ḤANAFĪ (حنفى), ḤANĪFĪ (حنيفى). A member of the sect of Sunnīs founded by the Imām Abū Ḥanīfah. [[ABU HANIFAH].]
ḤANBAL. [[IBN HANBAL].]
ḤANBALĪ (حنبلى). A member of the Ḥanbalī sect of Sunnī Muslims. [[IBN HANBAL].]
HAND. Arabic yad (يـد), pl. ayādī. Heb. יָד.
(1) It is a rule with Muslims to honour the right hand above the left; to use the right hand for all honourable purposes, and the left for actions which, though necessary, are unclean. The hands must be washed before prayers [[ABLUTIONS]] and before meals.
(2) The expression yadu ʾllāh, the “hand of God,” occurs in the Qurʾān:—
[Sūrah v. 69]: “The Jews say, ‘God’s hand is fettered’; their hands are fettered, for they are cursed.”
[Sūrah xlviii. 10]: “God’s hand is above their hands.”
There is a controversy between the orthodox Sunnīs and the Wahhābīs regarding the expression, “God’s hand.” The former maintaining that it is a figurative expression for the power of God, the latter holding that it is literal; but that it is impossible to say in what sense or manner God has a hand; for as the essence of God is not known, how can the manner of His existence be understood?
HANDKERCHIEFS. The custom of keeping a handkerchief in the hand, as is frequently practised, is said to be abominable (makrūh). Many, however, hold that it is allowable, if done from motives of necessity. This, says Abū Ḥanīfah, is approved; for the practice is abominable only when it is done ostentatiously. (Hidāyah, vol. iv. p. 95.)