Hakimah
Etymology
- Arabic: حكيمة (Hakimah)
- Turkish: Hakime
Overview
Hakimah was the daughter of the tenth Shia Imam, Ali al-Hadi (d. 868 CE). She is honored in Islamic history for her piety and familial connections to important figures in Shia Islam. Her shrine, located in Samarra, Iraq, stands as an essential pilgrimage site attracting both Sunni and Shia visitors. The reverence surrounding Hakimah exemplifies the intersection of religious veneration and historical memory in Islamic culture.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Hakimah’s prominence is especially noted in Shia Islamic tradition due to her direct lineage from Ali al-Hadi, a highly regarded religious leader. The shrine over her grave in Samarra, also serving as the burial site for several other significant figures, represents a focal point of unity and spiritual devotion. This site embodies a rich blend of historical, cultural, and religious significance, playing a vital role in the spiritual lives of Muslims.
Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Hakimah’s shrine mirrors the broader practices within Islam that emphasize the sanctity of visiting graves and shrines of pious figures. For both Sunni and Shia Muslims, the act of pilgrimage (ziyara) functions as a means of drawing closer to Allah through the intercession of revered saints.
Suggest Books for Further Study
- The Comfort of the Eyes: A Study of the Lives and Timeline of the Twelve Holy Imams by Muhammad Ayoub Valad Khoda Qoli
- Religion and Politics in Bahrain: Notes on the Bukhāris by Frederic Weininger
- Shi’ism by Heinz Halm
- The Thirteenth Hujjat al-Islam by Eskandar Beg Munshi
Takeaways
- Hakimah is significantly honored in Shia Islam, recognized as the daughter of the tenth Imam, Ali al-Hadi.
- The shrine in Samarra is a critical pilgrimage site embodying profound spiritual and cultural importance.
- Both Sunni and Shia traditions attribute notable significance to pilgrimage practices centered on historical and religious figures.
Conclusion
Understanding the figure of Hakimah provides a critical glimpse into the complex layers of Islamic devotion and cultural heritage. Her role within the context of Shia Islam reinforces the intertwined nature of piety, family lineage, and pilgrimage in shaping religious practice and community identity.
In compiling this extended dictionary entry, the historical context, religious significance, and continued veneration of Hakimah are brought into clearer focus, offering a comprehensive view valuable for both academic inquiry and general appreciation.
