In Sufism, Hikmah (حكمة, wisdom) is a profound and practical wisdom that goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge, involving spiritual insight gained through direct experience of God. It refers to the wisdom mentioned in the Qur’an, Surah ii. 272: “He (God) bringeth the wisdom (al-hikmah) unto whom He willet”.
Hikmah is the new solo piano album by British pianist, sound scientist, and compassionate thinker Pat Thomas. The album features eight improvisations and dedications recorded at Fish Factory studio in London in September 2024.
Thomas, a devoted Sufi, understands the practice and performance of this music, as well as his piano playing and his perspective of jazz tradition, in its most vibrantly living and inclusive definition, as an elemental form of spiritual practice, his own Hikmah. Or as master double bass player William Parker put
