Page 33 - The Hypocrite According to the Qur'an

The Fundamental Traits Of Hypocrites

tinually distressed, as well as being deluded by false hopes:
They will call out to them, “Were we not with you?”
They will reply, “Indeed you were. But you made
trouble for yourselves and hung back and doubted
and false hopes deluded you until Allah’s command
arrived. The Deluder deluded you about Allah.”
(Surat al-Hadid, 14)

They Despair Easily
Another telling characteristic of a hypocrite is that, al-
though he pretends to have fortitude, he despairs when faced
with even a minor misfortune. However, that is not how he
presents himself to others; he maintains that he has a profound
faith, and promises that he will not swerve from the straight
path, and that he will seek Allah’s good pleasure, whatever the
circumstances may be, and that he will remain trusting in
Allah in everything he does. However, all such promises are
mere words while his psychological reaction differs greatly.
Unaware that Allah’s support and help is always available,
and that there is good in everything that Allah ordains, they
become despondent with slightest adversity. In a verse of the
Qur’an, Allah describes the condition of hypocrites as follows:
... More fitting for them would be obedience and hon-
orable words. Once the matter is resolved upon,
being true to Allah would be better for them. (Surah
Muhammad, 20-21)
Indeed, although hypocrites look very much like believers
on the outside, they share many common traits with disbeliev-
ers. At times of distress, they have a disposition contrary to the

31