Ḥanīf

Explore the term 'Ḥanīf,' a significant concept in Islam that refers to the pure monotheistic faith of Abraham, devoid of idolatry. Understand its scriptural references and theological implications.

Ḥanīf in Islam

Definition

The term Ḥanīf (Arabic: حنيف) refers to someone who maintains the pure, monotheistic faith similar to that of Prophet Abraham (Arabic: إبراهيم, Turkish: İbrahim). In Islam, a Ḥanīf is a person who, during pre-Islamic times, turned away from idolatry and polytheism to worship one true God, following the primordial faith known as Dīn al-Fitr.

Etymology

The word Ḥanīf comes from the Arabic root ḥ-n-f (ح-ن-ف), which signifies “to incline”, specifically to the natural inclination towards monotheism. The Turkish equivalent remains transliterated from Arabic as Hanif.

Scriptural References

The Qur’an frequently mentions Ḥanīf in reference to the faith and practices of Prophet Abraham. The six explicit instances are:

  1. Surah al-Baqarah (2:129):

    <p>&ldquo;They say, &lsquo;Be ye Jews or Christians so shall ye be guided!’ Say: ‘Not so! but the faith of Abraham, the Ḥanīf, he was not of the idolaters.&rdquo;</p>
  2. Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:60):

    <p>&ldquo;Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was a Ḥanīf resigned, and not of the idolaters.&rdquo;</p>
  3. Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:89):

    <p>&ldquo;Follow the faith of Abraham, a Ḥanīf, who was not of the idolaters.&rdquo;</p>
  4. Surah al-An’am (6:162):

    <p>&ldquo;The faith of Abraham, the Ḥanīf, he was not of the idolaters.&rdquo;</p>
  5. Surah an-Nahl (16:121):

    <p>&ldquo;Verily Abraham was an Imām, a Ḥanīf, and was not of the idolaters.&rdquo;</p>
  6. Surah al-An’am (6:79):

    <p>&ldquo;(Abraham said) &lsquo;I have turned my face to Him who originated the heaven and the earth as a Ḥanīf, and I am not of the idolaters.’&rdquo;</p>

Theological Implications

The term Ḥanīf emphasizes Islam’s deep connection to Abrahamic monotheism and underscores the primordial, universal nature of Islamic faith. This concept illustrates the timeless essence of monotheism as taught by Abraham, central to Islamic theological and ethical teachings.

Further Reading

For a deeper understanding of Ḥanīf and its context within Islamic tradition, the following books are recommended:

  • “Islamic Monotheism: A Study of the Concept of Tawhid” by Sayyed Abul A’la Maududi.
  • “Approaching the Qur’an” by Michael Sells.
  • “The Qur’an: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
  • “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq, translated by A. Guillaume.

Takeaways

  • Ḥanīf represents an individual who turns away from idolatry and inclines naturally toward monotheism.
  • Prophet Abraham serves as the ultimate model of Ḥanīf in Islam.
  • The Qur’anic references to Ḥanīf illustrate the significance of pure monotheistic worship devoid of idol worship.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the term Ḥanīf enriches our understanding of Islamic theology and its connection to Abrahamic traditions. By examining the scriptural references and theological implications, one can appreciate the essential monotheistic principles that form the bedrock of Islam.

Dictionary of Islam

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