Hanif
In Islam, a hanif (Arabic: حنيف, plural: ḥunafāʾ) refers to a monotheist who adheres to the primordial, pure faith of Abraham, characterized by submission to the one God and rejection of idolatry and polytheism.[1][2] The term embodies an upright, unadulterated form of monotheism that predates Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, serving as a model for true religious devotion in the Quranic worldview.[1] The word hanif appears ten times in the Quran, most notably in association with the Prophet Abraham, who is described as a hanif and a muslim (one who submits to God) in verses such as 3:67 and 6:79.[1][2] These passages emphasize that Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian but followed the straight path of monotheism, turning away from the idols of his people.[2] Classical Islamic commentaries, such as those by al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, interpret hanif as signifying righteousness, inclination toward truth, or deviation from false religions toward the correct one.[1] Etymologically, hanif derives from a Semitic root related to the Syriac hanpā, meaning 'pagan' or 'heathen' (one who turns away from the true faith), but in the Quranic context, it denotes a positive shift toward monotheism in late antique settings.[2][1] Some scholars have proposed links to broader Near Eastern terms for "God-fearers," such as theosebes in Greek, suggesting hanifs as a pre-Islamic group of monotheists in Arabia who bridged Abrahamic traditions and influenced Islam's emergence.[2] In Islamic theology, the concept underscores the universality of monotheism, positioning Islam as its continuation rather than a novel invention.[1]Definition and Terminology
Meaning and Usage
The term ḥanīf (plural ḥunafāʾ) designates a monotheist in pre-Islamic Arabia who rejected idolatry and adhered to the primordial religion of Abraham, referred to as millat Ibrāhīm.[3] This concept emphasizes a pure form of devotion to the one God, distinct from the polytheistic practices dominant in the region.[4] In early Islamic sources, ḥanīf is used to describe individuals or groups who practiced monotheism without formal ties to Judaism or Christianity, positioning them as adherents to an uncorrupted Abrahamic tradition.[2] These sources highlight ḥanīfs as exemplars of turning away from tribal polytheism toward a universal faith centered on divine unity.[3] Central characteristics of a ḥanīf include a strong emphasis on tawḥīd (the oneness of God), the complete avoidance of idol worship, and alignment with Abrahamic submission (islām in its general sense of surrender to God).[4] This usage underscores a deliberate inclination toward truth and purity in belief, free from the doctrinal accretions associated with later revealed religions.[2] Common translations of ḥanīf include "upright person," "true believer," or "monotheist inclined toward truth," reflecting its connotation of moral and theological rectitude.[3] These renderings capture the term's role in denoting sincere devotion outside established religious frameworks.[4]Etymology
The term ḥanīf (حنيف) derives from the Arabic triliteral root ḥ-n-f (ح-ن-ف), which fundamentally signifies "to incline," "to deviate," or "to turn away" from a straight path or established norm.[3] This root implies a sense of bending or swerving, often applied in religious contexts to describe a shift away from polytheistic practices toward monotheistic belief, as one who turns from idols to the worship of a single deity.[5] In classical Arabic lexicography, such as Edward William Lane's compilation drawing from medieval sources, the root is elaborated as denoting deviation from the "right course," particularly in matters of faith.[5] Scholars trace potential Semitic cognates, notably to the Syriac ḥanpā (ܚܢܦܐ), meaning "pagan," "impious," or "deceiver," suggesting the term may have entered Arabic as a loanword with an initially pejorative connotation of religious deviance or heresy.[6] This negative sense, implying one who strays from orthodoxy, aligns with broader Aramaic influences in pre-Islamic Arabia and was later repurposed in Islamic usage to convey positive adherence to primordial monotheism.[7] Interpretations also connect it to the Hebrew ḥānēp (חָנֵף), denoting "hypocrite" or "profane," reflecting shared Semitic roots for concepts of religious inclination or apostasy, though direct borrowing from Hebrew is considered less likely than the Syriac path.[8] Historical attestations of ḥanīf appear in pre-Islamic Arabic poetry and inscriptions, where it often carried connotations of paganism or ascetic deviation, as seen in verses attributed to poets like Imru' al-Qays, describing one who inclines away from tribal norms.[9] In the classical lexicon Lisān al-ʿArab by Ibn Manẓūr (d. 1311 CE), the term is defined with reference to such early usages, equating it to a "heathen" or one who deviates religiously, yet evolving in post-Quranic texts to denote orthodox monotheism and uprightness in faith.[10] This philological shift highlights how the word transitioned from denoting religious outsiders in jāhilī (pre-Islamic) literature to symbolizing fidelity to divine truth in Islamic orthodoxy.[5]Quranic References
Occurrences in the Quran
The term ḥanīf (singular) appears ten times in the Quran, in the following verses: 2:135, 3:67, 3:95, 4:125, 6:79, 6:161, 10:105, 16:120, 16:123, and 30:30. Its plural form, ḥunafāʾ, occurs twice, in 22:31 and 98:5. These instances predominantly associate the concept with pure monotheism (tawḥīd), emphasizing devotion to God alone without partners (shirk). In several verses, ḥanīf is explicitly tied to the "religion of Abraham" (millat Ibrāhīm), portraying it as the archetype of upright faith. For example, Quran 2:135 states: "And they say, 'Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided.' Say, 'Rather, [we follow] the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth [ḥanīf], and he was not of the polytheists.'" Similar phrasing recurs in 3:95, 4:125, 6:161, and 16:123, urging adherence to this primordial monotheism over distorted traditions. Verses like 6:79 and 10:105 direct the Prophet Muhammad to "turn your face toward the religion, inclining to truth [ḥanīf]," reinforcing rejection of idolatry and associationism. The plural forms in 22:31 and 98:5 extend this to a collective imperative: "being sincerely obedient to Him [ḥunafāʾ for Allah], not associating [anything] with Him" (22:31), and commanding worship "sincerely for Him in religion, inclining to truth [ḥunafāʾ]" (98:5). Contextually, these occurrences serve a rhetorical function to validate Islam as the authentic continuation of Abrahamic monotheism, distinguishing it from perceived deviations in Judaism and Christianity.[11] The term counters claims of exclusivity by Jews and Christians (e.g., 2:135, 3:67), positioning ḥanīf as a return to unadulterated faith free from innovation (bidʿah) or polytheism. This emphasis on purity underscores themes of divine unity and ethical uprightness across the surahs, particularly in Meccan chapters like Al-Naḥl (16) and Yūnus (10). Classical exegesis, such as in al-Ṭabarī's Jāmiʿ al-bayān, interprets ḥanīf as denoting one who inclines away from falsehood toward the "straight path" (ṣirāṭ mustaqīm) of exclusive worship of God, akin to performing rituals like ḥajj correctly without idolatrous elements. Al-Ṭabarī links it to Abraham's rejection of idols, implying a "pure faith" that deviates from misguidance to righteousness.[12] This aligns with later commentators like Ibn Kathīr, who describe it as turning resolutely from shirk to tawḥīd.Abraham as the Archetypal Hanif
In the Quran, Abraham (Ibrahim) is portrayed as the archetypal hanif, the quintessential monotheist who embodies pure devotion to the one God free from idolatry or sectarian affiliation. This identification appears explicitly eight times, linking his faith directly to the concept of hanifiyya as the primordial religion of submission. For example, Quran 3:67 declares: "Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a hanif, submitting [to Allah], and he was not of the polytheists."[13][14] Similar affirmations recur in verses such as 2:135, 3:95, 4:125, 6:161, 16:120, and 16:123, emphasizing that Abraham's path—described as hanif and upright—serves as the model for true believers.[15] Abraham's narrative in the Quran illustrates his role in founding monotheism through decisive rejection of polytheism, a defining act of hanif piety. He challenges his people by smashing idols and questioning their worship, proclaiming in Quran 21:52-54 that such practices lead to misguidance while affirming faith in the Creator alone. This "turning away" from falsehood is etymologically and symbolically captured in Quran 6:79, where Abraham states: "Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining to truth [hanifan], and I am not of the polytheists." Complementing this, Abraham and his son Ishmael build the Kaaba as a house of worship, raising its foundations while invoking God's acceptance and a legacy of monotheistic progeny (Quran 2:127). His covenant with God, forged through trials he faithfully endured, further cements his status as a leader for the righteous (Quran 2:124). Theologically, Abraham's depiction as the archetypal hanif underscores hanifiyya as unadulterated faith, bridging pre-Islamic monotheistic remnants with Islam's core message of submission. The Quran positions his "religion" (millat Ibrahim) as the straight path and best din, commanding followers to emulate it as a rejection of innovation and division (Quran 16:123; 3:95).[16] By framing Abraham as a hanif submitter unbound by Judaism or Christianity, the text critiques later Abrahamic distortions and affirms Islam as their restoration, uniting believers under primordial tawhid.[15]Historical and Cultural Context
Pre-Islamic Monotheism in Arabia
In pre-Islamic Arabia, polytheism dominated the religious landscape, with Arabs venerating a pantheon of deities, spirits, and djinn through animistic and idolatrous practices at local shrines and temples.[17] The Kaaba in Mecca functioned as the preeminent sanctuary, housing around 360 idols representing tribal and regional gods, including Hubal as the chief deity and the goddesses Allāt, Al-‘Uzzá, and Manāt, whose worship involved rituals like circumambulation, sacrifices, and pilgrimages.[18] These beliefs drew influences from Mesopotamian traditions, such as astral deities, and Persian Zoroastrianism, which permeated eastern and southern Arabia through trade and Sasanian expansion, introducing dualistic elements alongside polytheistic customs.[17] Monotheistic communities formed distinct pockets amid this polytheistic majority, primarily through Jewish and Christian settlements. Jewish tribes, including the Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza, established themselves in Yathrib (later Medina) by the sixth century CE, engaging in agriculture, trade, and fortified urban life while adhering to Mosaic law.[19] Christian groups flourished in Najran and among border tribes like the Ghassanids and Himyarites, influenced by Byzantine and Aksumite missionaries, with monophysite doctrines prevailing and even statues of Jesus and Mary reportedly housed in the Kaaba.[20] Zoroastrianism further contributed to these undercurrents in eastern regions like Bahrain, where fire temples and magi practices coexisted with local beliefs.[17] Hanif-aligned practices represented isolated monotheistic expressions rooted in Abrahamic traditions, emphasizing the rejection of idols and images in favor of a singular creator god.[21] Adherents directed prayers toward the Kaaba as a symbol of primordial worship and maintained oral narratives of Abraham and Ishmael as models of pure monotheism, distinct from formalized Judaism or Christianity.[21] Subtle cross-influences from Zoroastrian dualism enriched these practices, blending with indigenous rituals.[17] Hanifs served as marginal yet provocative figures in Arabian society, often facing ostracism for defying tribal polytheistic norms and idol veneration.[22] Positioned along vital trade routes like those connecting Yemen to Syria via Mecca, they indirectly shaped cultural exchanges by promoting monotheistic ideas amid diverse merchant communities. Some, like the poet Umayya ibn Abi al-Salt, channeled these beliefs into pre-Islamic poetry, using verse to critique idolatry and evoke Abrahamic themes, thereby influencing oral literary traditions.[21]Historicity and Scholarly Debate
The primary sources attesting to the existence of Hanifs in pre-Islamic Arabia are confined to Islamic literary traditions, including the Sira literature and hadith collections. Ibn Ishaq's Sira, the earliest comprehensive biography of Muhammad, describes several individuals as Hanifs, such as Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, who rejected idol worship and sought a monotheistic faith aligned with Abraham's religion, though he did not fully convert to Judaism or Christianity. Hadith in collections like Sahih al-Bukhari reference the term "hanif" in Quranic contexts, portraying it as the pure monotheism of Abraham, but provide no independent pre-Islamic narratives beyond these. Pre-Islamic poetry, including verses attributed to Zayd ibn Amr, expresses anti-idolatrous sentiments and invocations of a supreme deity, suggesting isolated monotheistic inclinations among some Arabs. However, no archaeological evidence corroborates the existence of a organized Hanif cult or widespread movement in the Arabian Peninsula during this period. External references to Abrahamic monotheists among pre-Islamic Arabs appear in 5th-century Greek Christian accounts, offering limited but intriguing corroboration outside Islamic sources. Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History (ca. 440 CE) reports that the Saracens (Arabs) practiced circumcision and other Jewish customs, having learned from Jews about their descent from Abraham through Ishmael and Hagar, and thus ashamed of their origins, they adopted the name Saracens from Sarah. Epiphanius of Salamis (ca. 375 CE) mentions "Hagarenes" in his Panarion as a group tracing lineage to Hagar, potentially alluding to Arab monotheistic communities influenced by Jewish-Christian traditions, though not explicitly termed Hanifs. These accounts indicate the presence of Abrahamic-leaning groups among Arabs, but they lack specificity on a distinct Hanif identity and predate the 7th-century Islamic context by centuries. Modern scholarly debate on the historicity of Hanifs remains polarized, with traditionalists affirming their role as genuine pre-Islamic monotheists based on Islamic sources, while revisionists view the concept as largely a retrojective Islamic construct. Patricia Crone and Michael Cook, in their analysis of early Islamic origins, express deep skepticism toward the Sira and hadith as historical records, arguing that Hanifs represent a transvaluation of pagan Arabian practices (e.g., circumcision and sacrifice) into an Abrahamic framework to forge a distinct Hagarene (Ishmaelite) identity, with little contemporary non-Muslim verification.[23] Uri Rubin similarly posits that Muslim reports of pre-Islamic Hanifs following the "religion of Abraham" (din Ibrahim) are projections from later Islamic theology, designed to position Islam as a restoration of primordial monotheism rather than a novel revelation. Key challenges include the scarcity of contemporaneous non-Islamic records explicitly naming Hanifs, raising doubts about their distinctiveness, and the likelihood of conflation with Jewish proselytes or Christian sympathizers (ḥunafāʾ) in the diverse religious landscape of late antique Arabia.Notable Hanifs
Prominent Individuals
Zayd ibn Amr (d. ca. 605 CE) was an early 6th-century Meccan from the Quraysh tribe's Adi clan, renowned for his outspoken criticism of idolatry in pre-Islamic Arabia.[24] He rejected polytheistic practices, refusing to consume meat from animals sacrificed to idols, and sought a purer form of monotheism aligned with the religion of Abraham (din Ibrahim).[15] As a Hanif, Zayd explored Jewish and Christian communities in Syria and elsewhere but declined to convert, maintaining an independent monotheistic stance that predated Muhammad's prophethood.[25] He was the uncle of the future caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and maintained ties to Muhammad's broader Quraysh circle, dying shortly before the advent of Islam without embracing any established faith.[24] Waraka ibn Nawfal (d. ca. 610 CE), a learned Christian scholar and paternal cousin of Muhammad's first wife Khadija bint Khuwaylid, exemplified Hanif monotheism through his deep engagement with Abrahamic scriptures.[26] From the Quraysh tribe's Asad clan, Waraka translated portions of the Torah and Gospel into Arabic, drawing on Jewish and Christian traditions while rejecting the Trinity in favor of strict unitarianism.[27] He recognized Muhammad's initial revelation as prophetic, affirming it as the coming of the Namus (a figure akin to Moses) and declaring, "This is the Namus that was brought to Moses," thereby bridging pre-Islamic monotheism with emerging Islam.[28] Waraka's proximity to Muhammad's family and his scholarly role positioned him as a key intellectual supporter in Mecca's religious milieu.[26] Umayyah ibn Abi al-Salt (d. ca. 630 CE), a prominent poet from Ta'if associated with the Thaqif tribe, composed verses extolling monotheism and the legacy of Abraham, reflecting Hanif inclinations amid interactions with Jewish and Christian ideas.[29] His poetry praised the singular God as creator and rewarder, as in lines contrasting divine eternity with human transience, and invoked Abraham's trials, such as the near-sacrifice of his son, to underscore faithful submission.[29] Umayyah engaged biblical narratives from Torah and Gospel readings, adhering to a unitarian monotheism that rejected idolatry and aligned with pre-Islamic seekers of truth.[30] These prominent Hanifs shared a personal repudiation of Arabian polytheism, a deliberate turn toward Abrahamic monotheistic narratives, and close connections to Muhammad's Quraysh environment, fostering a milieu receptive to Islam's emergence. Their commitments highlighted an indigenous quest for pure tawhid (divine unity) independent of Judaism or Christianity.[24]List of Known Hanifs
In Islamic tradition, several figures are identified as hanifs—pre-Islamic monotheists who rejected idolatry and adhered to the pure faith of Abraham (ḥanīfiyya)—based on accounts in the sīra literature and hadith collections. These identifications are drawn primarily from Ibn Isḥāq's Sīrat Rasūl Allāh and related sources, emphasizing individuals explicitly described as seeking monotheism or labeled as such. The following list compiles notable examples beyond the most prominent figures, categorized by geographic association (Meccan or non-Meccan) and their relation to Islam (those who converted versus those who died as hanifs). Notability is limited to explicit traditional attributions.Meccan Hanifs Who Died Pre-Islam
- Uthman ibn al-Huwayrith (from the Quraysh tribe): A Hanif who traveled to the Byzantine Empire, where he converted to Christianity and was appointed to a position of authority; he died pre-Islam without returning to Mecca.[31]
Non-Meccan Hanifs Who Died Pre-Islam
- Quṣṣ ibn Sāʿida al-Iyādī (from the Iyad tribe, associated with Najran and the Ukaz fair near Mecca): A renowned orator and poet who delivered sermons on monotheism, the resurrection, and divine judgment at the pre-Islamic fair of Ukaz, influencing early Arab audiences; described as a god-fearing figure awaiting a prophet, he died without converting to Islam.[32][33]
Meccan Hanifs Who Converted to Islam
- Ubayd Allah ibn Jahsh (from the Quraysh tribe): An early Hanif and one of the first converts to Islam; he emigrated to Abyssinia but later apostatized to Christianity, dying there before the Hijra.[34]