Hazrat Hakeem ibn Hizam al-Qurashi al-Asadi

 Hazrat Hakeem ibn Hizam al-Qurashi al-Asadi, also known as Abu Khalid Maki, was deeply devoted to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He embraced Islam during the Conquest of Makkah and participated in the Battle of Hunayn alongside the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) donated 100 camels to him. When he asked for more Prophet (peace be upon him) gave him more. However, when he requested further assistance, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “This wealth is apparently sweet, whosoever acquires it with generosity of heart will find it fulfilling and whosoever would acquire it with greed will not find it fulfilling and he will be like a person who would eat but will not be satiated.”

Upon hearing this advice, Hazrat Hakeem vowed not to accept any favors from anyone after the Prophet (peace be upon him). Consequently, he refrained from accepting any favors or holding any official positions during the times of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). Despite this, he remained wealthy and influential among the people.

Hazrat Hakeem was renowned for his generosity and wisdom. The Prophet (peace be upon him) supplicated for Allah to bless his possessions. During a period of restrictions on marriage and trade between Banu Hashim and Banu Abd al-Muttalib due to a boycott, Hazrat Hakeem acted as a merchant on behalf of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He would transport goods, along with food and clothing, to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a gesture of respect and to honor his aunt, Hazrat Khadijah. Additionally, Hazrat Hakeem purchased Hazrat Zaid ibn Harithah and presented him to the Prophet (peace be upon him), who subsequently freed him.

Hazrat Hakeem possessed extensive knowledge and wisdom in personal and national affairs. He belonged to the influential Quraysh tribe and was known for his righteous deeds even before embracing Islam. His good deeds continued after his conversion. He once inquired whether his previous good deeds held any value after becoming a Muslim, to which the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied that those deeds were what led him to Islam.

Hazrat Hakeem ibn Hizam passed away at the age of 120 in the year 54 AH. (Source: Ibn Kathir's Tarikh, Vol. 4, p. 406; Asad al-Ghabah; Tabari; Al-Khasa'is al-Kubra)

(Tanslation: Shifa Ullah, Bhakkar)