Hanif Hanif, literally `one who is inclined`, is used in the Qur`an in ten places, six with reference to the Prophet Abraham and the rest for one who is sincere and sound in his faith. The term as such connotes sincerity, uprightness and single-mindedness in one`s inclination, dedication and commitment to God or to His faith
Hanif Many quranic verses talk about Ibrahim (Abraham) the Hanif (i.e. Apostate of idolatry). Moslems took over this expression and made it highly qualitative while still killing their own apostates and freethinkers. In their bloody expansion, Moslems spared the city of Harran (658) and recognized them as `Hanifs`. It is also through this Hanif sparing that the obligation to kill Hindus was leveled... For practical (taxes) reasons, not humanitarians nor in conformity with any Islamic standard.