THE subject of ‘munafiq’ (hypocrite) or its plural ‘munafiqoon’ is one of the recurring themes in Ahadith and the Holy Quran. The Quran puts ‘munafiqoon’ and ‘kuffar’ (disbelievers) together, promising they shall both be thrown into hell (9:68). Who are hypocrites? A well-known Hadith says, “Among the signs of a hypocrite are three, even if he fasts and prays and claims to be a Muslim: when he speaks, he lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted with an amana, he betrays” (Sahih al-Bukhari 33, Sahih Muslim 59).We, each one of us, may qualify for these attributes at one time or another, but anybody who habitually and regularly does these things may be regarded as a hypocrite.

Lying implies somebody who intentionally and consciously does not tell the truth in order to damage others’ interests or take undue advantage to profit themselves. More often than not, many leaders tell lies deliberately to win votes. Others may lie for other reasons. But when someone lies unintentionally, without having knowledge of the truth, or does not intend to profit from the lie, they may not be a liar. Likewise, if someone ‘lies’ to save a person from a danger, they may not be lying at all. So, what matters is the intent, and not so much the act itself.

The second sign of a hypocrite is the breaking of promises. We make all sorts of promises, big and small, each day, hoping to deliver on them. If we are unable to fulfil one or two promises in our life, due to some reasons, that is understandable. But what is certainly not right is habitually making and then breaking promises. The Muslim faith, in fact any system of ethics, does not allow this.

According to another Hadith, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Verily, among the worst of people is the one with two faces, he who comes with one face to these and another to those.” Two faces may mean a person who plays double roles for personal gains. The Quran, referring to hypocrites, says, “And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: ‘We believe’; but when they go apart to their devils they declare: Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock. Allah (Himself) doth mock them, leaving them to wander blindly on in their contumacy. These are they who purchase error at the price of guidance, so their commerce doth not prosper, neither are they guided” (2: 14-16).

Muslim ethics discourage three habits that could make one a hypocrite.

Here again, a bad intention is involved, not an unconscious mistake or an unintended role. Intention, as in other matters, thus becomes the primary criterion that characterises the good or evil of an act. Wilful deceit, wllful cheating, wilful misguiding are what renders one a hypocrite. I would imagine that this will be the case in many cultures and societies, as these are seen in all societies, religious or not, as morally reprehensible, condemnable, and signs of a wicked person. These acts are wrong not just religiously, but ethically and socially as well.

Within this hypocrisy in our times, there have been many people who take the name of religion or, through their external signs or acts, show themselves as being ‘religious’ to promote their own interests. They do lay claim to a religion but they are actually least ‘religious’ internally and in their conduct. Their ethical conduct reflects very little of religious teachings as when they talk, they use abusive language and hurl baseless accusations simply to malign another person.

They humiliate those who oppose them for whatever reason and have no respect for human dignity. They call others names or distort their names and make fun of them publicly and exaggerate and spread malicious propaga­n­­da. Discouraging gossip, the Quran says, “O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible); for suspicion in some cases is a sin; and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it...” (49: 12).

One can easily see mala fide intentions in what they say and do. Alluding to such people, the Quran says, “And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only. Are not they indeed the mischief-makers…?” (2: 11-12). Such people indeed try to cheat God and the believers, but end up cheating only themselves.

In conclusion, Muslim ethics strongly discourage developing three reprehen-sible habits, making a person liable to be a ‘hypocrite’. These are: a) when they talk, they intentionally utter untruths; b) when they promise, they betray, and c) when they are trusted, they cheat. These habits are damaging not only at the personal, but also at the communal level.

The writer is an educationist with an interest in the study of religion and philosophy.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2022