Hadith #10932

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 Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

وَرَعُ المُنافِقِ لايَظْهَرُ إلاّ عَلى لِسانِِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The piety of a hypocrite is not manifested but on his tongue.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the deceptive nature of hypocrites and how their true character is revealed through their words.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of key words. The term "وَرَعُ" refers to piety or righteousness, indicating a person's commitment to fulfilling their religious obligations. "المُنافِقِ" refers to a hypocrite, someone who outwardly displays faith but inwardly harbors disbelief or hypocrisy. "لايَظْهَرُ" means not to be manifested or revealed, indicating that the true nature of the hypocrite remains hidden. "إلاّ عَلى لِسانِِهِ" translates to

but on his tongue,

emphasizing that the only place where the hypocrite's piety is evident is in their speech.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly warns against the dangers of hypocrisy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 8,

And of the people are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' but they are not believers.

This verse highlights the existence of hypocrites who claim to have faith but lack sincerity in their hearts. Their true nature is concealed, and their hypocrisy is only exposed through their contradictory actions and words.

Another Quranic verse that complements the Hadith is Surah Al-Munafiqun, Ayah 3, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

This verse vividly describes the outward appearance of hypocrites, which may deceive others into thinking they are pious. However, their true character is exposed when they speak, as their words are filled with deceit and hypocrisy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning when assessing the sincerity of others. It teaches us that true piety is not merely a matter of words but is reflected in one's actions, intentions, and character. A person who claims righteousness but fails to demonstrate it through their deeds is akin to a hypocrite. Their words may be eloquent and filled with religious rhetoric, but their true nature is revealed through their lack of consistency and sincerity.

This Hadith also serves as a reflection for individuals to introspect and evaluate their own actions. It reminds us that our words should align with our beliefs and actions. We should strive to be genuine in our faith, avoiding any form of hypocrisy or insincerity. It is not enough to merely speak about piety; we must embody it in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the deceptive nature of hypocrites and their inability to manifest true piety except through their words. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which warn against the dangers of hypocrisy and stress the importance of sincerity in faith. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be discerning in assessing the sincerity of others and to reflect upon their own actions, ensuring that their words are consistent with their beliefs and deeds. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from hypocrisy.