and the Hereafter; if he attains what he desires, he is tormented by it; if he does not, he remains in torment, regret, and sorrow. Hearts find neither joy nor complete delight except in loving Allah and drawing near to Him through what He loves. Loving Him is possible only by turning away from everything loved besides Him. This is the reality of “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.” It is the way of Abraham, Allah’s close friend—peace be upon him—and of all the other prophets and messengers, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them all.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to tell his Companions:

“Say: ‘We begin this morning upon the natural disposition of Islam, the declaration of sincere devotion to Allah, the religion of our Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the way of our father Abraham, upright in faith, submitting to Allah, and not one of those who associate partners with Him.’”

The early generations explained the term hanīf in three ways. Muhammad ibn Kaʿb said: “Upright.” ʿAtā’ said: “Sincere.” Others said: “A follower.” Thus, a hanīf is one whose heart is directed steadfastly towards Allah alone, and not towards anything besides Him. Allah Most High says:

“So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness. And woe to those who associate partners with Him.”

He also says:

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remained steadfast.”

Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “They did not turn away from Him, either to the right or to the left.” They did not turn their hearts towards anything besides Him, whether in love, fear, hope, supplication, or reliance. Rather, they love Allah alone and do not love rivals alongside Him. They love none but Him, not to obtain some benefit or ward off some harm. They fear no one besides Him, whoever it may be; they ask none but Him, nor do they look expectantly