What is the meaning of Munafiq in Islam? What does Islam say about Hypocrites and Hypocrisy? Read this post to learn more about the meaning and characteristics of Hypocrites according to Islam.
Ordinarily, when people accuse someone of hypocrisy they mean that the person says something and does something. It means contradiction between one’s sayings and actions.
In dictionaries, it has been defined as the practice of falsely claiming to have higher standards or nobler beliefs.
Hypocrisy has been condemned and frowned upon in many cultures and civilizations.
Islam too condemns Hypocrisy in strict terms. It has dealt with this issue in frank, practical, and realistic manner.
This article is an attempt to examine the contours, meanings, and signs of Hypocrisy in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadiths especially Sahih Bukhari which describes the characteristics of hypocrites in great detail.
Munafiq Meaning in English
Munafiq is an Arabic word that means hypocrite in English. It is a singular noun and its plural form is ‘munafiqeen’ or ‘munafiqun’.
The root word of ‘munafiq’ is ‘nifaq’ which generally means negativity. The word ‘munafiq’ and its variants like munafiqun and munafiqeen occur several times in the Holy Quran.
Islam prescribes certain condemnable characteristics of a munafiq or hypocrite.
What are the Signs and Characteristics of Munafiq in Islam?
Lying, Betrayal, Dishonesty, Breaking Promises
Some obvious signs of hypocrites according to Islam include the act of dishonesty, lying, breaking promises, treachery, betrayal, quarrelsome behavior, etc.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 48, Number 847: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three:
- Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie,
- Whenever he is entrusted, he proves to be dishonest,
- Whenever he promises, he breaks his promise.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: The Prophet said, “Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.
- Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.
- Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.
- Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.
- Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil, and insulting manner.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number 639: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Amr: The Prophet said,’ Whoever has (the following) four characters will be a hypocrite, and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy until he gives it up. These are:
- Whenever he talks, he tells a lie;
- Whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it;
- Whenever he makes a covenant he proves treacherous; and
- Whenever he quarrels, he behaves impudently in an evil insulting manner.
Double-facedness
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 699: Narrated Abu Huraira: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “You see that the people are of different natures. Those who were the best in the pre-Islamic period, are also the best in Islam if they comprehend religious knowledge. You see that the best amongst the people in this respect (i.e. ambition of ruling) are those who hate it most. And you see that the worst among people is the double-faced (person) who appears to these with one face and to the others with another face (ie a hypocrite).”
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 84: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The worst people in the Sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the double-faced people who appear to some people with one face and other people with another face.”
Who is Munafiq according to Quran?
The Holy Quran also speaks in much detail about the hypocrites, whom it refers to as ‘Munafiq’. There is a whole chapter in the Quran that talks about hypocrites.
Holy Quran 4.61-63 When they are told, ‘Come to what God has sent down and to the Messenger,’ you see the hypocrites turn away from you. How will it be when an affliction befalls them because of what they themselves have done? They will come to you, swearing by God, saying that they were seeking nothing but goodwill and conciliation. But God knows all that is in their hearts; so ignore what they say, admonish them and speak to them in such terms as will address their minds.
Hypocrites are Turncoats
Holy Quran 4:141-144 The hypocrites wait to see what happens to you and, if God grants you a victory, they say, ‘Were we not on your side?’ And if those who deny the truth have a share of it victory they say to them, ‘Did we not help you win, and protect you from the believers?’ God will judge you all on Judgement Day. And never will God allow those who deny the truth to harm the believers. The hypocrites seek to outwit God but it is He who outwits them. And when they stand up for prayer, they do so reluctantly and to be seen by others, and they hardly remember God at all. They vacillate between the two, belonging neither to one side nor the other. But for him whom God allows going astray, you can never find the way for him. Do not take deniers of the truth who are at war with you for your allies in preference to believers. Would you give God clear proof against yourselves?
Holy Quran 5:61 When they come to you they say, ‘We believe,’ but they come with the resolve to deny the truth and leave in the same state. God knows best what they are concealing. You see many among them vie with one another in sin and transgression and practice what is unlawful. It is vile indeed what they have been doing!
Holy Quran 63:1 When the hypocrites come to you, Oh Muhammad, they say, “We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.” And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars. They have taken their oaths as a cover, so they averted people from the way of Allah. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing. That is because they believed, and then they disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed over, and they do not understand.
They Encourage Evil and Corruption
Holy Quran 9:67 The hypocrites, both men and women, are all alike: they encourage what is evil, forbid what is good, and withhold ˹what is in˺ their hands. They neglected Allah, so He neglected them. Surely the hypocrites are the rebellious.
They are Double-faced and engage in Idle Talks
Holy Quran 9:69 ˹You hypocrites are˺ like those ˹disbelievers˺ before you. They were far superior to you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share in this life. You have enjoyed your share, just as they did. And you have engaged in idle talk, just as they did. Their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers.
Hypocrites Fear revelations about them
Holy Quran 9:64: The hypocrites fear that a surah should be revealed about them, exposing what is in their hearts. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Keep mocking! Allah will definitely bring to light what you fear.”
They Ridicule Prophet and Mock Islam
Holy Quran 9:65 If you question them, they will certainly say, “We were only talking idly and joking around.” Say, “Was it Allah, His revelations, and His Messenger that you ridiculed?”
Hypocrites seem Pleasing from Outside
Holy Quran 63:4 And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are as if they were pieces of wood propped up-they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroys them; how are they deluded?
Holy Quran 63:5-6 And when it is said to them, “Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you,” they turn their heads aside and you see them evading while they are arrogant. 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.
Holy Quran 63:7 They are the ones who say, “Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they disband.” And to Allah belongs the depositories of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.
Difference between a Believer and a Munafiq
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 128: Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, “The sign of Belief is to love the Ansar, and the sign of hypocrisy is to hate the Ansar.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 61, Number 579: Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said, “The example of a believer who recites the Qur’an and acts on it, like a citron which tastes nice and smells nice. And the example of a believer who does not recite the Qur’an but acts on it, is like a date which tastes good but has no smell. And the example of a hypocrite who recites the Qur’an is like a Raihana (sweet basil) which smells good but tastes bitter And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Quran is like a colocynth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 306: Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Apostle said,“A believer eats in one intestine is satisfied with a little food, and a kafir (disbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much).”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 70, Number 546: Narrated Kab: The Prophet said,”The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant, which the wind bends it sometimes and some other time it makes it straight. And the example of a hypocrite is that of a pine tree which keeps straight till once it is uprooted suddenly.”
Can Hypocrites be reformed?
No one is a hypocrite by birth and if one acts like a hypocrite that does not necessarily mean that he will remain so till eternity provided they sincerely repent, seek forgiveness from God and mend their ways accordingly.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 53, Number 403: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever has (the following) four characteristics will be a pure hypocrite: If he speaks, he tells a lie; if he gives a promise, he breaks it, if he makes a covenant he proves treacherous; and if he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent evil insulting or unjust manner. And whoever has one of these characteristics, has one characteristic of a hypocrite, unless he gives it us.”
Al-Quran 4:145-146 Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire – and never will you find for them a helper except for those who repent, correct themselves, hold fast to Allah, and are sincere in their religion for Allah, for those will be with the believers.
Punishment for Hypocrisy in Islam
Holy Quran 9:78: Allah has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers an everlasting stay in the Fire of Hell—it is sufficient for them. Allah has condemned them, and they will suffer a never-ending punishment.
Holy Quran 33:73 God will punish the hypocrites, both men and women, and polytheists, both men, and women, but God will turn in His mercy to believing men and believing women; God is most forgiving and most merciful.
Holy Quran 63:6 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.
Holy Quran 4:140 And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah [recited], they are denied [by them] and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell altogether.
Holy Quran 4:145-147 Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire – and never will you find for them a helper except for those who repent, correct themselves, hold fast to Allah, and are sincere in their religion for Allah, for those will be with the believers. And Allah is going to give the believers a great reward. What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing.
Holy Quran 9:73 Oh Prophet, strive against those who deny the truth and the hypocrites and be firm against them. Their abode shall be Hell: an evil destination.
Holy Quran 63:4 And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are as if they were pieces of wood propped up-they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?
Holy Quran 66.9:10 Oh Prophet, exert yourself to the utmost against those who deny the truth and the hypocrites. Deal severely with them. Hell will be their abode a vile destination.
Forgiveness for Hypocrites
Only by giving up the vices of hypocrisy and by sincerely repenting one can aspect forgiveness from Allah Almighty.
Holy Quran 63:5 And when it is said to them, “Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you,” they turn their heads aside and you see them evading while they are arrogant.
Holy Quran 4:145-147 Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire – and never will you find for them a helper except for those who repent, correct themselves, hold fast to Allah, and are sincere in their religion for Allah, for those will be with the believers. And Allah is going to give the believers a great reward. What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 126: Narrated Al-Aswad-“While we were sitting in a circle in ‘Abdullah’s gathering, Hudhaifa came and stopped before us, and greeted us and then said, “People better than you became hypocrites.” Al-Aswad said: I testify the uniqueness of Allah! Allah says: “Verily! The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire. (4.145) On that Abdullah smiled and Hudhaifa sat somewhere in the Mosque. ‘Abdullah then got up and his companions (sitting around him) dispersed. Hudhaifa then threw a pebble at me (to attract my attention). I went to him and he said, “I was surprised at ‘Abdullah’s smile though he understood what I said. Verily, people better than you became a hypocrite and then repented and Allah forgave them.”
How to deal with Hypocrites?
Islam does not lay down any hard and fast rule on dealing with munafiq and hypocrites. It all depends on the facts and circumstances of particular cases.
In some places, Quran asks believers to admonish hypocrites. There are instances, however, when the prophet dealt with them kindly and even attended their funeral prayers.
Holy Quran 4.61-63 God knows all that is in their hearts; so ignore what they say, admonish them and speak to them in such terms as will address their minds.
Holy Quran 4.140-147 He has instructed you in the Book that, when you hear people deny or ridicule God’s revelations, you must not sit with them unless they engage in another talk, or else you yourselves shall become like them. God will gather all the hypocrites and those who deny the truth together in Hell.
Holy Quran 4:140-147 The hypocrites wait to see what happens to you and, if God grants you a victory, they say, ‘Were we not on your side?’ And if those who deny the truth have a share of it victory they say to them, ‘Did we not help you win, and protect you from the believers?’ God will judge between you all on Judgement Day. And never will God allow those who deny the truth to harm the believers. The hypocrites seek to outwit God but it is He who outwits them. And when they stand up for prayer, they do so reluctantly and to be seen by others, and they hardly remember God at all. They vacillate between the two, belonging neither to one side nor the other. But for him whom God allows to go astray, you can never find the way for him. Do not take deniers of the truth who are at war with you for your allies in preference to believers. Would you give God a clear proof against yourselves? The hypocrites shall surely be in the lowest depth of the Fire; and you will find no helper for them. But those who repent and mend their ways, who hold fast to God and are sincere in their worship of God will be joined with the believers; and God will bestow a great reward upon the believers. Why should God punish you, if you render thanks to Him and believe in Him? God is appreciative and aware.
Holy Quran 9:73 Oh Prophet, strive against those who deny the truth and the hypocrites and be firm against them. Their abode shall be Hell: an evil destination.
Holy Quran 66:9-10 Oh Prophet, exert yourself to the utmost against those who deny the truth and the hypocrites. Deal severely with them. Hell will be their abode a vile destination.
Joining Funeral of Hypocrites
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 194: Narrated Ibn Umar: When Abdullah bin Ubai died, his son ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdullah came to Allah’s Apostle who gave his shirt to him and ordered him to shroud his father in it. Then he stood up to offer the funeral prayer for the deceased, but ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab took hold of his garment and said, “Do you offer the funeral prayer for him though he was a hypocrite and Allah has forbidden you to ask forgiveness for hypocrites?” The Prophet said, “Allah has given me the choice (or Allah has informed me) saying: “Whether you, Oh Muhammad, ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them, even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times, Allah will not forgive them,” (9.80) Then he added, “I will (appeal to Allah for his sake) more than seventy times.” So Allah’s Apostle offered the funeral prayer for him and we too offered the prayer along with him. Then Allah revealed: “And never, Oh Muhammad, pray (funeral prayer) for any one of them that dies, nor stand at his grave. Certainly, they disbelieved in Allah and His Apostle and died in a state of rebellion.” (9:84)
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 688: Narrated Abdullah bin ‘Umar: When Abdullah bin Ubdi (bin Salul) died, his son came to Allah’s Apostle and said,’O Allah’s Apostle, give me your shirt so that I may shroud my fathers body in it. And please offer a funeral prayer for him and invoke Allah for his forgiveness.” The Prophet gave him his shirt and said to him ‘Inform us when you finish (and the funeral procession is ready) call us. When he had finished he told the Prophet and the Prophet proceeded to order his funeral prayers but Umar stopped him and said, “Didn’t Allah forbid you to offer the funeral prayer for the hypocrites when He said:“Whether you (Oh Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them or ask not forgiveness for them: (and even) if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times. Allah will not forgive them. (9.80) Then there was revealed: “And never pray for any of them that dies, nor stand at his grave” (9.34) Thenceforth the Prophet did not offer funeral prayers for the hypocrites.
Don’t make false accusations of Hypocrisy
Holy Quran, as well as relevant Hadiths, caution people against labeling others recklessly with any epithet. In one of its verses, the Quran explicitly forbids ridiculing and insulting people.
It also cautions people against having many negative assumptions about others without a substantial basis. Moreover, it prohibits backbiting people and reneging on one’s promises and trusts.
Falsely accusing anyone of anything is prohibited under Islam, and telling lies and giving false witnesses has been referred to as one of the greatest sins by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Holy Quran 49:11 O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule other people; perhaps they may be better than them, nor let women ridicule other women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by offensive nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 127: Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah: Mu’adh bin Jabal used to pray with the Prophet and then go to lead his people in prayer. Once he led the people in prayer and recited Surah al-Baqara. A man left (the row of the praying people) and offered the (light) prayer (separately) and went away. When Mu’adh came to know about it, he said. “He (that man) is a hypocrite.” Later that man heard what Mu’adh said about him, so he came to the Prophet and said, “Oh Allah’s Apostle! We are people who work with our own hands and irrigate (our farms) with our camels. Last night Mu’adh led us in the (night) prayer and he recited Surah al-Baqara, so I offered my prayer separately, and because of that, he accused me of being a hypocrite.” The Prophet called Mu’adh and said thrice, “Oh Mu’adh! You are putting the people to trials? Recite ‘Wash-shamsi wad-uhaha’ (91) or Sabbih isma Rabbi ka-l-A’la’ (87) or the like.”
Don’t harbour suspicion against each other
Islam also prohibits Muslims from harboring suspicion against each other.
Holy Quran 49:12 O you who have believed, avoid much negative assumptions. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear God; indeed, God is accepting of repentance and merciful.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 9 The Prophet said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all that Allah has forbidden.”
Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 48, Number 821: Narrated Anas: The Prophet was asked about the great sins to which he replies
- To join others in worship with Allah,
- To be undutiful to one’s parents.
- To kill a person (which Allah has forbidden to kill ie to murder someone).
- And to give a false witness.
Works Cited
- Al-Quran (English Translations by Yusuf Ali, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Sahih International, etc)
- Sahih al-Bukhari (English Translations by M Muhsin Khan)