one of the four orthodox sects of the Mohammedans, which derived its name from Ahmed Ibn-Hanbal, a devout follower of the prophet. He maintained the eternity of the Koran, and thus brought upon himself the vengeance of the caliph al-Motasem, who held that the Koran was created. Hanbal was imprisoned and scourged; but he continued to propagate his opinions until his death, which occurred about the middle of the 8th century. The Hanbalites prevail principally in the wilder districts of Arabia, their austere habits being well suited to the simple manners of the Bedouin.