Four signs of a Hypocrite (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Islam, right from its initial days of infancy, has suffered greatly from the hands of the hypocrites, called "الۡمُنٰفِقِيۡنَ (Al Munafiqeen)". It were these people, who though apparently embraced Islam, but from the heart of their hearts, they continued to follow the pagan beliefs. It were these very people who betrayed Muslims at the very eleventh hour of a conflict when confronted with the threat by the disbelievers of Makkah. They had outwardly embraced Islam in Makkah and in other parts of Arabia, but instead of migrating to the Domain of Islam they continued co live among their own people who were unbelievers, taking part in all their hostile machinations against Islam and the Muslims. It was not easy for the Muslims to decide how to deal with such people. Some were of the opinion that since they professed Islam, performed Prayers, fasted and recited the Qur'an they could not be treated as unbelievers. These were the people who betrayed the Muslims during the battle of Uhud and the Trench.

Note: A mention of hypocrites is made in Section/Ruku 12, verses 88-91 in Surah 4. An Nisa. Please click here to read these verses and the explanation.

The hypocrites are even found today - these two faced individuals not only create disinformation about Islam, but also hurt others by their obscured intentions. Since these individuals can harm the cause of Islam, as some outwardly proclaimed Muslims even today are busy in tarnishing the image of of Islam and their actions are detrimental to the teachings of Islam, we must look out for such people and be on the watch out. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has indicated four characteristics of the hypocrites. These are mentioned in a Hadith in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 2 -   Belief /  كتاب الإيمان / Chapter 24: The signs of a hypocrite / بَابُ عَلاَمَةِ الْمُنَافِقِ) as Hadith 34, given herein under:

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet (ﷺ) 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.

1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.

2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.

3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.

4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ بْنُ عُقْبَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُرَّةَ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَرْبَعٌ مَنْ كُنَّ فِيهِ كَانَ مُنَافِقًا خَالِصًا، وَمَنْ كَانَتْ فِيهِ خَصْلَةٌ مِنْهُنَّ كَانَتْ فِيهِ خَصْلَةٌ مِنَ النِّفَاقِ حَتَّى يَدَعَهَا إِذَا اؤْتُمِنَ خَانَ وَإِذَا حَدَّثَ كَذَبَ وَإِذَا عَاهَدَ غَدَرَ، وَإِذَا خَاصَمَ فَجَرَ ‏"‏‏.‏ تَابَعَهُ شُعْبَةُ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ‏.‏

These characteristics are not difficult to detect if one is watchful. People with these traits can be very dangerous and can deceive others without any sense of guilt or remorse. even one of the above quoted trait in a person is enough to suspect his sincerity and stayed away from.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our exclusive page: Collection of Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read posts written on general matters.

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You may refer to our reference page:  Hadiths related to Muslim Women for more Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Muslim women

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You may refer to our reference page:  Etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ   for more etiquettes as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

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Posted in: Hadith,Signs of Hypocrite