The danger of hypocrisy

What is hypocrisy and how dangerous is it for the Muslims?

Praise be to Allaah.

Hypocrisy is a serious sickness and a great crime. It means making an outward display of Islam whilst inwardly concealing kufr. Hypocrisy is more dangerous than kufr (disbelief) and the punishment for it is more severe, because it is kufr mixed with Islam and its harmful effects are greater. Hence Allaah will put the hypocrites in the lowest level of Hell, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them[al-Nisaa' 4:145].
{إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيراً}
Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Munāfiqīna Fī Ad-Darki Al-'Asfali Mina An-Nāri Wa Lan Tajida Lahum Naşīrāan

The hypocrites are always confused, always planning deceit and plots. Although outwardly they appear to be with the believers, inwardly they are with the kaafireen. So sometimes they are inclined towards the believers and sometimes they are inclined towards the kaafireen.
"(They are) swaying between this and that, belonging neither to these nor to those; and he whom Allaah sends astray, you will not find for him a way (to the truth - Islam)" [al-Nisaa' 4:143 - interpretation of the meaning].
{مُّذَبْذَبِينَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ لاَ إِلَى هَـؤُلاء وَلاَ إِلَى هَـؤُلاء وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللّهُ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ سَبِيلاً}
Transliteration: Mudhabdhabīna Bayna Dhālika Lā 'Ilá Hā'uulā' Wa Lā 'Ilá Hā'uulā' Wa Man Yuđlili Allāhu Falan Tajida Lahu Sabīlāan

Because of the corruption of their hearts, the hypocrites are the most averse of mankind to the religion of Allaah, as Allaah tells us about them (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when it is said to them: 'Come to what Allaah has sent down and to the Messenger (Muhammad),' you (Muhammad) see the hypocrites turn away from you (Muhammad) with aversion" [al-Nisaa' 4:61].
{وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَإِلَى الرَّسُولِ رَأَيْتَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يَصُدُّونَ عَنْكَ صُدُودًا}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā Qīla Lahum Ta`ālaw 'Ilá Mā 'Anzala Allāhu Wa 'Ilá Ar-Rasūli Ra'ayta Al-Munāfiqīna Yaşuddūna `Anka Şudūdāan

The dealings of the hypocrites revolve around their own interests. When they meet the believers, they make a show of belief and loyalty, in order to deceive the believers and as an action of dissimulation, hoping for whatever good and war-booty they have. But when they meet their masters and chiefs, they say, we are with you in your shirk and kufr. Allaah says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe," but when they are alone with their Shayaateen (devils - polytheists, hypocrites), they say: "Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking
Allaah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doing to wander blindly" [al-Baqarah 2:14-15].
{وَإِذَا لَقُواْ الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ قَالُواْ آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْاْ إِلَى شَيَاطِينِهِمْ قَالُواْ إِنَّا مَعَكْمْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُسْتَهْزِئُونَ (14) اللّهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā Laqū Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Qālū 'Āmannā Wa 'Idhā Khalaw 'Ilá Shayāţīnihim Qālū 'Innā Ma`akum 'Innamā Naĥnu Mustahzi'ūna, Allāhu Yastahzi'u Bihim Wa Yamudduhum Fī Ţughyānihim Ya`mahūna

The hypocrites have many characteristics, the worst and most serious of which is disbelief in Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when it is said to them (hypocrites): 'Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad, Al-Ansaar and Al-Muhaajiroon) have believed,' they say: 'Shall we believe as the fools have believed?' Verily, they are the fools, but they know not" [al-Baqarah 2:13].
{وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُواْ كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ قَالُواْ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَا آمَنَ السُّفَهَاء أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَاء وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَعْلَمُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā Qīla Lahum 'Āminū Kamā 'Āmana An-Nāsu Qālū 'Anu'uminu Kamā 'Āmana As-Sufahā'u 'Alā 'Innahum Humu As-Sufahā'u Wa Lakin Lā Ya`lamūna

Among their characteristics are enmity and envy (hasad) towards the believers, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"If good befalls you (O Muhammad), it grieves them, but if a calamity overtakes you, they say: 'We took our precaution beforehand' and they turn away rejoicing" [al-Tawbah 9:50].
{إِن تُصِبْكَ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِن تُصِبْكَ مُصِيبَةٌ يَقُولُواْ قَدْ أَخَذْنَا أَمْرَنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَيَتَوَلَّواْ وَّهُمْ فَرِحُونَ}
Transliteration: 'In Tuşibka Ĥasanatun Tasu'uhum Wa 'In Tuşibka Muşībatun Yaqūlū Qad 'Akhadhnā 'Amranā Min Qablu Wa Yatawallaw Wa Hum Fariĥūna

Among their characteristics is mockery of Allaah, His Messenger and His religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"If you ask them (about this), they declare: 'We were only talking idly and joking.' Say: 'Was it at Allaah, and His Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger that you were mocking?'
Make no excuse; you disbelieved after you had believed" [al-Tawbah 9:65-66].
{وَلَئِن سَأَلْتَهُمْ لَيَقُولُنَّ إِنَّمَا كُنَّا نَخُوضُ وَنَلْعَبُ قُلْ أَبِاللّهِ وَآيَاتِهِ وَرَسُولِهِ كُنتُمْ تَسْتَهْزِئُونَ (65) لاَ تَعْتَذِرُواْ قَدْ كَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ}
Transliteration: Wa La'in Sa'altahum Layaqūlunna 'Innamā Kunnā Nakhūđu Wa Nal`abu Qul 'Abiālllahi Wa 'Āyātihi Wa Rasūlihi Kuntum Tastahzi'ūna, Lā Ta`tadhirū Qad Kafartum Ba`da 'Īmānikum

Among their characteristics is that they spread corruption on earth, with disbelief, hypocrisy and sins. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when it is said to them: 'Make not mischief on the earth,' they say: 'We are only peacemakers.'
Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not" [al-Baqarah 2:11-12].
{وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لاَ تُفْسِدُواْ فِي الأَرْضِ قَالُواْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ (11) أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَشْعُرُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā Qīla Lahum Lā Tufsidū Fī Al-'Arđi Qālū 'Innamā Naĥnu Muşliĥūna, 'Alā 'Innahum Humu Al-Mufsidūna Wa Lakin Lā Yash`urūna

Among their characteristics are slander and lies. Allaah tells us about them (interpretation of the meaning):
"They swear by Allaah that they are truly, of you while they are not of you, but they are a people (hypocrites) who are afraid (that you may kill them)" [al-Tawbah 9:56].
{وَيَحْلِفُونَ بِاللّهِ إِنَّهُمْ لَمِنكُمْ وَمَا هُم مِّنكُمْ وَلَـكِنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ يَفْرَقُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Yaĥlifūna Billāhi 'Innahum Laminkum Wa Mā Hum Minkum Wa Lakinnahum Qawmun Yafraqūna

Among their characteristics is that they enjoin what is evil and forbid what is good, and they are stingy with their wealth. Allaah says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning):
"The hypocrites, men and women, are one from another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma'roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allaah's Cause) alms]. They have forgotten Allaah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Faasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allaah)" [al-Tawbah 9:67].
{الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالْمُنَافِقَاتُ بَعْضُهُم مِّن بَعْضٍ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمُنكَرِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَقْبِضُونَ أَيْدِيَهُمْ نَسُواْ اللّهَ فَنَسِيَهُمْ إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ}
Transliteration: Al-Munāfiqūna Wa Al-Munāfiqātu Ba`đuhum Min Ba`đin Ya'murūna Bil-Munkari Wa Yanhawna `Ani Al-Ma`rūfi Wa Yaqbiđūna 'Aydiyahum Nasū Allāha Fanasiyahum 'Inna Al-Munāfiqīna Humu Al-Fāsiqūna

Among their characteristics are greed and avarice:
"And of them are some who accuse you (O Muhammad) in the matter of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if they are not given thereof, behold! They are enraged![al-Tawbah 9: 58 - interpretation of the meaning].
{وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَلْمِزُكَ فِي الصَّدَقَاتِ فَإِنْ أُعْطُواْ مِنْهَا رَضُواْ وَإِن لَّمْ يُعْطَوْاْ مِنهَا إِذَا هُمْ يَسْخَطُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Minhum Man Yalmizuka Fī Aş-Şadaqāti Fa'in 'U`ţū Minhā Rađū Wa 'In Lam Yu`ţaw Minhā 'Idhā Hum Yaskhaţūna

Among their characteristics are those which were described by the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
«There are four (characteristics), whoever has all of them is a complete hypocrite, and whoever has some of them has some element of hypocrisy, unless he gives it up: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a treaty, he betrays it; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; when he quarrels, he resorts to insults» [Narrated by Muslim, 53].

Among their characteristics is a concern with appearances and fancy speech whilst they are inwardly corrupt. Allaah says concerning them (interpretation of the meaning):
"And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allaah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path?" [al-Munaafiqoon 63:4].
{وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ تُعْجِبُكَ أَجْسَامُهُمْ وَإِن يَقُولُوا تَسْمَعْ لِقَوْلِهِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ خُشُبٌ مُّسَنَّدَةٌ يَحْسَبُونَ كُلَّ صَيْحَةٍ عَلَيْهِمْ هُمُ الْعَدُوُّ فَاحْذَرْهُمْ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā Ra'aytahum Tu`jibuka 'Ajsāmuhum Wa 'In Yaqūlū Tasma` Liqawlihim Ka'annahum Khushubun Musannadatun Yaĥsabūna Kulla Şayĥatin `Alayhim Hum Al-`Adūwu Fāĥdharhum Qātalahum Allāhu 'Annaá Yu'ufakūna

If the kuffaar are obvious enemies from without, then the hypocrites are hidden enemies from within. They are more harmful and more dangerous to the Muslims, because they mix with them and know their situation. Allaah has decreed that the ultimate destiny of the kuffaar and hypocrites will be in Hell:

"Surely, Allaah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell"[al-Nisaa' 4:140 - interpretation of the meaning].
{إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَالْكَافِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا}
Transliteration: 'Inna Allāha Jāmi`u Al-Munāfiqīna Wa Al-Kāfirīna Fī Jahannama Jamī`āan

But because of the seriousness of the harm they cause, the hypocrites will be in the lowest level of Hell, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire" [al-Nisaa' 4:145].
{إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ}
Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Munāfiqīna Fī Ad-Darki Al-'Asfali Mina An-Nāri

Because the danger posed to the Muslim ummah by the kuffaar and hypocrites is so great, Allaah commanded His Messenger to strive against them:
"O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be severe against them; their abode will be Hell, and worst indeed is that destination" [al-Tahreem 66:9 - interpretation of the meaning].
{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ جَاهِدِ الْكُفَّارَ وَالْمُنَافِقِينَ وَاغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ}
Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā An-Nabīyu Jāhidi Al-Kuffāra Wa Al-Munāfiqīna Wa Aghluž `Alayhim Wa Ma'wāhum Jahannamu Wa Bi'sa Al-Maşīru


From Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri