The Exile
Al-Hakam ibn Abi al-‘As converted to Islam after the opening of Mecca. At some point after his conversion, the Prophet exiled him from Medina — a punishment almost unprecedented for a Muslim.
The sources give multiple reasons:
- He mocked the Prophet by imitating his gait behind his back when the Prophet turned
- He disclosed private conversations between the Prophet and his wives
- He betrayed a trust placed in him regarding information about Muslim military plans
The Prophet’s response was categorical. He declared al-Hakam and his progeny laena (cursed) — a term that appears in some narrations and has been used by both critics and defenders in analyzing the Umayyad period.
Uthman’s Recall: The Fitna Trigger
Al-Hakam remained in exile through Abu Bakr’s caliphate. Umar refused to recall him when asked by Uthman, reportedly saying: “I will not reverse what the Prophet did.” When Uthman became Caliph, he recalled al-Hakam and his family to Medina.
This became one of the accusations against Uthman during the lead-up to the Fitna: that he reversed the Prophet’s explicit judgment. Al-Hakam died in Medina after his return.
His Son Marwan
Al-Hakam’s son, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, became a central Umayyad political figure — secretary to Uthman, influential in the battle of Jamal against Ali, and eventually Caliph himself (64-65 AH). Marwan’s lineage produced some of the most significant Umayyad rulers.
See also: Seerah Al Walid Ibn Uqba, Seerah Al Mughira Ibn Shuba, Seerah Al Walid Ibn Al Mughirah, Seerah Qays Ibn Saad, Seerah Zaid Ibn Arqam