Hakim ibn Hizam (ra)

A noble of Quraysh — nephew of Khadijah — who converted at the Conquest of Makkah and is remembered for the Prophet’s ﷺ lesson on contentment vs. greed in wealth, after which he never again asked anyone for anything.

One-line: the Qurayshi convert taught that “this wealth is sweet and green,” who never asked for anything again.

Identity & lineage

Of the Banu Asad of Quraysh; Khadijah’s nephew, born (it is said) inside the Ka’bah. A generous man even in the Jahiliyyah.

Role in the Seerah

• Lent armour to the Prophet ﷺ for Hunayn (repaid).
• In the Ji’ranah distribution he received a share, then asked for more — thrice — and was given it. The fourth time the Prophet ﷺ said: “O Hakim, this wealth is sweet and green; whoever takes it with a generous heart is blessed in it, but whoever takes it out of greed is like one who eats and is never full.” Chastened, Hakim vowed never to accept anything from anyone again, and kept that vow for the rest of his long life.

Character & lessons

A model of the Prophet’s ﷺ teaching that the giving hand is better than the taking hand, and that every wealth is answerable on the Day of Judgment.

Death

Lived a long life; died c. 54 AH.

Cross-references

The Battle of Hunayn · The Siege of Ta'if · The Conquest of Makkah · Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (rha) · Mu'allafat al-Qulub · Muhammad ﷺ

Sources

• S011 — Yasir Qadhi Seerah EP 083. Sahih Bukhari & Muslim (the “sweet and green” hadith).