Hisham bin Hakam was one of the most distinguished and illustrious persons of his time. He was a great scholar and orator during the period of Harun Rashid (the reigning caliph at that time). Hisham was a well known disciple of Imam Jafar al Sadiq (a.s.). Hisham is most famous for his discussions and arguments. Theologians of great repute held Hisham in great esteem because of his powerful personality, and his supremacy in polemics. That is why he is mentioned in every book dealing with ‘polemics.’

Hisham bin Hakam deserves special mention in Philosophy and Polemics. The charges he leveled against the Motazelites should not be overlooked. Hisham was deadly against the doctrine of tasheeh which his opponents have attributed to him.