Hisham ibn al-Hakam

Hisham ibn al-Hakam, a theologian of the Imami Shi'a in the Abbasid period, whom Ibn al-Nadim counts among the leading companions of Ja'far al-Sadiq. ²

Ibn al-Nadim says that he was al-Baghdadi al-Kindi, a client of the Banu Shayban, with the kunya Abu Muhammad, though some say Abu al-Hakam. His origin was in Kufa, and he then moved to Baghdad. He was first among the followers of Jahm ibn Safwan, then moved to the doctrine of the imamate. He attached himself to the Barmakids and to Yahya ibn Khalid, and then kept close company with al-Sadiq. He died a short time after the fall of the Barmakids, and it is said in the caliphate of al-Ma'mun. ²

Ibn al-Nadim says that he opened up discussion of the imamate, refined the doctrine and made the path of argument in it easier. He was skilled in the art of speech and quick with replies. He lists among his books the Book of the Imamate, the Book of Unity, the Book of the Balance, and the Book of Refutation of the Heretics. ³

Al-Mas'udi describes him as a leading advocate of the doctrine of corporeality and of the doctrine of the imamate. He says that he was a partner of the Ibadi Abd Allah ibn Yazid in a bead shop without any abuse between them. ⁴

What is not mentioned here: what other Sunni scholars and researchers on his school say; an additional source is needed.