Page 28 - The Hypocrite According to the Qur'an

THE HYPOCRITE ACCORDING TO THE QUR’AN

As we can clearly see, hypocrites abandon the believers in
times of difficulty, seeking to protect themselves and their own
interests. However, the way they attempt to do so is in a hypo-
critical manner. That is, they try to justify their excuses. Of
course, they do not admit outright that they are afraid of being
harmed. Instead, they foolishly provide excuses, and try to
convince believers in their genuineness. In the Qur’an, Allah
relates such ploys as are typical of hypocrites:
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to you,
“Our wealth and families kept us occupied, so ask
forgiveness for us.” They say with their tongues what
is not in their hearts. Say: “Who can control Allah for
you in any way whether He wants harm for you or
wants benefit for you?” Allah is aware of what you
do. (Surat al-Fath, 11)
And a group of them said, “People of Yathrib, Your
position is untenable so return!” Some of them asked
the Prophet (saas) to excuse them, saying, “Our
houses are exposed,” when they were not exposed; it
was merely that they wanted to run away. (Surat al-
Ahzab, 13)
The excuses put forward by hypocrites, such as, “If we
knew how to fight, we would certainly follow you,” or “our
houses are unprotected,” may seem legitimate. But, Allah re-
vealed, “[They] say with their mouths what was not in their
hearts”. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 167) Moreover, in telling such lies,
they swear on Allah’s name. In the Qur’an, Allah refers to the
insincerity of hypocrites as follows:
They will swear by Allah: “Had we been able to, we
would have gone out with you.” (Surat at-Tawba, 42)

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