Dr Hakim is a former professor of philosophy at Osmania University (Hyderabad Deccan, Telangana). Also, a noted poet, critic, researcher, polyglot, translator, philologist, and author of books on inter alia 1) the philosophical, poetic, and intellectual contributions of Rumi and Iqbal,
2) natural law, and 3) the core beliefs of faith. 

His education started at Lahore, followed by studies at Aligarh M.A.O. College (now Aligarh Muslim University), St Stephen’s College, Delhi (BA/MA), and Heidelberg University (PhD). His professional career started at Osmania University, where he was a founder professor of philosophy. With subsequent deputation for three years as Principal at Amar Singh College Sirinagar, he later became  Director of Education in Sirinagar. In 1949 he founded the Institute of Islamic Culture, Lahore, remaining a Director till his demise in 1959. Awarded an LLD honor’s causa by Punjab University, Dr Hakim's contributions are recognized by scholars in academic journals, annual memorial lectures, and by students in Doctoral and Master’s theses.

His main interest was in promotion of the universal values of Islam found in Natural Laws in the contemporary context. He lectured in Pakistan, the US, and at various international conferences. He was a member of various commissions, including the Muslim Families Law Commission, to give practical shape to ideas reflecting liberal aspects of Islam.

As admirably elaborated in his publications, Dr Hakim was particularly influenced by Allama Mohammad Iqbal and Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi’s lines of thinking. His books are now standard texts for scholars, such as in the poetry of Ghalib’s philosophical thoughts, and the translation of the Bhagvad Gita into Urdu verse. His books also involved translations of philosophical works of German authors into Urdu. And his speeches at national and international fora on philosophy and religion had a powerful impact on varied audiences.

Dr Hakim was survived by his wife Khadijah, his son Arif, and his daughter Rafia - who retired as Professor and Chairperson in Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore - and is survived by his granddaughter Dr. Naveed Hasan Henderson.