Hadith #10628

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Hypocrisy is the brother of polytheism.

This concise statement holds deep meaning and requires a thorough understanding to grasp its significance.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. "Nifāq" is the Arabic term translated as "hypocrisy." It refers to the act of pretending to have faith while concealing disbelief or insincerity. "Shirk" means "polytheism," which is the association of partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against hypocrisy and polytheism in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:8-10)

And of the people are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' but they are not believers. They [think to] deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not. In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie.

This verse highlights the essence of hypocrisy, where individuals claim to have faith but their actions contradict their words. They deceive themselves and others, thinking they can deceive Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as well. However, Allah exposes their true intentions and promises them a severe punishment. Similarly, in Surah Al-Tawbah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 9:74)

They swear by Allah that they did not say [anything against the Prophet] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islam and planned that which they were not to attain. And they were not resentful except [for the fact] that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His bounty. So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper.

This verse exposes the hypocrisy of those who outwardly claim to be Muslims but harbor disbelief in their hearts. They plot against the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers, seeking worldly gains. Allah warns them of a painful punishment in this life and the Hereafter, emphasizing the severity of their actions. Now, let us reflect on the profound statement of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that

Hypocrisy is the brother of polytheism." This comparison draws our attention to the similarity between these two grave sins. Both hypocrisy and polytheism involve deception and falsehood.

Polytheism is a direct violation of the fundamental principle of Tawheed (monotheism), which is the core of Islamic belief. It associates partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and denies His absolute sovereignty. Similarly, hypocrisy deceives others by pretending to have faith while concealing disbelief, undermining the sincerity and integrity of the individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the close relationship between these two sins to emphasize their gravity and the danger they pose to the individual and the Muslim community. Just as polytheism is a direct rejection of the oneness of Allah, hypocrisy undermines the essence of true faith by hiding disbelief behind a façade of piety.

The consequences of hypocrisy and polytheism are severe. They lead to a corrupted heart, a loss of integrity, and a breakdown of trust within the community. Both sins distance individuals from the true path of Islam and hinder their spiritual growth.

Therefore, Muslims must be vigilant in purifying their hearts from any form of hypocrisy and polytheism. They should strive to be sincere in their faith, aligning their actions with their beliefs. By doing so, they will strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the unity and harmony of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of hypocrisy and polytheism. It urges us to reflect on our own actions and intentions, striving for sincerity and truthfulness in our faith. May Allah protect us from these sins and guide us on the straight path.