Assem Al-Hakeem
Assem al-Hakeem, born on November 23, 1962, is an Islamic preacher from Saudi Arabia with roots in Indonesia. He primarily delivers sermons in English and is renowned for his strict interpretation of Islamic texts. His beliefs are often associated with Salafism.
Assem’s life and education
Born on November 23, 1962, in Khobar, Saudi Arabia,Assem Al-Hakeem grew up in a devout family with Indonesian roots. At 12, he relocated with his family to Jeddah, nurturing an early interest in Islamic studies. Completing high school in 1980, he pursued higher education at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). However, he later left KFUPM and secured employment upon moving to Jeddah. Subsequently, he pursued further studies at King Abdulaziz University, specializing in English literature, earning a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics in 1987. He proceeded to pursue an advanced degree in Islamic studies at Umm al-Qura University in 1998. Al-Hakeem dedicated several years to studying the works of Sheikh Ibn al-Uthaymin.
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Assem’s activities
Assem Al-Hakeem initiated his professional journey as an English educator in high school back in 1988. For over two decades, he has served as an imam at a mosque in Jeddah, delivering weekly Friday prayers and conducting lectures covering diverse Islamic disciplines.
Assem al-Hakeem conducts his teachings in English, consistently presenting Islamic programs on social media platforms like Questions and Answers (ASK HUDA), Umdatul Ahkaam, Youth Talk, and Mercy to the Worlds. Moreover, he actively preaches on television and radio networks including Huda TV, Zad TV, Peace TV, Iqraa, and Saudi 2.
Views
On Islamic practices
Islamic recitation as therapy
Assem Al-Hakeem has expressed his views on ruqyah, an Islamic practice involving Quranic recitation believed to expel evil spirits, stating that “the recitation of the Qur’an, seeking refuge in Allah, remembrance, and supplications serve as remedies for illnesses and various issues, as the Qur’an holds healing properties.” Additionally, he has recommended the recitation of the Qur’an over water, followed by drinking and using it for washing, as a form of therapeutic treatment.
Limitation of prayer exemptions due to travel
Assem Al-Hakeem has stated that in the context of shortening or combining prayers while traveling in Islam, an individual who travels regularly or daily “will not qualify as a traveler for the purpose of shortening and combining prayers unless there is a valid justification.”
pilgrimage selfies
Assem Al-Hakeem has expressed disapproval of Islamic pilgrims capturing self-portraits during the hajj, remarking: “The act of taking selfies and videos contradicts the teachings of our Prophet. It seems as though the primary objective of this journey is solely focused on photography rather than spiritual worship.
On social isseus
Political views
In 2013,Assem Al-Hakeem denounced democracy as “a deception that contradicts Islamic principles. In 2016, the Maldivian Democratic Party, then in opposition, labeled Assem Al-Hakeem as a “fundamentalist preacher” who leverages Islam to “validate animosity, defend the government’s suppression of dissent, and endorse authoritarianism.
Assem Al-Hakeem has asserted that all forms of protest are prohibited according to Islamic teachings.
He holds the belief that women are not permitted to lead.
Women
While acknowledging varying opinions among Muslim scholars, Al-Hakeem personally views female circumcision as recommended rather than forbidden or obligatory. He maintains that women are not permitted to work in environments where both genders mix.
Regarding the legality of concubinage in Islam, when queried,Assem Al-Hakeem deemed the capture and enslavement of prisoners of war as humane, reiterated the rights granted to slaves in Islamic teachings, and affirmed the permissibility of concubinage.
Anti semetism
Assem Al-Hakeem has faced criticism for making anti-Semitic remarks. When discussing Ruhollah Khomeini’s religious status, he implied Iran was supported by Jewish lobbies, claiming they had no conflict with Jews. In discussing Muhammad’s interactions with Jews, he began by saying, “the Jews whom we all hate”. He hasn’t clarified if this hatred refers to all Jews or only those who opposed the Prophet. He also propagated theological misinformation, alleging that “all Jews claim non-Jews are in Hell“.
Asked about distinguishing Jews from Zionists, he stated:
“The differentiation between Jews and Zionists has only emerged recently. Zionism, a racist movement, isn’t religious-based, in my understanding. Trying to differentiate Jews from Zionists to improve their image might not succeed. They’re People of the Book with various beliefs: some are Zionist, some openly oppose Islam, and some are non-confrontational. We might approach the latter. However, the majority oppose Islam, our default perception unless proven otherwise. The Quran describes Jews, so should we rely on media portrayals or our sacred texts? No matter who advocates for Jews, if they aim to revise history, alter Islamic teachings, or conceal Quranic verses, that’s not Islam, it’s part of a larger movement to alter Islam.”
Discussing conspiracy theories like Freemasons and the Illuminati, he acknowledged their non-essential nature in Islam, cautioning against making Muslims feel powerless due to exaggerated attributions. Yet, he suggested historical collaborations between Jews, hypocrites, and the Rafidah (Shia Muslims) against Islam persist, despite such knowledge being
potentially harmful.
On contemporary themes
Cryptocurrency
Assem Al-Hakeem deems bitcoin impermissible (haram) due to its anonymity, which might facilitate money laundering and illegal transactions, such as drug-related dealings. He cautions against
engaging in transactions related to bitcoin, highlighting that the pursuit of quick financial gains through such means resembles gambling and is fundamentally against Islamic principles.
Assem’s personal life
Asem Al-Hakeem attributed his Indonesian heritage to his grandfather, who hailed from Medan and served as a judge in the sultanate at that time. Al-Hakeem’s father, Luqman, his grandfather sent him to Saudi Arabia to pursue religious studies. Subsequently, Luqman obtained Saudi citizenship, leading to Al-Hakeem’s birth and upbringing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Eaalim
E-aalim presents such muslim celebrities for junior muslims. E-aalim provides role models for the youngesters to follow them so as to grow as good muslims.
Assim bin Luqman al-Hakeem, born on November 23, 1962, is an Islamic preacher from Saudi Arabia with roots in Indonesia.
Al-Hakeem dedicated several years to studying the works of Sheikh Ibn al-Uthaymin.
Al-Hakeem personally views female circumcision as recommended rather than forbidden or obligatory.
