Hadith #10642

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

المنافق مكور مضر، مرتاب

which translates to

The hypocrite is sly, harmful, and suspicious.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (munafiq) "منافق" refers to a hypocrite, someone who outwardly claims to be a believer but inwardly conceals disbelief or hypocrisy. The term (makoor) "مكور" means sly or deceitful, indicating the cunning nature of the hypocrite. The word (mudir) "مضر" means harmful, signifying the negative impact the hypocrite has on the community. Lastly, (murtab) "مرتاب" means suspicious, highlighting the doubt and uncertainty surrounding the hypocrite's true intentions.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the characteristics and consequences of hypocrisy. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 8, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes the existence of hypocrites within the Muslim community, who claim to have faith but lack sincerity in their hearts.

Another verse that relates to the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 4, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 describes the deceptive nature of hypocrites, who appear righteous on the surface but lack true faith within. They are likened to pieces of wood propped up, devoid of life and sincerity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement regarding the hypocrite being harmful and suspicious holds great significance. The hypocrite's actions and words can cause harm to the community, as they may spread discord, undermine unity, and create doubt among the believers. Their deceitful nature makes it difficult to trust them, leading to suspicion and uncertainty within the community.

The harm caused by hypocrites is not limited to the present, but it also has long-lasting consequences. Their actions can weaken the faith of others, create divisions, and hinder the progress of the ummah. Moreover, their presence within the community can lead to the erosion of trust and the breakdown of social cohesion.

It is essential for Muslims to be aware of the characteristics of hypocrites and to guard against their influence. The Quran provides guidance on how to identify and deal with hypocrites, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, integrity, and steadfastness in faith. Muslims must strive to cultivate genuine faith, rooted in sincerity and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the sly, harmful, and suspicious nature of hypocrites. It highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in one's faith, as well as the need to remain vigilant against those who may seek to undermine the unity and well-being of the Muslim community. May Allah protect us from the influence of hypocrites and grant us the strength to uphold true faith.