Introduction

One of the most crucial attributes of a Muslim is his acceptance of the Qur'an as guidance. One who adopts the Qur'an as his guide is able to consider matters with regard to both himself and the world around him, in the light of the verses of the Qur'an, knowing that it was revealed by Allah, the Creator of not only the Qur'an, but also himself and all that is in the universe. Because Allah is He Who created all things, it is He Who knows the best what is right.

Indeed, in verse 14 of the Surat al-Mulk, Allah calls attention to that very fact, stating, “Does He Who created not then know? He is the All-Pervading, the All-Aware.” Al-Khabir, that is, “the All-Aware”, which is the attribute of Allah mentioned in the verse, means the One Who is aware of the inner and secret aspect of all things.

Allah knows the inmost truth of everything, and He has revealed part of His infinite knowledge through His Book, so as to guide the believers. In a verse of the Qur’an, Allah brings attention to that idea as follows:

For this We sent a Messenger to you from among you to recite Our Signs to you and purify you and teach you the Book and Wisdom and teach you things you did not know before. (Surat al-Baqara, 151)

For that reason, a Muslim must be attentive in his reading of the verses of the Qur’an and, in accordance with the following verse, “We will show them Our Signs on the horizon and within themselves until it is clear to them that it is the truth”, (Surah Fussilat, 53) , remember that he will recognize the truth conveyed by it in the world around him. In the Qur’an, there is much concise information, which is full of divine wisdom about the world. Much important among these truths are the verses that relate to the types of associations and personalities a Muslim will encounter. A Muslim, who has been delegated the responsibility of living according to Allah’s religion, of following the morality of the Qur’an, and of communicating it to others, will encounter varying types of individuals and responses. Some will listen to him, though some will oppose him. The Qur’an informs us about these personalities and their responses, and informs Muslims about the mindset they ought to adopt under specific situations.

In this book, we will explore the nature of a group of people Allah persistently draws our attention to in the Qur’an: hypocrites. Hypocrites, as the verses relate in the Qur’an, are two-faced people, who act as if they were pious believers, though they do not have faith.  They are impostors. More importantly, they do not engage in such falsehood unaided; they aim to infiltrate the company of the believers, posing as one of them. The reason they seek to be accepted among the believers is to gain some personal advantage.

They associate themselves with believers, appearing to be faithful, so as to deceive them in whatever way they can. Once they realize they will not be able to attain their desired end, however, or when the believers are faced with ordeals when tested by Allah, they immediately abandon them, thus revealing their true faces. Whether while or after leaving the presence of the believers, they do not abandon their agenda of bringing harm upon the believers, or fomenting conflict, and striving to ruin the unity of believers.  For that reason, hypocrites are referred to in the Qur’an as “munafiqeen” (those who incitenifaq and fitnah).

Hypocrites are a kind of people to whom Allah calls attention in many verses of the Qur’an, and against whom He repeatedly warns believers to be cautious. For this reason, a believer, who takes the Qur’an as his guide, needs to be vigilant against hypocrites, and be knowledgable of all their characteristics, for, every community of believers, who live by the morality of the Qur’an, will certainly encounter hypocrites.

It would be very wrong to say that such people existed only in the time of our Prophet (saas), in Macca and Medina, for,—in every other period—as today, such characters are present right before us, under modern guises.

In our present societies too, there are communities of hypocrites who assume they can conceal themselves by taking on the attributes of a believer. Deceptively, they ally with those who are unclear or insincere in their understanding of religion, as they are themselves, for the purpose of concealing the truth, changing it for falsehood, forming new sects, and bringing harm to the believers, both materially and spiritually.

The Qur’an addresses to every nation and all ages. In compliance with the following verse, “... He will show you His Signs and you will recognize them.” (Surat an-Naml, 93) , one who considers every matter in light of the Qur’an, will recognize that the verses pertaining to hypocrites in the Qur’an, are accurate, and that, in our time also, such people, proving the miracle of the Qur’an, behave as they are described in the Qur’an. In that regard, believers expect that it would be an important form of worship in Allah’s sight to expose the evil intentions of the hypocrites, to reveal their true intentions, and to struggle ideologically, as prescribed by the Qur’an, to counter the war they wage against Allah and His religion.

Being acquainted with the attributes of hypocrites is important for another reason; believers are responsible for educating themselves on these attributes. Being aware that inappropriate behavior is a quality of hypocrites or disbelievers renders a believer alert against such traits. Being arrogant, as well, is an attribute of hypocrites and disbelievers. However, in a moment of inattention, a believer might also act arrogantly.  However, when he realizes that what he does is an attribute of a hypocrite or disbeliever, he immediately repents. For this reason, when reading the verses in reference to hypocrites, believers should also reassess themselves and derive the necessary lessons.

In this book, we will examine the character of hypocrites in the light of the verses of the Qur’an, and the attitudes that believers should avoid.

The Fundamental Traits of Hypocrites

In their outward appearance, hypocrites are almost no different from Muslims. Their intentions, however, is entirely different.  To one considering their outward appearance, hypocrites could give the impression of being a pious person; with their speech, behavior and other traits, they impersonate believers and in their manner of worship, pretend conformity to religious norms.

However, their understanding of the religion is a product of their errant rationale, rather than of the Qur’an. The basis of their perspective on religion is their ambition to reap personal benefits, and satisfy their own desires and intentions.

In concealing these intentions, hypocrites strive to take advantage of those benefits that emerge from the positive environment fostered among believers who live by the morality of the Qur’an. They seek to profit personally from this bounty, abundance, beauty, peace, security, joy, unity, compassion, love and respect Allah has granted the believers as blessings. However, they believe none recognizes their opportunism but that they can readily deceive the believers. Moreover, they believe they are successful, a good fortune they attribute to their intelligence.

However, though they think otherwise, hypocrites are truly deluded. For, to the true believer, even the slightest insincerity is apparent. Still, beyond that, Allah, Who is aware of the innermost thoughts, knows the real intentions of these people. Consequently, those attributes of a believer they pretend outwardly have no validity whatsoever in Allah’s sight.

Allah relates this truth in the following verse, “... What they are doing [their worship] is purposeless.” (Surat al-Araf, 139) Moreover, Allah knows of the hypocrites’ disingenuousness, and whatever else they think are able to conceal. Consequently, in the words of the Qur’an, through such insincerity,"... [hypocrites] deceive no one but themselves but they are not aware of it." (Surat al-Baqara, 9)

A number of attributes of hypocrites are as follows:

They issue from the community of believers

Hypocrites must be from among the believers. Where there are no believers, one can talk about the people called idolaters or disbelievers. However, if there is a community of believers within a society, some may insinuate themselves into it, and pretend to be among them so as to gain advantage of the blessings that abound among the believers. The pursuit for personal gain is the only reason for their feigned piety.

From the verses of the Qur’an, we learn that the existence of a group of hypocrites within a community of believers is consistent reality. By living among the believers, hypocrites aim primarily at destroying their community from within, to harm them and disrupt their unity, and to support the disbelievers against them and Allah’s messenger. Towards all such purposes, the hypocrites choose to remain within the community of believers, for as long as possible. According to the Qur’an:

There is a group of you who propagated the lie… (Surat an-Nur, 11) 

They appear pious though they have no faith

As we stated previously, the primary attribute of a hypocrite is his appearance of piety, though being devoid of faith. They do not harbour faith in their hearts; rather, their false piety is for ostentation. In verse of the Qur’an, Allah describes the condition of these people as follows:

Who is better: someone who founds his building on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or someone who founds his building on the brink of a crumbling precipice so that it collapses with him into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not love wrongdoers. (Surat at-Tawba, 109)

Hypocrites expend great effort to imitate believers, for they assume that they will gain some profit by it. Out of their hypocrisy in religion, they believe they can deceive the believers by trying to talk to them in what they believe is a convincing manner. In the Qur'an, Allah draws our attention to the ploys of the hypocrites:

They swear to you by Allah in order to please you, but it would be more fitting for them to please Allah and His Messenger if they are believers. (Surat at-Tawba, 62)

Hypocrites attempt to convince others that they have faith, but act only to earn other people's consent. But, when they are alone, or with other hypocrites, they are never conscious that Allah sees them at every instant, and that He knows whatever they may be doing or thinking. Due to the impurity of their faith, they fulfill their acts of worship when they are with the believers. They act and speak as they do when they are among them. Yet, once they are alone, they cease performing their acts of worship, speak as disbelievers do, and are heedless as disbelievers are towards Allah. And, however good their skills at imitation may be, Allah has stated in the Qur'an that the hypocrites will be certainly exposed. Allah relates this truth as follows:

Among the people there are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," when they are not believers. They think they deceive Allah and those who believe. They deceive no one but themselves but they are not aware of it. There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has increased their sickness. They will have a painful punishment on account of their denial. (Surat al-Baqara, 8-10)

In another verse, Allah describes the condition of the hypocrites as follows:

The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them... (Surat an-Nisa', 142)

Their outward behavior is to deceive

Hypocrites are not recognizable by their outer appearances; rather, in that respect, they may be no different from sincere people. In the Qur'an, Allah refers to their ostentatious appearance, and their elaborate way of speaking:

When you see them, their outward form appeals to you, and if they speak you listen to what they say. But they are like propped-up planks of wood. They imagine every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them! How they are perverted! (Surat al-Munafiqun, 4)

Indeed, among the attributes of believers that hypocrites try to imitate are their physical purity and manner of dress.  It is therefore hard to distinguish hypocrites from sincere believers. However, hypocrites suffer from a form of spiritual impurity that penetrates into every aspect of their lives. By the verse,“... Leave them alone, then! They are filth....” (Surat at-Tawba, 95), Allah informs us about this characteristic of the believers. Furthermore, Allah “... adds defilement to their defilement...” (Surat at-Tawba, 125) The light of faith never appears on their faces, for their minds are always devising evil, hatching plots, and occupied in treachery, hatred, deceit and jealousy. In the Qur’an, Allah describes their faces with the following example:

... It is as if their faces were covered by dark patches of the night. (Surah Yunus, 27)

In another verse, hypocrites are described as follows:

They will be plunged into abasement wherever they are found, unless they have a treaty with Allah and with the people. (Surah Al 'Imran, 112)

The faces of believers, on the other hand, are bright with the light of faith, for they are continually seeking of Allah’s good pleasure. As Allah relates in the following verse, “... Their mark is on their faces...” (Surat al-Fath, 29) Consequently, contrary to believers, the spiritual impurity becomes apparent in their demeanor.

They do not understand the Qur'an

It is He Who sent down the Book to you from Him: verses containing clear judgements—they are the core of the Book—and others which are open to interpretation. Those with deviation in their hearts follow what is open to interpretation in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All of it is from our Lord." But only people of intelligence pay heed. (Surah Al 'Imran, 7)

Sometimes, their responses make it clear that Allah's Words have not had any influence upon them. Some of the verses informing us about this condition of the hypocrites are as follows:

Each time a sura is sent down there are some among them who say, "Which of you has this increased in faith?" As for those who believe, it increases them in faith and they rejoice at it. (Surat at-Tawba, 124)

Each time a sura is sent down, they look at one another, implying, "Can anyone see you?" Then they turn away. Allah has turned their hearts away because they are people who do not understand. (Surat at-Tawba, 127)

These responses of the hypocrites, as conveyed in the verses of the Qur’an, clearly reveal that they cannot grasp their divine purposes, or draw lessons from them. Being doubtful about Allah and the religion, they assess everything with disbelief rather than submission. As Allah informs us, “...The believers are those whose faith is increased when His Signs are recited to them.” (Surat al-Anfal, 2) However, the same verses reveal the sickness in the hypocrites’ hearts. Through the influence of Satan, hypocrites wish to infect the believers with this same weakness. In conveying their corrupt interpretations, they seek to inspire vain desires in those around them, to plant doubts in their hearts, or to cause disagreements among believers. For this reason, Allah warns believers of such people:

What! Are they in doubt about the meeting with their Lord? What! Does He not encompass all things? (Surah Fussilat, 54)

They remember Allah little

Believers are people who constantly remember Allah, turn inwardly to Him, and seek repentance from Him. They remember Allah by themselves often, as well as remind others of Him in word and deed. Remembering Allah is a natural consequence of being conscious of Allah's blessings. In one verse of the Qur'an, the importance of the remembrance of Allah is stressed:

… Remembrance of Allah is greater still. (Surat al-'Ankabut, 45)

One of the most incriminating characteristics of hypocrites is that they are not truly devoted to Allah; they do not turn to Him, or keep their minds occupied with His remembrance, nor seek forgiveness from Him. They will remember Allah at times, but rarely, for they recognize it as essential for being perceived as a Muslim. In one verse, Allah relates this fact as follows:

The hypocrites think they deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. When they get up to pray, they get up lazily, showing off to people, and only remembering Allah a very little. (Surat an-Nisa', 142)

In other verses, Allah relates that hypocrites are those who do not keep their minds occupied with the remembrance of Him:

Satan has gained mastery over them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah. Such people are the party of Satan. No indeed! It is the party of Satan who are the losers. (Surat al-Mujadala, 19)

The men and women of the hypocrites are as bad as one another. They command what is wrong and forbid what is right and keep their fists tightly closed. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. The hypocrites are deviators. (Surat at-Tawba, 67)

When hypocrites remember Allah, they do not do so in the way He ought to be remembered, for they do not assign to Allah the attributes due to Him, or appreciate His grandeur, artistry and supreme knowledge. Their manner of remembering Allah is not candid, sincere and frank, for their purpose in remembering Him is solely to imitate believers. Indeed, theirs is artificial and half-hearted, and based on rote learning, and aimed at hiding their true intentions and sentiments. When talking of everyday issues, they speak fluently and easily, making use of rich vocabulary. When it comes to the remembrance of Allah, however, they falter, and speak in a manner that is contrived. That they feel the need to perform this obligation, though they do not truly desire to, causes them to develop inner misgivings towards the believers. This condition is related in the Qur'an as follows:

When Allah is mentioned on His own, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink back shuddering, but when others apart from Him are mentioned, they jump for joy. (Surat az-Zumar, 45)

In addition, they intentionally keep away from gatherings where the name of Allah is mentioned, and contrive various excuses to do so. Similarly, they also avoid places where the Qur'an is being read, for it reminds them of the truths of death, the Day of Judgment, and Hell, which they try to forget. Remembering these facts disturbs their consciences. In one verse, Allah relates this trait as follows:

[Disbelievers are] those whose eyes were blind to My remembrance and whose ears were unable to hear. (Surat al-Kahf, 101)

In another verse, Allah talks about the expression on hypocrites' faces as follows:

When Our Signs are recited to them—Clear Signs—you can detect denial in the faces of those who disbelieve. They all but assault those who recite Our Signs to them! Say: "Shall I inform you of something worse than that? The Fire which Allah has promised those who disbelieve. What an evil destination!" (Surat al-Hajj, 72)

They are arrogant

Another prominent characteristic of the believers is their modesty; they accept the fact that they are fallible, and thus immediately obey admonitions and warnings. Hypocrites, however, in their conceited arrogance, always think they know best, and fail to listen to advice or admit to their mistakes. They believe themselves to be clever. Further still, they regard themselves devoted servants of Allah. That the hypocrites of our Prophet's (saas) time did not accept his (saas) asking for forgiveness on their behalf is a clear sign of their conceit:

When they are told, "Come, and the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you," they turn their heads and you see them turn away in haughty arrogance. (Surat al-Munafiqun, 5)

When believers invite these people with sickness in their hearts to be sincere believers and remind them of Allah's verses, hypocrites' attitudes make it evident that they act in compliance with their conceit. They believe in their impeccability, and even do not recognize their humane mistakes. In the Qur'an, Allah relates us the end of their indulgence in their conceit:

When he is told to have fear of Allah, he is seized by pride which drives him to wrongdoing. Hell will be enough for him! What an evil resting-place! (Surat al-Baqara, 206)

When they were told, "There is no god but Allah," they were arrogant. (Surat as-Saffat, 35)

Considering themselves irreproachable, they are not disposed to recognize the end that awaits them in the Hereafter, as recompense for their moral failings and wickedness. Conceit, a characteristic typical of hypocrites, locks them in a vicious circle. Believers constantly improve themselves by making up for their mistakes and shortcomings, while hypocrites proceed into further depths of deceit. They do not benefit from admonitions. Allah informs believers about the end that awaits them, despite their supposed self-sufficiency:

No indeed! Truly man is unbridled, seeing himself as self-sufficient. (Surat al-Alaq, 6-7)

Similarly, as the verses of the Qur’an are being read, they interpret the meanings conveyed in them as if they concern not themselves, but other people. Consequently, they fail to grasp those matters from which they should be taking lessons. Although they read the Qur’an repeatedly, they consider death, the Hereafter and Hell remote. They think they are pure in intention, and, therefore, immune from punishment.

Due to their conceit, hypocrites consider other believers as inferior to themselves. Whatever they are blessed with, such as wealth, fame, status or beauty, makes them feel more arrogant, and causes them humiliate less well-off believers. The fact is, however, it is only fear of Allah that distinguishes who is superior. Believers do not esteem such false criteria; they love and respect others according to the profoundness of their faith, and not for their money, physical appearance or status. For this reason, those within the community of believers who grow in arrogance because of their possession of such blessings can be easily recognized.

They speak what is not in their hearts

Another attribute of the hypocrites is their mendacity. Having no fear of Allah, they resort to lies whenever they are in trouble, thinking they can deceive believers. They also resort to false excuses to avoid their responsibilities. In the Qur'an, Allah draws our attention to the fact that the hypocrites of the time of our Prophet (saas), who were called to defend the Muslims against the enemy, tried to escape through lies:

What assailed you on the day the two armies met was by Allah's permission, so that He would know the believers, and so that He would know the hypocrites. They were told, "Come and fight in the Way of Allah or at least help defend us." They said, "If we knew how to fight, we would certainly follow you." They were closer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah knows best what they are hiding. (Surah Al 'Imran, 166-167)

As we can clearly see, hypocrites abandon the believers in times of difficulty, seeking to protect themselves and their own interests. However, the way they attempt to do so is in a hypocritical manner. That is, they try to justify their excuses. Of course, they do not admit outright that they are afraid of being harmed. Instead, they foolishly provide excuses, and try to convince believers in their genuineness. In the Qur'an, Allah relates such ploys as are typical of hypocrites:

Those Arabs who remained behind will say to you, "Our wealth and families kept us occupied, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who can control Allah for you in any way whether He wants harm for you or wants benefit for you?" Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat al-Fath, 11)

And a group of them said, "People of Yathrib, Your position is untenable so return!" Some of them asked the Prophet (saas) to excuse them, saying, "Our houses are exposed," when they were not exposed; it was merely that they wanted to run away.(Surat al-Ahzab, 13)

The excuses put forward by hypocrites, such as, “If we knew how to fight, we would certainly follow you,” or “our houses are unprotected,” may seem legitimate. But, Allah revealed, “[They] say with their mouths what was not in their hearts”. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 167) Moreover, in telling such lies, they swear on Allah’s name. In the Qur’an, Allah refers to the insincerity of hypocrites as follows:

They will swear by Allah: "Had we been able to, we would have gone out with you." (Surat at-Tawba, 42)

Another verse that refers to such lies is the following:

… and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart, while he is in fact the most hostile of adversaries. (Surat al-Baqara, 204)

They hinder goodness and compete in wickedness

Another prominent attribute of believers is their enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong. That is to say, a believer does his utmost to call people to the morality of the Qur’an and hinder them from evil.

The tendency among hypocrites, on the other hand, is just the contrary; they try to prevent the deeds in conformity with Allah’s religion and feel anguished by that which brings them good. Conversely, they become enthusiastic with regards to that which concerns their selfish whims and desires. They support whatever circumstances they think will harm believers and complicate their affairs. In the following verse, Allah states:

The men and women of the hypocrites are as bad as one another. They command what is wrong and forbid what is right and keep their fists tightly closed. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. The hypocrites are deviators. (Surat at-Tawba, 67)

They hate what is pleasing to Allah

Hypocrites go astray, for they do not conform to Allah's Will, but hate what is pleasing to Him. For believers, on the other hand, complying with Allah's good pleasure is what is of primacy, and for them the sole source of joy and happiness. On the contrary, hypocrites despise every act of worship, and do not sense pleasure in being servants to Allah. In one verse, Allah commands:

That is because they followed what angers Allah and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made their actions come to nothing. (Surah Muhammad, 28)

They are ungrateful

Hypocrites, as are all other disbelievers, are ungrateful towards Allah. They are never appreciative to Allah, the Creator, Who created them, and Who provides them all manner of blessings, but turn their backs to His commands.

A second type of ingratitude found among hypocrites is that towards believers. Believers are those who help and support each other when they join their community. Believers summon each other to faith, and try to render themselves worthy of Paradise. The admonitions and reminders believers make are intended for their good.

For this trait of the believers, hypocrites harbor enmity towards them. Surely, this is true ingratitude, as mentioned in the Qur’an:

They swear by Allah that they said nothing, but they definitely spoke the word of disbelief and returned to disbelief after their Islam. They planned something which they did not achieve and they were vindictive for no other cause than that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them from His bounty. If they were to repent, it would be better for them. But if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in the world and the Hereafter, and they will not find any protector or helper on the earth. (Surat at-Tawba, 74)

You can ask forgiveness for them, or not ask forgiveness for them. Even if you asked forgiveness for them seventy times, Allah still would not forgive them. That is because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger. Allah does not guide deviant people. (Surat at-Tawba, 80)

They are unclean both physically and spiritually

In the Qur'an, Allah informs us that hypocrites are "unclean". As well as in the verse 28 of the Surat at-Tawba, which stresses that hypocrites are "unclean" in general, there is mention of their spiritual and physical impurity in those verses related to hypocrites. While outlining the difference between the mosque founded by hypocrites to cause harm to believers and divide them, and the mosque of believers, Allah draws our attention to the fact that in the mosque of believers, there are those who love to purify themselves. (Surat at-Tawba, 107-108) The Prophet (saas) also stresses the cleanliness of the faithful in one of the hadiths:

"Surely, Islam is pure, therefore be pure, because he can never enter Paradise who is not pure." (Ahmad Diya'al-Din al-Kamushkhanawi, Ramuz al-Ahadith, vol.1, 96/2)

Another verse that talks about hypocrites maintain the following:

But as for those with sickness in their hearts, it adds defilement to their defilement, and they die as disbelievers. (Surat at-Tawba, 125)

They are not at ease, but plagued with doubt

A hypocrite’s mind is filled with anxiety, worries and despondence. His misery afflicts him already while he is still in this world. Effectively, they live with great insecurity and fear. They can never attain the submission, ease and peace which believers experience.

Hypocrites feel insecure as long as they are with believers. Believers are those who have submitted themselves to Allah, and, thereby, attained the peace of mind of acknowledging that it is Allah Who removes all distress. They put their trust in Him alone.

Hypocrites, on the other hand, suffer constantly from insecurity; they never submit themselves to Allah. They are constantly fraught with the effort of justifying themselves or passing themselves off as someone else. Such efforts involve them in false pretences.  They can therefore not be expected to be at peace, or feel secure and at ease.

In that disquietude, they think every adversity is a design against them. They are overly concerned that at any time they may be exposed for their hypocrisy. In the Qur’an, the state of mind of the hypocrites is related in the following verse, “... They imagine every cry to be against them.” (Surat al-Munafiqun, 4).

In another verse, Allah informs us that hypocrites are continually distressed, as well as being deluded by false hopes:

They will call out to them, "Were we not with you?" They will reply, "Indeed you were. But you made trouble for yourselves and hung back and doubted and false hopes deluded you until Allah's command arrived. The Deluder deluded you about Allah." (Surat al-Hadid, 14)

They despair easily

Another telling characteristic of a hypocrite is that, although he pretends to have fortitude, he despairs when faced with even a minor misfortune. However, that is not how he presents himself to others; he maintains that he has a profound faith, and promises that he will not swerve from the straight path, and that he will seek Allah's good pleasure, whatever the circumstances may be, and that he will remain trusting in Allah in everything he does. However, all such promises are mere words while his psychological reaction differs greatly. Unaware that Allah's support and help is always available, and that there is good in everything that Allah ordains, they become despondent with slightest adversity. In a verse of the Qur'an, Allah describes the condition of hypocrites as follows:

... More fitting for them would be obedience and honorable words. Once the matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah would be better for them. (Surah Muhammad, 20-21)

Indeed, although hypocrites look very much like believers on the outside, they share many common traits with disbelievers. At times of distress, they have a disposition contrary to the believers. When they are afflicted with sickness, for instance, they rebel against Allah, despair of His mercy, and fail to put their trust in Him. However, Allah informs us that none despairs of Allah's mercy except disbelievers.

... No one despairs of solace from Allah except for people who are disbelievers. (Surah Yusuf, 87)

In addition, by His grace, Allah eases the trial he imparts upon believers, but only for those who sincerely believe. A Muslim, who submits himself to Allah sincerely, faces the unceasing succession of tests imposed on him by Allah with security, thankfulness and trust in Him. For hypocrites, on the other hand, there is fear, apprehension and anxiety. Being under the influence of Satan, hypocrites falsely assume that the difficulties they encounter have developed beyond the control of Allah's mercy, knowledge and planning. Through such responses from them as, "if I hadn't done such and such, this would not have happened", it becomes evident that they are unaware of the ultimate perfection of every instant of the divine plan decreed by Allah. Indeed, all is created by Allah, in compliance with a plan, and for a divine purpose. And, what befits a believer is to try to recognize that such a purpose has always been ordained, and to submit himself to the wisdom of fate.

They are apprehensive with believers

Another attribute typical of hypocrites is the persistent fear they feel. Unlike believers, who are told to “feel no fear and will know no sorrow” (Surat al-Baqara, 38), hypocrites live in constant agitation. They fear the exposure of their true intentions and their dishonesty. They are in terror of their true characters being recognized, and their hypocrisy being rightly identified. In the Qur’an, this fear of the hypocrites is described as follows:

They swear by Allah that they are of your number, but they are not of your number. Rather, they are people who are scared. If they could find a bolt-hole, cave or burrow, they would turn and scurry away into it. (Surat at-Tawba, 56-57)

The extent of the terror felt by hypocrites is mentioned in another verse as follows:

You are a greater cause of terror in their breasts than Allah! That is because they are people who do not understand.(Surat al-Hashr, 13)

They Aim to Deceive the Believers

As mentioned earlier, what distinguishes hypocrites from other disbelievers is that they present themselves as being believers. For the sake of achieving some gain, they wish to be among the believers, thinking it “profitable” to be amongst them.

Through every situation, a hypocrite pretends to live by the principles of Islam, in order to prove himself to believers. He performs his acts of worship for show. Yet, such worship will not be acceptable in Allah’s sight, for in order for an act to be considered worship, it must be performed for Allah’s good pleasure alone. Hypocrites, on the other hand, seek other people’s approval rather than Allah’s good pleasure. In their prayers, charity, oaths or speech, they aim to win other people’s esteem, to reap some benefit and to prove themselves to others. However, sincere Muslims do not harbor such concerns, but live only to earn His good pleasure. For, they are aware that there is nothing hidden from Allah’s sight, and that one will be faced with every deed he had engaged in, in His sight, even if he had forgotten it.  We can consider the characteristics of hypocrites under the following headings:

They make their oaths a cloak

Lying is one of the most frequently used methods hypocrites employ to conceal themselves within the community of believers, and to cover their dishonesty. It is such that, for hypocrites, lying almost becomes a habit, and in order to bring credibility to themselves, they resort to swearing false oaths. They swear oaths in Allah's name knowing what high regard these have in the eyes of believers. Allah reveals the true intent of the hypocrites as follows:

They made their oaths into a cloak and barred the Way of Allah, so they will have a humiliating punishment. (Surat al-Mujadala, 16)

Another verse in the Qur'an, stating that hypocrites swear falsely, is:

... And they swear to falsehood and do so knowingly. (Surat al-Mujadala, 14)

Being wrapped up in their own deceit, hypocrites are greatly deluded, assuming that their lies will not be exposed or that they will be called to account. But, according to the Qur’an: “… Allah knows that they are lying.” (Surat at-Tawba, 42) and “There is a sickness in their hearts and Allah has increased their sickness. They will have a painful punishment on account of their denial...” (Surat al-Baqara, 10)

They perform their prayers for show

In the Qur'an, Allah mentions those who perform their prayers to earn people's esteem as follows:

So woe to those who do prayer, and are forgetful of their prayer, those who show off and deny help to others. (Surat al-Maun, 4-6)

With these verses, Allah introduces us the character of the hypocrite. Believers, on the other hand, as the following verse maintains, “It is the believers who are successful: those who are humble in their prayer” (Surat al-Muminun, 1-2), are those who sincerely turn to Allah in their prayers and feel “humility” towards Him.

Other related verses are the following:

... When they get up to pray, they get up lazily, showing off to people, and only remembering Allah a very little. (Surat an-Nisa', 142)

… and are forgetful of their prayer, those who show off and deny help to others. (Surat al-Maun, 6-7)

They seek esteem from others and not Allah's good pleasure

Generally, hypocrites tend to seek out other people's high regard rather than Allah's good pleasure. They are often over-exaggerated in their tempers, to present themselves as believers with fear of Allah. They perform which they do so as to make it known to everybody, and to earn the admiration of other believers. The Qur'an makes reference to the hypocrites' insincerity as follows:

They swear to you by Allah in order to please you, but it would be more fitting for them to please Allah and His Messenger if they are believers. (Surat at-Tawba, 62)

Hypocrites are concerned of their good deeds not being publicized, for they lack sincere faith. They want to bring attention to what they do to as many people as possible, in order to—in their own minds—earn the esteem of the believers. Their sole purpose is to gain prestige among others. However, all ought to remember that, because hypocrites lack sincerity, and fail to observe Allah's good pleasure, their repayment in the Hereafter may not be as expected. In many verses of the Qur'an, Allah states those who expend much effort to the point of exhaustion, yet whose efforts, or in other words, acts of worship, are of no avail. For this reason, those so reprehensible in morality should avoid such a pitiful end.

They spend in charity for show

Another act of worship hypocrites perform for show is the giving of charity. Spending wealth (in the way of Allah) refers to all kinds of spending and types of donations made for Allah's cause, and to earn His good pleasure. While believers spend their wealth for Allah's good pleasure, hypocrites perform the act of worship for people's esteem. In the Qur'an, Allah reveals the hypocrites' intentions as follows:

… and also for those who spend their wealth to show off to people, not having faith in Allah and the Last Day. Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what an evil comrade he is! What harm would it have done them to have had faith in Allah and the Last Day and to have given of what Allah has provided for them? Allah knows everything about them. (Surat an-Nisa', 38-39)

Yet, the Qur'an relates that the charity spent by hypocrites to win the esteem of others is unacceptable in Allah's sight:

Say: "Whether you give readily or reluctantly, it will not be accepted from you. You are people who are deviators." Nothing prevents what they give from being accepted from them but the fact that they have rejected Allah and His Messenger, and that they only come to prayer lethargically, and that they only give reluctantly. (Surat at-Tawba, 53-54)

From these verses, we learn that hypocrites perform their acts of worship “reluctantly.” This is another reason for the persistent distress hypocrites feel. All the acts in which they engage are of no avail, for they perform them simply to impress others. Furthermore, when Allah wills, He exposes the true character of these insincere people, to invalidate their actions in this world. Therefore, hypocrites also ultimately fail to attain their desired goal: other people’s approval.

In another verse, Allah provides the following example, to explain the invalidity of the acts of worship performed by those who spend for show, and His blessings upon those who spend for His good pleasure:

You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by demands for gratitude or insulting words, like him who spends his wealth, showing off to people and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left stripped bare. They have no power over anything they have earned. Allah does not guide disbelieving people. The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its produce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is dew. Allah sees what you do. (Surat al-Baqara, 264-265)

They do not make a concerted effort in Allah's Way

Though hypocrites spend their wealth to impress others, what they spend is a pittance. What they spend is only of a small amount; they never adopt the habit peculiar to believers, as described in the verse, “Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth in return for the Garden.” (Surat at-Tawba, 111).

Believers do not hesitate to spend all their resources to earn Allah’s good pleasure. Hypocrites, on the other hand, remain in the company of believers merely for personal gain. Therefore, rather than seeking Allah’s good pleasure, they consider self-sacrifices as investments made for the future; they think a small gift of charity made in the name of pretence will entitle them to benefit from the bounty of blessings conferred upon the believers.

In the Qur’an, Allah draws attention to the stinginess of hypocrites:

Among them there were some who made an agreement with Allah: "If He gives us of His bounty we will definitely give alms and be among the righteous." But when He does give them of His bounty they are tight-fisted with it and turn away. So He has punished them by putting hypocrisy in their hearts until the day they meet Him because they failed Allah in what they promised Him and because they lied. (Surat at-Tawba, 75-77)

The miserliness and selfishness of a hypocrite is quite contrary to the self-sacrifice typical of a believer, for a believer seeks rewards for his deeds in Allah's sight, aiming only for the Hereafter. He has fully grasped the transitory and ephemeral nature of this world, and that the purpose of his existence here is solely to earn Allah's favor.

They are greedy and selfish

As well as avoiding all types of self-sacrifice, hypocrites struggle to reap as much as they can personally from other believers. Trivialities occupy their lives, for they do not designate seeking Allah's favor its purpose. For that reason, contrary to the nobility and self-sacrifice of believers, hypocrites are greedy and selfish. According to the Qur'an, the hypocrites' profiteering from believers is mentioned as follows:

Among them there are some who find fault with you concerning the alms. If they are given some of it, they are pleased but if they are not given any, they are angry. If only they had been pleased with what Allah and His Messenger had given them and had said, "Allah is enough for us. Allah will give us of His bounty as will His Messenger. It is to Allah that we make our plea." (Surat at-Tawba, 58-59)

The phrase, "Allah is enough for us", provides a full disclosure of the believers' disposition. A believer hopes that Allah will generously reward him for his deeds in the Hereafter with His Paradise, mercy and favor. In one of his sayings, our Prophet (saas) said that the same is true for believers in the life of this world:

If you put your faith completely in Allah, He will arrange for your sustenance in the same way as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with their stomachs empty and return filled in the evening. (Tirmidhi)

On account of the triviality of this world, it would not befit believers to be greedy or to oppose the prophets and the believers. A believer studiously avoids being among those described in the verse below:

But if anyone opposes the Messenger after the guidance has become clear to him, and follows other than the path of the believers, We will hand him over to whatever he has turned to, and We will roast him in Hell. What an evil destination! (Surat an-Nisa', 115)

A believer knows that Allah may grant him bounteous blessings also in this world. A hypocrite, on the other hand, being unaware of Allah and His blessings, seeks frivolous and worthless objectives, and thus degrades himself.

They conspire against believers

If the hypocrites in the community of believers are more than one, they meet in private and, as the Qur’an informs us, hold “secret meetings”.

A hypocrite, who strives to remain in the company of believers, will ultimately locate others who are similar to himself, who are also selfish and arrogant. They form groups, try to distance themselves from believers, and remain in each other’s company. They are not comfortable to be among believers, for they remind them of their corruption, and remind them to be self-sacrificing.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an about the factions formed by the hypocrites, and the secret meetings they hold. A “secret meeting” is the congregation of hypocrites, without believers’ knowledge, during which they discuss possibilities for “rebellion” or “fitnah”. In the Qur’an, this comportment of hypocrites is described as follows:

Do you not see those who were forbidden to confer together secretly returning to the very thing they were forbidden to do, and conferring together secretly in wrongdoing and enmity and disobedience to the Messenger? And when they come to you they greet you with words Allah has never used in greeting you, and say to themselves "Why does Allah not punish us for what we say?" Hell will be enough for them! They will roast in it. What an evil destination! (Surat al-Mujadala, 8)

In another verse which informs believers about these "secret meetings", Allah says that they are held the "night."

They try to conceal themselves from people, but they cannot conceal themselves from Allah. He is with them when they spend the night saying things which are not pleasing to Him. Allah encompasses everything they do. (Surat an-Nisa', 108)

In another verse, Allah reveals that these actions of the hypocrites are inspired by Satan:

Conferring in secret is from Satan, to cause grief to those who have faith; but it cannot harm them at all, unless by Allah's permission. So let the believers put their trust in Allah... (Surat al-Mujadala, 10)

By pretending to be believers, some hypocrites strive to remain in the company of believers, only to spy and convey the information to disbelievers. Because, disbelievers consider believers their enemies, but cannot cause them harm due to the solidarity of believers. Therefore, they approach hypocrites from the community of believers, offer them certain benefits and, in return, ask for information.

This treachery of those hypocrites who lived in the time of our Prophet (saas), is revealed the verse, "and among you there are those who hearken for their sake; and Allah knows the unjust." (Surat at-Tawba, 47). In the Qur'an, hypocrites are described as "listeners (who collect information) on behalf of others". The related verse reads:

O Messenger! Do not be grieved by those who rush headlong into disbelief among those who say "We have faith" with their tongues when their hearts contain no faith. And among them are those who listen to lies, listeners on behalf of other folk who come not onto you... (Surat al-Ma'ida, 41)