He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from McMaster University and completed his Doctorate of Philosophy at York University (Toronto Canada). His primary research focuses on political, legal and moral theory, with special focus on issues of minority rights and justice. Dr. Al-Hakim has taught courses in legal and political theory, ethics, history of philosophy, logic and Islamic philosophy. He has has published on various topics, including multiculturalism and identity-politics, hate crime legislation, and government ethics.