Page 198 - The Profound Darkness of the Hypocrite

THE PROFOUND DARKNESS OF THE HYPOCRITE

tached to this world. Since hypocrites are always worried about being appreciated,
they believe that showing off is a must. God describes that 'showing off' is a distinct
feature of hypocrites as such:

Hypocrites think they deceive God, but He is deceiving them. When they
get up to pray, they get up lazily, showing off to people, and only remem-
bering God a very little. (Surat an-Nisa', 142)

In another verse, God underlines the low sense of morality these people who

look for success not in faith, in God or the love of God, but in the values cherished

by the unbelievers as 'and then went off to his family, swaggering'. (Surat al-

Qiyama, 33)
Hypocrites have either poor or sometimes no faith in the hereafter. Hence, the
only life they believe they will live and the only life they care about is 'the life on
this earth'. Just as the unbelievers who believe that life only exists in this world and
who hold onto this idea; hypocrites are similarly devoted to the life on earth
with a great passion and lust. With regards to what they come across with in the
life of this world, they always look upto the unbelievers sharing the same opinion
with them for guidance.
Muslims consider the blessings around them as the graces God has granted
them and therefore, they thank God. Any blessing God rendered lawful is a source
of joy for the Muslims. With these blessings, they try to make the life on earth into

an atmosphere as beautiful as the heaven and they try hard to live in the most

beautiful way under the earth's conditions. However, 'Muslims differ from hyp-

ocrites in that Muslims never consider this as the true purpose of their lives and

they do not get ambitious about it. They never forget to be grateful to our Lord

Who has granted them with those blessings'. Muslims adopt a beautiful and

grateful attitude not only at times when they are surrounded by blessings, but also

at times of trouble and scarcity. Besides, the belivers do not consider being granted

any blessings as a sign of either superiority or inferiority. One is superior in the
Presence of God only due to his fear of God and good morals. Knowing this very
fact, Muslims do not change their attitudes and the way they speak based on what
they have or do not have.
The unbelievers and hypocrites consider having the benefits of this earthly life
as the main purpose in their lives and thus they get really ambitious to make the
most of them. When they fulfill this purpose and have what they yearn for; they
use it as an opportunity to boast themselves, to get the upper hand and to show off
among others.

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