People who during the time of jahiliyyah rejected the idolatry in their society. These people were in search for the true religion of Prophet Abraham.
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 singlemindedness in one's inclination, dedication and commitment to God or to His faith.