Kindly explain Imam Abu Hanifa's position on eeman that it remains constant and does not increase or decrease.
It must be noted first of all, that the majority of scholars agreed on the definition that eeman is statement and action, including Imam Malik, Ash-Shafi'ee and Ahmad. However, Imam Abu Hanifa slightly differed from the majority of Imams on the definition of Iman. Abu Hanifa regarded believing to be a part (ركن) of eeman, and acting (عمل) upon it as “mandatory” or “obligatory” (شرط). Although their definitions are merely a theological debate, the end result is same, i.e. actions must accompany belief. The difference with the Hanafis is that they see “actions” as outside the definition of eeman. But the fact remains that all the scholars regarded actions as mandatory, and all the punishment and reward is based on these actions. All agreed that there are certain actions that must be done and there are certain actions that must be refrained from in order to find success on the Day of Judgment, and that avoiding eternal punishment in the hellfire mandates righteous actions.
With that having been stated, we now come back to the question of eeman increasing and decreasing. The Hanafis disagree with the majority of Ahle-Sunnah that Iman increases and decreases, as they consider action to be outside the definition of Iman (see earlier explanation). Imam at-Tahawee said in his book Al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah: “eeman is, at base, same for everyone, but the superiority of some over others is due to their fairness and awareness of Allah, opposition to their own desires, and their choosing what is more pleasing to Allah.” [1]However, the literal meaning of Qur'anic verses and various Hadiths of the Prophet (ﷺ) suggest that Iman increases and decreases.
And Allah knows best.Reference:
[1] Explanation of Al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah by Ibn Abdul-Aziz
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