Was Imam Abu Hanifa a Murji'ite? And did he recant that?

It is among the principles of the People of the Sunnah that faith (Iman) is both statement and action. However, some scholars attributed the view of Irja’ (postponement/deferral) to Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, and he and his followers were called "Murji’at al-Fuqaha" (the Murji’ah of the jurists). Scholars have clarified his viewpoint and attempted to excuse him and refute this accusation. Ibn Abi Al-Izz believes that the disagreement between him and the other imams is merely superficial, because Abu Hanifa considered the linguistic reality of faith, whereas the other imams considered its reality according to the customary usage of Islamic law.

It is not correct to assert that Imam Abu Hanifa was among the Murji’ah, as he agreed with the People of the Sunnah regarding the necessity and importance of action, and that major sins are forbidden and their perpetrator is subject to Allah's will.