Hadith #10641

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المنافق مريب" which translates to

The hypocrite is sceptical [and puts others in doubt].

This concise statement holds connotation and provides insight into the nature of hypocrisy.

To understand this Hadith, let us first delve into the meaning of the key words. The term (munafiq) "منافق" refers to a hypocrite, someone who outwardly displays faith but inwardly conceals disbelief or hypocrisy. The word (mureeb) "مريب" means to be sceptical, doubtful, or uncertain. It implies that the hypocrite casts doubt on matters of faith and creates confusion among the believers.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the hypocrites in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:8-9)

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

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of the hypocrites. They claim to have faith, but their actions and intentions contradict their words. They sow doubt and confusion among the believers, causing divisions and weakening the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah describes the characteristics of the hypocrites, saying, (Quran 63:1-2)

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, 'We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.' And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars. They have taken their oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allah. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing

These verses emphasize the hypocrisy of those who claim to believe but act contrary to their professed faith. They use their false oaths and deceptive tactics to mislead others and create doubt in the hearts of the believers.

Imam Ali's statement,

The hypocrite is sceptical [and puts others in doubt],

encapsulates the essence of hypocrisy. The hypocrite not only doubts the truth of the faith but also endeavors to cast doubt on others. They question the beliefs and actions of the believers, seeking to undermine their confidence and commitment to Islam.

The consequences of hypocrisy are far-reaching. It weakens the unity and solidarity of the Muslim community, erodes trust, and hinders the progress of the ummah. The hypocrite's actions have a detrimental impact on the collective strength and resilience of the believers.

Imam Ali's profound insight into the nature of hypocrisy serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and steadfast in their faith. It urges us to be aware of the presence of hypocrites and their divisive tactics. We must strive to strengthen our faith, seek knowledge, and cultivate a deep understanding of Islam to protect ourselves from falling into the trap of hypocrisy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The hypocrite is sceptical [and puts others in doubt]

highlights the deceptive nature of hypocrisy and its detrimental effects on the Muslim community. It calls upon us to be cautious, steadfast, and united in the face of doubt and division. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from hypocrisy and grant us the strength to uphold our faith with sincerity and conviction.