Hypocrisy is a chronic disease and a dangerous moral deviation in the life of individuals, communities and nations. Its danger is great and the hypocrites are the cause of this great evil. This danger is clearly noticeable when the destructive consequences of hypocrisy afflict the entire Ummah (Muslim nation) and the charitable reform movements in particular, as the hypocrite causes their fatal internal destruction, whilst he is safe and unwatched. No one expects his slyness and plotting since he is considered a Muslim whose name, appearance and speech is like that of any other Muslim. Scrutinizing the essence of hypocrisy, you will find it a satanic combination that comprises severe cowardice, greed for the immediate pleasures of this worldly life, denial of truth and lying. Of course, one can imagine the evil effects of such a combination. The linguistic meaning of hypocrisy implies deception, cunning, showing outward goodness and concealing evil.

　　Forms of Hypocrisy

　　Many scholars mentioned that hypocrisy is divided into two types:

　　1- Hypocrisy in Belief: Some scholars call this form of hypocrisy "Major Hypocrisy". Al-Hafith ibn Hajar explained it as follows, “It is when the person shows his belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers and the Last Day, but conceals what contradicts some or all of this.” He added, “This was the type of hypocrisy that prevailed during the time of the Prophet . In the Quran, Allah The Exalted dispraises such hypocrites and brands them as disbelievers. The Quran also mentions that they will be destined to be in the lowest depths of Hell. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper.} [Quran 4:145]”

　　2- Hypocrisy in Action: Some scholars call this form "Minor Hypocrisy". It is when the person has some of the manners of the hypocrites such as lying and slackness in performing prayers; however, he still believes in Allah The Almighty, His Messenger, and the Last Day. It was narrated in a Hadeeth that the Prophet, , said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust.” In another Hadeeth, it was narrated that the Prophet, , said: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the ‘Ishaa’ prayer and the Fajr prayer. If they were to know what these two prayers include [of goodness], they would come to them, even if they had to do so crawling.”

　　Dominant Characteristics of the Hypocrites

　　Hypocrites are known for many characteristics which we will only briefly mention as elaboration needs many books to expose their real qualities:

　　1- They cause corruption on earth by means of both their speech and their actions. Concerning this point Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not.} [Quran 2:12]

　　4- Having allegiance towards the disbelievers and supporting them against the believers. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

　　· Making efforts to dishearten and disappoint the believers. In this respect, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said: “Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion,” And when a faction of them said: “O people of Yathrib, there is no stability for you [here], so return [home].” And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying: “Indeed, our houses are unprotected,” while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee. And if they had been entered upon from all its [surrounding] regions and Fitnah [tribulation] had been demanded of them, they would have done it and not hesitated over it except briefly. And they had already promised Allah before not to turn their backs and flee. And ever is the promise to Allah [that about which one will be] questioned. Say, [O Muhammad]: “Never will fleeing benefit you if you should flee from death or killing; and then [if you did], you would not be given enjoyment [of life] except for a little.” Say: “Who is it that can protect you from Allah if He intends for you an ill or intends for you a mercy?” And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or any helper. Already Allah knows the hinderers among you and those [hypocrites] who say to their brothers: “Come to us,” and do not go to battle, except for a few.} [Quran 33:12-18]

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