Definition and Etymology
Hanif (Arabic: حنيف, singular; Hanīf , plural حُنَفَاء). In the context of Islam, refers to one who is utterly upright in all affairs, following the model of Abraham (Ibrahim) with his pure monotheism, sincere faith, and complete submission to God. The Turkish equivalent is ‘Hanif’.
Monotheistic Orientation
The hanif path includes essential components:
- Pure Monotheism: Hanifs follow the pure worship of one God, unadulterated by polytheism.
- Sincerity (Ikhlas): Exhibiting complete sincerity and authenticity in one’s devotion to God.
- Complete Submission (Islam): Islam itself means submission, and to be hanif is to completely submit to God’s will as Abraham did.
Quranic Reference
Muslims believe this upright path is the basic nature and goodness (fitrah) upon which humanity was created.
Historical Context
Before the advent of Islam, the term ‘hanif’ was used to designate pious people who accepted monotheism but did not join the Jewish or Christian communities.
Key Concepts
- Upright Path: Emulating the pure, monotheistic faith of Abraham.
- Avoidance of Idolatry: Maintaining monotheism throughout life and steering clear of polytheism.
- Sectarianism Avoidance: Steering clear of divisions caused by historical religious communities like Jews and Christians.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
- “Islam in the World” by Malise Ruthven
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
Takeaways
- Hanifs represent an ideal state of monotheistic worship and submission.
- They live by the principles and faith exemplified by Abraham.
- Understanding the hanif tradition provides insight into the foundational values of Islam and its emphasis on pure monotheism and sincere worship.
Conclusion
The term ‘hanif’ is deeply rooted in the concept of monotheistic purity and obedience to God, reflecting both a historical context and a fundamental Islamic principle exemplified by the patriarch Abraham. It encapsulates the intrinsic moral and spiritual inclination towards unadulterated worship and submission integral to Islamic faith.
