Al-Hakeem

Hakeem is derived from Hikma. Hikma means wisdom, mastery and perfection. Nothing is perfect besides Allah Ta'ala. The work of Allah Ta'ala exceeds all mastery and He is beyond all expertise. So in actual fact, Allah Ta'ala alone is Al-Hakeem because His knowledge and His work are perfect. It is He who had fashioned every atom of the universe into a balanced and appropriate form and dimension.

If Hakeem is said to be derived from the verb Hakama which means to govern, then, it means that complete authority lies in the hand of Allah Ta'ala.  His decision is final. No one can annul His decision nor surpass Him in power and authority.

However, when the word Hakeem is attributed to someone other than Allah Ta'ala, it refers to someone who has the knowledge of Deen and whose behaviour is based on that knowledge. That is, His behaviour does not betray his knowledge which is based on established and firm principles.

Meditation on this attribute makes a person submit fully to the decision of Allah Ta'ala. Note that this submission does not prevent a person from making Dua but what is important is to hand over the final decision to Allah Ta'ala and be satisfied with the outcome after making Dua.

[English version of “Al-Hakeem” - Al Jamiat Vol.8 No.5]