Ḥanīf

Ḥanīf (حنيف‎)

Definition

Ḥanīf (Arabic: حنيف‎, plural: Ḥunafāʾ) literally means “one who is inclined.” In Islam, the term has three primary connotations:

1. A Sincere Believer in Islam: Anyone who is sincere in their inclination towards Islam.
2. Orthodox in Faith: One who adheres to the orthodox Islamic faith.
3. Follower of Abraham’s Religion: One who follows the monotheistic religion of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrāhīm).

Etymology

The word Ḥanīf is derived from the Arabic root ḥ n f (ح ن ف), which means to incline, turn away from, or to refer to someone who has turned away from shirk (idolatry) to monotheism (tawḥīd).

Arabic Translation: حنيف (Ḥanīf)

Turkish Translation: Hanif

Qur’anic References

The term Ḥanīf appears ten times in the Qur’an, divided into two primary thematic categories:

I. Religion of Abraham

The Qur’an references Ḥanīf six times concerning the religion of Abraham:

• Sūrah al-Baqarah (2:129): “They say, ‘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.”
• Sūrah Āli `Imrān (3:60; 89): “Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was a Ḥanīf resigned, and not of the idolaters.”
• Sūrah al-An`ām (6:79; 162): “The faith of Abraham, the Ḥanīf, he was not of the idolaters.”
• Sūrah al-Naḥl (16:121): “Verily Abraham was an Imām, a Ḥanīf, and was not of the idolaters.”

II. Sincerity in Faith

The term is used four times to denote someone who is sincere in their faith:

• Sūrah Yūnus (10:105): “Make steadfast thy face to the religion as a Ḥanīf, and be not an idolater.”
• Sūrah al-Ḥajj (22:32): “Avoid speaking falsely being Ḥanīfs to God, not associating aught with Him.”
• Sūrah al-Bayyina (98:4): “Being sincere in religion unto Him, as Ḥanīfs, and to be steadfast in prayer.”
• Sūrah al-Rūm (30:29): “Set thy face steadfast towards the religion as a Ḥanīf.”

Historical Context

In the early stages of Islam, before the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) proclaimed his prophetic mission, the term Ḥanīf was applied to individuals who endeavored to seek truth among the plethora of conflicting religious doctrines in pre-Islamic Arabia. Notable early Ḥunafāʾ included:

• Waraqah ibn Nawfal: The Prophet’s cousin.
• Zaid ibn `Amr al-Khattab: Known as “the Enquirer”, he was a monotheist in search of the true faith.

Further Reading

For a more in-depth understanding of the term Ḥanīf and its significance within Islamic studies, consider the following books:

1. “The Oxford Dictionary of Islam” by John L. Esposito
2. “A Dictionary of Islam” by Thomas Patrick Hughes
3. “Introduction to Islam” by Carole Hillenbrand
4. “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan

Takeaways

• Ḥanīf signifies sincerity and orthodoxy in Islamic faith, and it is predominantly associated with Abraham’s monotheism.
• The term is repeated in the Qur’an to emphasize sincerity, turning away from idolatry, and adherence to true monotheism.
• It highlights a historical yearning among certain pre-Islamic Arab communities for religious purity and authenticity.

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of Ḥanīf provides valuable insight into the theological underpinnings of early Islam as well as the religious context in which Islam emerged. It underscores the importance Islam places on monotheism and sincere faith.

By delving deeper into Islamic theology and history, one can appreciate the timeless relevance of the concept of Ḥanīf and its enduring impact on Islamic thought and practice.