Hanafi school of thought is one of the oldest and most widespread schools of Islam. One of the fundamental beliefs of Hanafi school of thought is to comply with the Five Pillars of Islam. These Five Pillars are:

1. Shahada: Accepting and believing in the statement "La ilahe illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah" which means "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
2. Salah: Performing prayer at the prescribed times, in congregation, and according to the proper method.
3. Zakat: Giving 2.5% of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj: Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.

Hanafi school of thought considers the fulfillment of these Five Pillars as mandatory. However, the scholars of the madhab do practice some flexibility by taking into account the personal situation and the capability of people. For example, it is emphasized that the giving of zakat should be proportionate to one's financial means and the performing of Hajj can be delayed due to financial or health reasons.

Another important feature of Hanafi school of thought is that it emphasizes rationality in the field of jurisprudence. Hanafi school of thought suggests determining legal rules not only based on Quran and Hadiths but also by using the method of reasoning that is suitable for practical life. Therefore, Hanafi school of thought offers a more open-minded and flexible legal system compared to other schools of thought.

In the field of Tafsir (Quranic interpretation), Hanafi school of thought attaches importance to reading the Quran directly. Hanafi school of thought believes that the meaning of the Quran is given by Allah and that is why direct reading of Quran is considered more accurate.

Finally, in the field of ethics, Hanafi school of thought attaches importance to the personal free will of individuals. Hanafi school of thought believes that it is important for people to live according to their own choices, but at the same time, it advises people to take into consideration religious rules and the rights of others.

In conclusion, Hanafi school of thought is a flexible, rationalist and personal freedom valuing school of thought within Islam. It prioritizes the fulfillment of Five Pillars, takes into account personal circumstances and capabilities in the field of jurisprudence, Tafsir and ethics.