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Deen-e-Islam is not only a religion preaching how to pray to their true one God, but a complete code of life that deals with all the worldly matters of an individual. It teaches us how to worship the Omnipotent Allah Al-might, as well as how to deal with people and spend our lives the best way possible. It is the religion Islam that guides us in a complete manner to gain worldly benefits and also to get paradise in hereafter.

Who are Hypocrites?

There are two sides to every coin just like there are two traits to a person; good or evil. A hypocrite is a person that pretends to be good in front of people. However, their actions deceive their inner desires and intentions. Hypocrisy (nifaq – in Arabic) is a person with two-faces who presents his appearance and behaviors that does not match his inner state.

Example of a Hypocrite

A person can appear to be very religious but may not agree with the teachings of Islam. Another example can be of a person who acts like a well wisher but only wishes to exploit another person by gaining his trust.

As mentioned in Holy Quran,

“And of the people are some who say, ‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ but they are not believers. They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie” [2:8-10].

Types of Hypocrites

There are two types of hypocrites defined by the shariah:

1. An-Nifaq Al-Akbar:

A person may give an impression to others that he follows the message of God. He may say he believes in the Oneness of Allah, His last messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), His angels, His books and the Day of Judgment. However, he does not believe in them or some of them. They think they fool the people around them but they are the ones who fools themselves only.

2. An-Nifaq Al-Asghar:

Al-nifaq al-asghar is a less intense form of hypocrite act. It is when a person appears to be having good deeds and a good appearance but his thoughts, believes, desires and intentions are a complete opposite to his actions. Such people have been mentioned by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) giving their signs to indentify.

Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (RA) says that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Four traits whoever possesses them is a hypocrite and whoever possesses some of them has an element of hypocrisy until he leaves it: the one who when he speaks, he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise, when he disputes, he transgresses and when he makes an agreement he violates it” [Sahih Muslim and Bukhari].

This hadith clearly gives signs that to indentify a hypocrite we must look for these signs:

• When a person is trusted with something but he breaks that trust

• When a person speaks, his speech is full of lies

• When there is an argument, the person explodes with anger and disagrees with the facts.

• When a person makes an agreement but violates that agreement

What Quran says about Hypocrites

The Holy Quran mentions the hypocrites and warns them of the great misfortune they have chosen for themselves.

In Surah Nisa Allah Al-mighty says that:

Lo! the hypocrites (will be) in the lowest deep of the Fire, and thou wilt find no helper for them; [4:145]

Hypocrites are worst than disbelievers in the eyes of Allah. They will be in the lowest depth of hell fire where they will burn as a fuel to the fire of hell. They are the people who choose to disobey Allah and make false in their dealings.

The message of Allah reached them and they neglected it by their own wish.

Allah mentions in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Munafiqun in ayat number 6:

“It is all the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; never will Allah forgive them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.” [63:6]

Hypocrites are Disobedient

Hypocrites reach to the peak of disobedience of Allah’s commandments through their actions. Even if another person asks forgiveness of Allah on behalf of them, it is same as not asking for forgiveness. Allah has told Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that if he asks Him to forgive them or never asked, it will not make any difference as hypocrisy is a sin that is never forgiven by Allah.

How to be safe from Hypocrisy

The only way to avoid being hypocritical is by keeping your intentions in check at all times.

Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:

“The rewards (of deeds) are according to the intention, and everybody will get the reward for what he has intended.” [Sahi Bukhaari, vol 7, book 62, no. 8]

Allah is the Most Merciful. He can forgive anything. Hypocrisy is something He will not forgive on someone else behalf. A person who realizes his mistakes needs to ask for forgiveness himself. He must realize how he has hurt Allah Almighty and the others around. He must ask for forgiveness to people and to Allah. He should seek refuge in zikr and astaghfar. A person with nifaq will ultimately fail to achieve any merit. Thus, it is necessary for a man of honor and dignity to purify himself of this disease of heart.

Concluding the teachings of Islam, a hypocrite is not respected and trusted in this world and will be bearing sever consequences in the hereafter. It is in this life that we must keep a check on us and our intentions to safe ourselves for such a disgraceful trait.