Ibrahim عليه السلام  Echo: Where Footsteps Become Footprints

In our theme for this year`s Hajj, we are focusing on the life of the great Prophet of Allah, Ibrahim Alayhis Salaam and his relationship with Allah as well as with the people around him, viz his father, sons, wives and the community he belonged to. We commence by looking at his relationship with ALLAH. 

Ibrahim AS: The True Hanif

The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is profoundly recognized in Islam as a Hanif, a term that signifies a pure monotheist who turned away from idolatry and worshipped Allah alone. The concept of Ibrahim as a Hanif is central to Islamic theology and is emphasized repeatedly in the Quran and Hadith, highlighting his role as a foundational figure in the monotheistic tradition.

Meaning and Significance of Hanif

The Arabic term Hanif (حنيف) literally means “to incline” or “to turn away” from falsehood towards truth. It denotes a person who is upright in faith, rejecting idolatry and polytheism, and sincerely worshipping the one true Allah. The Holy Quran uses this term specifically for Ibrahim AS, describing him as one who was neither a polytheist nor an idolater but a pure monotheist:

قُلْ إِنَّنِى هَدَىٰنِى رَبِّىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ دِينًا قِيَمًا مِّلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among the polytheists.’ [Al An`am 6: 161]

This verse clearly identifies Ibrahim’s religion as Hanifiyyah, the upright, unadulterated monotheism that rejects all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Quran commands the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to follow this religion, underscoring its primacy and purity.

Ibrahim AS as the True Hanif

Ibrahim AS lived in a time when idolatry was widespread, yet he steadfastly refused to worship idols or any created being. Instead, he devoted himself entirely to Allah ﷻ, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. His rejection of idol worship and his exclusive devotion to Allah ﷻ make him a model of pure monotheism, or Hanifiyyah. His monotheism was not a new religion but a return to the primordial faith of all prophets, a pure submission to Allah’s will that Islam considers the true religion.

Several Quranic verses emphasize Ibrahim’s status as a Hanif and his exemplary faith, one of them is:

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” An Nahl 16: 120]

These verses collectively affirm Ibrahim AS’s unwavering commitment to monotheism and his rejection of idolatry, setting a standard for all believers.

The Hanif Religion and Its Characteristics

The religion of Ibrahim, or Al-Hanifiyyah, is characterized by:

• Exclusive worship of Allah alone, without partners or intermediaries.
• Sincere devotion and submission to Allah’s commands.
• A rejection of all forms of idolatry and polytheism.
• Following a straight, upright path established by divine guidance.

Scholars explain that Hanifiyyah is not merely a historical label but a timeless call to pure monotheism, which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revived and completed. The Holy Quran states that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was commanded to follow this religion:

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ أَنِ ٱتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate others with Allah [An Nahl 16: 123]