Q: I know the Holy Prophet was the follower of Hanif religion before prophethood. Is it correct that the Hanif religion was not corrupted before Islam and when Islam came, the Shariat of Hanif religion was abrogated? Also did the Holy Prophet knew of Hazrat Ibrahim AS before prophethood?
A: You have misunderstood the meaning of haneef. Haneef means to be turned away from all types of polytheism and wrong beliefs, and to be fully turning to Allah. This was the way of every nabi throughout his life. How can you say it was abrogated.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)