Page 78 - The Struggle of the Messengers

76 The Struggle of the Messengers

One important element here is that some of the Prophet Moses'
(as) people lacked an understanding of the true religion and
exhibited an extremely disobedient character. Believers are not
influenced by the strife stirred up by hypocrites; their loyalty to
the Messenger just continues to grow. In such a situation, the
hypocrites separate themselves as a body from the believers but,
due to their desire for revenge, they do not go away. Rather, they
do everything they can to prolong their opposition to the
Messenger and his followers. Even in this situation they do not
acknowledge their insincerity, but still try to present themselves
as true believers. The clearest example of this in the time of our
Prophet (saas) was when the hypocrites built a new mosque after
they had separated themselves from him. They did this only to
express their hostility:

As for those who have set up a mosque, causing harm and out
of disbelief in order to create division among the believers and
in readiness for those who previously made war on Allah and
His messenger, they will swear: "We only desired the best." But
Allah bears witness that they are truly liars. Do not ever stand
in it. A mosque founded on performing one's duty from the
first day has a greater right upon you to stand [to pray] in it. In
it are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loves those
who purify themselves. Who is better: someone who founds
his building on fear of Allah and His good pleasure, or
someone who founds his building on the brink of a crumbling
precipice so that it collapses with him into the fire of hell?
Allah does not love wrongdoers. The buildings they have built
will not cease to be a bone of contention in their hearts, until
their hearts are cut to shreds. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.