Hypocrites (Munafiqeen)
are two-faced people. They are enemies of Islam and Muslims but show Islam
on their faces. They are more dangerous than an open enemy because one can
identify the enemy. The word “Munafiq”
has been used in the Glorious Qur’an 82 times. There is a Surah al-Munafiqun
relating to such people. Ayahs relating
to the hypocrites can be found in Surahs Al-Imran, Nisa, Mai’dah, Infal,
Taubah, Ankabut, Ahzab, Muhammad, Fath, Mujadilah, Hadid, and Hashr.
While the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was in Makkah, there
were no hypocrites, but when he migrated to Madinah, the hypocrites entered the
ranks of the Muslims. Although, the Ayahs relating to the hypocrites were
revealed at different situations of the Madani life of the Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.), but they are equally applicable to the hypocrites present now in
the Muslim society or will be found in
future till the end of time.
As quoted in Nahjul
Balagha, The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “I have never been frightened of
any nation conquering Islam. I only worry about one group of people: the unbelievers
who pretend to be Muslim, the two-faced hypocrites. They are with you in their
words, but they would never take a step with you.”
The Commander of the
Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said in Nahjul Balagha (Sermon 192): “I warn you
about the hypocrites. They are misguided and they misguide as well. They have
appeared in society in different colors and with different faces. Their speech
is eloquent, profitable and is even a cure for pain. But their actions are like
incurable diseases.”
Signs of
hypocrisy:
They have the ability to hide their true faces.
They are both outspoken and eloquent speakers.
They are as worthless as hollow pieces of timber propped
up.
They are frightened by any calamity.
According to a tradition, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), who said: “There are three character
traits of a hypocrite, irrespective of his praying salat, fasting in Ramazan,
and thinks himself to be a Muslim; first he breaches a trust, second he tells lies, and third he does
not keep his promises.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) further said that he shows more piety
than it is in his heart.
The Infallible
Imam Ali, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) said that a hypocrite preaches Amre Bil Maruf
and Nahi Anil Munkir but does not practice himself.
No forgiveness for
the hypocrites:
Surah al-Munafiqun: “When
the hypocrites come to you, they say’ We testify that you are the Messenger of
Allah. Allah knows that you are His Messenger. Allah testifies that the
hypocrites are liars…They are the enemy, so beware of them, may Allah condemn
them……It is all the same whether you sought forgiveness for them or not; Allah
will not forgive them.”
Difference between
Hypocrisy and Taqiyya:
During the tyrannical periods of Bani Umayyad and Bnu Abbas,
the Shi’as had to protect their lives and properties; hence they exercised “Taqiyyah”.
Taqiyyah means not to show their true Islamic faith as Shi’ahs of Imam Ali
(a.s.). Hence Taqiyyah is opposite of
Hypocrisy which is not to show their Kufr in their hearts. It is opposite of
hypocrisy.
Sources used:
The Glorious Qur’an
Tafsir-e-Namoona By
Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi
Hypocrites, Surah Munafiqun Commentary By Ayatullah Jaffer
Subhani
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