) Has it been a wonder to mankind that We have revealed to a man from among them: ‘Warn mankind and give good tidings to those who believe that they have a firm footing with their Lord’? The disbelievers said, ‘Indeed, this is an obvious magician.'” (10:1-2)

“1. Ya-Sin. 2. By the wise/decisive Quran, 3. Indeed, you are from among the messengers, 4. On a straight path. 5. [This is] a revelation of the Exalted in Might, the Merciful, 6. That you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are unaware.” (36:1-6)

Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise/decisive matter – as a command from Us. Indeed, We were (ever) senders (of revelations). (Quran 44:1-5)

Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand. And indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom. Then should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people? (Quran 43:1-5).