Munafik (The hypocrite)
In the beginning of Surah Baqara, Allaah Ta’alah has described three groups of people, namely:
1. Believers – There are four verses concerning;
2. Non-believers – There are two describing verses; and
3. Hypocrites – 13 verses regarding them.
Ibn Qayyum Al-Jawzi (rahimahullah) has said:- There are 13 verses in the beginning of Surah Baqara that describe the hypocrites because of their numerous miseries and afflictions and intense trials (fitnah) that they cause to the Muslims.
They seek to destroy Islam, to divert those with Imaan towards kufr, those on Tawheed towards shirk, those who follow the Sunnah towards bidaah, those who are just and do justice towards oppression and those who make reforms towards corruption.
In the Qur’an Allaah Ta’alah has shown their corruption and deception and has warned that they were a danger to the Ummah. That is why they shall find their refuge (place) in the deepest part of hell fire.
‘The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper will you find for them’ (Surah An-Nisaa 4, verse 145)
Definition of hypocrite
Hypocrisy means to show that one is a Muslim and at the same time hiding his kufr. Hypocrisy is a serious illness and is a horrible crime in religion. It is more dangerous that kufr and its punishment is more severe.
Hypocrisy comes from the word Nifaq which refers to holes, tunnels or underground passages of the rats. When one tries to catch a rat, it goes from one hole or tunnel to the other without being caught. A hypocrite is called a munafiq (from nifaq), as compared to the rat, he enters through one door and comes out through another.
In the glorious Qur’an, Allaah says:
‘Fain would they deceive Allaah and those who believe but they only deceive themselves and realize (it) not!’ (Surah Al Baqara 2, Verse 9)
Among their characteristics (bad habits), they usually make fun and make mockery of Allaah and His Prophet (SAW) and His Religion. See Surah Al Baqara 2: verses 14&15.
Their other characteristics are: enmity and jealousy, gossiping and lying, encouraging evil and forbidding what is just.
Hypocrites who live among Muslims, largely influence the latter to imitate non-believers, i.e. kuffar.
Hypocrisy is opposite to Sincerity
Ikhlaas is opposite to nifaq.
Ikhlaas means sincerity and nifaq means hypocrisy.
We usually recognize things by knowing their opposites – for example hot or cold, true or false, good or bad, right or wrong etc. The more we understand the meaning of hypocrisy, the more we know about the meaning of sincerity. If a person has perfect and high level sincerity in himself, then there is absence of hypocrisy in him. The more we eliminate hypocrisy in ourselves, the more sincerity will install itself in us. Therefore, it is most important and necessary for us to study and know the meaning of hypocrisy.
At all times one should be as vigilant as possible to detect any sign of hypocrisy so that one remains aloof of and very far from its destructive effects. There is need for one not to imitate hypocrites in any manner or form. There is, therefore, need for one to purify one’s imaan from any form of hypocritical traces or signs. Hypocrites (munafiq) are more detestable than the kuffar or the mushrik. Their punishment, in the hereafter, will be harder than for others.
The objectives of acquiring knowledge of Deen is to have and to master great qualities such as honesty, sincerity, trust, truthfulness and other qualities as described and taught by the Prophet (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam).
Vigilance of Sahabah
Sahabah were always on their guard. They even did not trust their own (self) nafs. Therefore, they were very cautious about their actions. They always feared about being contaminated with even a small degree of hypocrisy.
- Ibn Abi Maleekah said: “I met with thirty Sahabahs (radhi Allaahu anhum), and all were afraid of their nafs being affected by hypocrisy” (reported in Sahih Bukhari).
- Hasan Basri (rahmatullah alayhi) said: “It is only a mu’min who is afraid of hypocrisy and it is only a hypocrite who feels secure from hypocrisy”.
- One day a person told Hazrat Huzaifa (radhi Allaahu anhu): I fear Allaah because I think that I have become a hypocrite. Hazrat Huzaifa (radhi Allaahu anhu) replied to him: “If you were a hypocrite you would not be afraid of hypocrisy. Truly it is only a mu’min, who is afraid of hypocrisy and it is only a hypocrite who feels secure from hypocrisy”.
The true signs of Imaan are that we identify and recognize our flaws, defects, faults, wrong doings and shortcomings – we should, therefore, be afraid for the security of our Imaan. A careless attitude without paying any attention to our deeds is the very ingredient of the hypocrite.
Sahabah always doubted themselves to being victims of hypocrisy. Then, nowadays who can proclaim that his actions have attained perfection in truth and sincerity? Then, nowadays who can declare himself safe from hypocrisy?
How can we be careless about our spiritual reform, when the danger of hypocrisy is at all times seeking to contaminate our imaan?
Hypocrisy destroys a human’s morale. A hypocrite seeks futile (worthless) things. When a person’s basic morale level starts to degenerate (destroy), he starts to use abusive, brutal, coarse and vulgar languages. When such a person suffers from such low attitude and faults, then he recognises only his own needs and desires.
Forms of hypocrisy
There are two forms of hypocrisy:-
(i) Hypocrisy in belief; and
(ii) Hypocrisy in actions.
Hypocrisy in belief :
This takes the form of:
(1) To contradict the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam);
(2) To contradict things that the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam) has brought, e.g. the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Shariah;
(3) To hate the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam);
(4) To hate things that the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam) has brought, e.g. the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Shariah;
(5) To rejoice when Islam passes through difficult times; and
(6) To be unhappy when Islam triumphs.
Anyone with one or all of the above mentioned six drawbacks would find himself in the lowest depths of hell fire in the hereafter.
Hypocrisy in actions:
This is divided into five parts and the proof of them comes from the sayings of the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam). The signs of the hypocrite are:
(1) When he speaks, he lies;
(2) He never keeps his promise;
(3) If we trust him, he shows himself to be dishonest;
(4) When he argues, he becomes violent. He insults and act in a most vulgar manner; and
(5) He never fulfills his engagements nor keeps his words.
Anyone with the above mentioned five flaws is a complete hypocrite, while someone with some of them has partial hypocrisy in him.
In any action or word there is either 100% sincerity or 100% hypocrisy. If it is not 100%, then they can co-exist in any action or word. For example, if anyone does an action with 70% of sincerity then 30% of it constitutes hypocrisy. Like sincerity, hypocrisy has different degrees.
Importance of the subject
It is of utmost importance to know about the details of this subject, as it reflects on our characters, manners and behaviours, belief in Allaah and His teachings.
There are many other flaws that exist in society that affect the characters and behaviours of human beings. But hypocrisy is the most serious of all. Allaah does not like hypocrites – in fact they are enemies of Allaah. Allaah has, in the Qur’an, warned that their punishment would be hell fire.
That is why the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam) has informed that hypocrites are the worst people on earth who create problems, corruption and disorders (fitnah).
They call on Allaah very little
A true Muslim (calls on and) remembers Allaah and repents (makes taubah) for his bad actions at all times. It is only natural and normal that when a person recognizes and is aware of the favours that Allaah has bestowed upon him, he will remember Allaah as frequently as possible.
However, a hypocrite is never devoted to Allaah; he neither invokes Him nor seeks Allaah’s mercy. If ever, a hypocrite remembers Allaah, it is for a very little while only and to show people that he is a muslim.
‘….. When they stand up for prayer,They stand without earnestness,To be seen of men,But little do they hold Allaah in remembrance.’ (Surah An Nisa’ 4: Verse 142)
Salaat is a burden on the hypocrite
It is cited in the hadith :
Truly, the two (Salaat-ul-Fajr & Salaat-ul-Esha) are very difficult for the hypocrites.
These two salaats require sacrifice of sleep and comfort, which renders them very difficult for the hypocrites. Sleep and comfort have that much value to the hypocrites, that they reduce the value and importance of salaat up to the point that they even eliminate the intention of performing Salaat-ul-Fajr and Esha. To abstain deliberately and voluntarily from salaat, resemble the practice of hypocrites.
Hypocrites delay the Sala’at because they do not give the due importance to it. In a hadith it is mentioned that they delay the As’r Sala’at up to the time that it becomes yellow (the sun is near to set). And as the hen picks up seeds and food (in a hurry), they just prostrate down rapidly four times, very fast , and do not even make any Zikr-ul-Allaah.
Arrogance
A Muslim is one who is humble and modest. He readily accepts that he has shortcomings and weaknesses. When he is cautioned and warned about them, he obeys and submits himself to the orders.
On the contrary, the hypocrite, in his arrogance, thinks that he knows everything. He refuses to listen to good advices given to him. When he is cautioned and warned, he refuses to obey and acknowledge his shortcomings and weaknesses. He thinks of himself as being the most learned.
‘And when it is said to them,’Come, the Apostle of Allaah will pray for your forgiveness,they turn aside their heads, and you would see them turning away their faces in arrogance.’ (Surah Al- Munafiqun, 63 Verse 5)
Enjoin evil and forbid what is just
Another quality of a Muslim is that he invites towards the good and forbids the evil. The hypocrite behaves totally opposite to the Muslim. In fact he enjoins evil and forbids what is just.
‘… They enjoin evil and forbid what is just and are close with their hands. They have forgotten Allaah, verily the hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.’ (Surah At- Taubah, 9 Verse 67)
Ungratefulness
The hypocrite is easily affected by doubts. He feels himself insecure, worried and lives in fear. He cannot attain submission, peace of mind, tranquility, security and harmony that the Muslim experiences.
The hypocrite strives to dishonour the Muslim. He makes false allegations against the Muslim, indulges in gossips, seeks only shortcomings of the Muslim and makes fun and a mockery of him.
All this is done with a view to raising their status in society, for increasing in their greatness and to show that they are better and superior than others. Moreover, they encourage Muslims with weaker degree of imaan towards hypocrisy. They strike Muslims with low morale so as to divert them from the straight path (tawheed and righteousness).
Most intelligent people
The hypocrite thinks that he can easily fool the Muslim. That is why he thinks of himself as being a very intelligent person. He thinks that he can benefit without any sacrifice. In fact such attitude is one among the most stupid acts and decisions.
‘When it is said to them: “Believe as the others believe.They say: “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they know not.’ (Surah Baqara 2, Verse13)
Trials, corruption and turmoil (Fitnah) mongers
Hypocrites can be distinguished and recognised by their tendency of creating (fitnah) trials, corruption,disorder and turmoil among the Muslims.
Fitnah means to cause disturbance and to create a havoc among the Muslims with a view to breaking the ties with Allaah and His Prophet (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam) and the Qur’an to divert them from the right path to that of perdition, perversion and corruption. Hypocrites wish very much that Muslims would follow them.
Hypocrites would take advantage of unfavourable situations and difficulties, in which the Muslims could find themselves to create fitnah. In fact the true identity of the hypocrites is that they are like the Muslims but work for Ibliis and the Shayateen.
The Muslim thinks positively. From his conversation, one can depict the greatness of Allaah, Who has all power and capability. The Muslin believes in destiny (fate) and has confidence in Allaah’s promises.
In contrast, from the conversation with a hypocrite it can easily be seen that he is a negative person:-
- For example he would say “If this was done like that, then this would never happen”.
- The way they talk shows that they do not appreciate Allaah’s power and capability. (Surah Al-Azhab 33, Verses 11-12)
- Above all that hypocrites do, they claim that they are not creating any mischief (fitnah), but they are putting order instead. They make baseless propaganda, create doubts in the mind of the Muslims and by so doing lower morale level. And they never admit committing fitnah. They claim that their intentions are good and pure. (Surah Al-Baqara 2, Verses 11-12, Surah At-Tawbah 9, Verse 107)
Punishment
Hypocrites would get their true punishment for their hypocrisy, fitnah and enmity on the day of Judgment (Akhirat). Allaah has reserved the lowest depth of hell for them. This punishment is in return for their actions and enmity towards Muslims who have chosen to submit to Allaah’s will and as His servant. These hypocrites are diverted from the true and right path by their lies and deceptions.
Actions and intentions linked
Umar (radhi Allaahu anhu) reported that he had heard the Prophet of Allaah (sal lal laahu alaihi wa sal lam) saying: “Actions are judged according to intentions.” (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Ways to cultivate sincerity:
(1) Doing good actions make us to be sincere and closer to Allaah;
(2) Before doing good things we need to learn (seek education in Deen). Actions should be guided by knowledge of Deen and is according to the Shar’iah;
(3) Before doing anything, to check the motives behind. Ask ourselves whether we are so doing to please Allaah?
Contradictions to Sincerity (Ikhlaas)
(1) Ma’siat – committing sins weakens Ikhlaas;
(2) Shirk – associating anything with Allaah;
(3) Riya – perform ibadaah with the intention for show off; and
(4) Nifaq – hypocrisy