“You came into this world to manifest my Sunna”: a hagiographic portrait of Abu Hanifa in the Memorial of the friends of God by Farid al-din ‘Attar (d. 1221)

The article offers a translation and analysis of the hagiography of Abu Hanifa from the Persian-language Sufi hagiographical compendium Memorial of God’s Friends by Farid al-Din ‘Attar Nishapuri (d. 1221). The unique position of this hagiography within this seminal work is of particular interest, as it showcases the multifaceted functions characteristic of the hagiographical genre. By their very nature, hagiographic texts must address both the community members and the external audiences who may serve as a potential base for the movement’s expansion. Including a renowned jurist and founder of Hanafi mazhab among the “Friends of God” aligns with the overarching trend in Sufism towards constructing the history of Sufi piety through different eras. However, a careful analysis of the text also reveals a clear polemical orientation, which highlights an essential aspect of both the Sufi movement and the broader medieval Muslim intellectual milieu, characterized by constant debates. Ultimately, the hagiography of Abu Hanifa presents Sufism as the sole possible “righteous” strategy for pious behavior among Muslims, emphasizing the importance of “Friend of God” as a role model for both adherents to the movement and those outside the community.