Munafiqun - hypocrites in Islam

A hypocrite in Islam is a 'Muslim'. He is not an apostate (murtad), nor is he a polytheist or idol worshiper (mushrik), nor is he an atheist (mulhid).

A hypocrite does declare Islam as his religion, and in some cases even prays to GOD Almighty and fasts the month of Ramadan. The Quran says:

"Indeed, the hypocrites (think to) deceive Allah , but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing (themselves to) the people and not remembering Allah except a little." (QS 4:142)

The hypocrites are always planning deceit and plots against Islam and other pious Muslims. Although outwardly they appear to be with the believers, but inwardly they are never a believer.

The hypocrites revolve around their own interests. When they meet the believers, they make a show of belief and loyalty in order to gain trust and deceive the believers. But when they are with their own kind, they will betray the religion. The Quran says:

"And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers. But Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression while they wander blindly."(QS 2:14-15)

The characteristics of a hypocrites are enmity and envy (hasad dengki) towards the believers, the Quran says:

"If good befalls you, it distresses them; but if disaster strikes you, they say, "We took our matter in hand before," and turn away while they are rejoicing."(QS 9:50)

The Muslim hypocrites will be in the most painful level of Hell. They are worse than the disbelievers themselves in the Eyes of Allah SWT. The Quran says:

"Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire and never will you find for them a helper." (QS 4:145)

A hypocrite wouldn't mind tarnishing the good image of Islam. They are not afraid of giving the religion a bad name. They don't mind if people is turning away from Islam.

They will spread corruption and oppression on earth with disbelief, hypocrisy and sins. They will weaken the creed of Muslims and divide the unity of the ummah. The Quran says:

“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..." (QS 2:11-12)

Hypocrites do not have a clear aim in life. They do not keep to any principle in life. They cast all of their principles and conscience aside due to greed and self-gain and that is why Allah SWT described them as 'defiantly disobedient' people. The Quran says:

"The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands. They have forgotten Allah , so He has forgotten them (accordingly). Indeed, the hypocrites - it is they who are the defiantly disobedient." (QS 9:67)

And in Islam, there's is no forgiveness for 'defiantly disobedient' people. The Quran says:

"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."(QS 63:6)


Wallahu'alam