limit what is limitless," meaning the mercy of Allah. The Messenger of Allah has also said,
"If Allah grants you an increase [of His blessings], do give your own self an increase."
- "Al-Hakeem"
Allah has said, "... and if You forgive them, then surely You are the Mighty, the
Wise" (Qura'n, 5:118).
"Hakeem" is a superlative form, a form for the glorification of the One Who has all the
wisdom; hence, al-Hakeem is the very greatest in His wisdom. Allah is the most wise in
creating everything and in perfecting such a creation. His wisdom means His prior knowledge
of everything and His bringing everything into existence most wisely and most perfectly.
Wisdom means: the best way of knowing something utilizing the very best of means. "Al-
Hakeem" carries the same meaning as that of "al-`Aleem." Nobody knows Allah except Allah;
therefore, al-Hakeem cannot be anyone but Allah: He knows the origins of all things through
His eternal and perpetual knowledge which nobody can ever conceive as being liable to
extinction.
"Al-Hakeem" may also mean His being Holy, too Holy to do anything which does not beseem
Him. In Surat al-Mominoon, Allah says, "What?! Did you then think that We had created you
in vain and that you will not be returned to Us?!" (Qura'n, 23:115). Some scholars have said
that al-Hakeem is equitable in His assessment, benevolent in His management of affairs, the
One Who has determined the measure of everything, the One Whose wisdom is the very
ultimate end, the One Who places everything in its right place. Nobody can really appreciate
Allah's wisdom other than Allah Himself.
Al-Hakeem is free from seeking any self-interest, nor can anyone object to anything He does.
Al-Hakeem is adorned with wisdom, and wisdom is knowing the best of things through the
best means. The best of everything is Allah; so, He is the Absolute al-Hakeem; He knows
everything by the very best means of eternal and everlasting knowledge, the knowledge
which nobody can conceive as ever coming to naught, nor can there be any doubt about it,
and nobody can be described as such except Allah.
Some scholars say that wisdom means getting to know the truth for its own sake, and to know
goodness in order to act upon it. A servant of Allah, though his portion of knowledge and
potential may be little, such a shortcoming is evident in him when compared to Allah's
knowledge and might and to the knowledge and ability of the angels. Yet whatever amount
human beings have been given is quite significant by the token that Allah Himself has
deemed it great when he said, "... and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed granted a great
deal of goodness" (Qura'n, 2:269). Abraham prayed his Lord for wisdom saying, "Lord! Grant
me wisdom" (Qura'n, 26:83). Allah said the following about David (prophet David): "We