Hadith #10653

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristics of the hypocrites. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes them as the congregation of Satan and the dwellers of hellfire. He further emphasizes that they are the party of Satan, and it is indeed this party that will be the ultimate losers.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word "munafiqeen" refers to the hypocrites, those who outwardly profess faith but inwardly harbor disbelief and hypocrisy. They are characterized by their deceitful nature, as they pretend to be believers while concealing their true intentions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the hypocrites as "lummatu al-shaytan," meaning the congregation of Satan. This signifies that they are under the influence and control of Satan, following his footsteps and adhering to his evil ways. They are easily swayed by his whispers and are led astray from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to the hypocrites as "hummatu al-niran," meaning the dwellers of hellfire. This highlights the severe consequences of their hypocrisy and warns of the punishment that awaits them in the hereafter. Their actions and intentions are fueled by the fire of hell, leading them towards eternal damnation.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the hypocrites in several verses, shedding light on their true nature and their ultimate fate.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:142)

Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of the hypocrites and their lack of sincerity in their worship. They perform acts of worship merely to show off and gain recognition from others, rather than seeking the pleasure of Allah.

In Surah Al-Munafiqun, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further exposes the hypocrisy of these individuals. He says, (Quran 63:7)

They are the ones who say, 'Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they disband.' And to Allah belongs the depositories of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand

This verse highlights their reluctance to contribute to the welfare of the Muslim community and their lack of understanding of the true essence of charity.

The consequences of hypocrisy are severe, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Baqarah, (Quran 4:145)

Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire - and never will you find for them a helper

This verse emphasizes the ultimate loss and punishment that awaits the hypocrites in the hereafter. They will be deprived of any assistance or support, left to suffer in the depths of the Fire.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), through this Hadith, reminds us of the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincerity in our faith. It serves as a warning to Muslims to be vigilant and introspective, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs. We must strive to purify our hearts from any traces of hypocrisy and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the characteristics of the hypocrites, describing them as the congregation of Satan and the dwellers of hellfire. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be sincere in their faith and to beware of the dangers of hypocrisy. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that address this issue, we can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of hypocrisy and strive to purify our hearts and intentions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the influence of Satan and guide us on the straight path.