Page 265 - The Profound Darkness of the Hypocrite

A D N A N O K TA R ( H A R U N Y A H Y A )

Surely, it wasn't hypocrites' belief in God or His revelation that made them de-
velop such thoughts. They believed that the entire Qur'an consisted of the words of
the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself (surely our Prophet (pbuh) is above such
thoughts). So, when they said that "they were afraid that a surah may be sent
down informing of what is in their hearts," they didn't actually refer to 'revelation',
but to a saying by the Prophet (pbuh) of his own accord. They were worried that
their spying, treachery, betrayal would somehow be discovered. They knew that if
they were found out, 'they would fall into disgrace' in the eyes of their community.
That was their main worry. They were afraid that 'the Prophet (pbuh) would tell
the community that these people were hypocrites, and that everyone would turn
against them after finding out about their evil, treacherous character and prac-
tices'.
'Asbab al-Nudhul', in other words interpretations with commentaries that
deal with the reasons for revelation of verses, include three different accounts re-
garding the reason for revelation of this verse:
l. Mujahid says: Hypocrites used to say certain things in private, and would
say: "We hope that God doesn't reveal our secret." This verse was sent after that
incident.
2. Suddi provides a more personal context and says: One hypocrite said: "I'd
rather be flocked a hundred times than a verse be revealed that would humiliate
us." Upon this, Almighty God sent down this verse.
3. Bin Kaysan said that a group of hypocrites were plotting to assassinate
the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on a dark night on the way back from Tabuk,
upon which archangel Gabriel came and informed the Prophet (pbuh) about
this and that this verse was thus sent down.
It is stated in one of these commentaries that a hypocrite said that he'd rather
be flocked a hundred times than a verse be revealed that would disgrace them.
In other words, a hypocrite would readily accept suffering pain over humiliation.
This is because being able to 'show off' is much more important to hypocrites.
Their supposed 'image, reputation' and 'what people are saying' are crucial to
them. In order to avoid being discovered, they have to maintain their disguise as
Muslims. If others find out that they are hypocrites, their reputation will be lost
and so will their means to derive personal benefits. Hypocrites would prefer to
suffer physical pain rather than being in such a situation.
According to another account in Asbab al-Nudhul commentaries it is related

that a group of hypocrites were plotting to assassinate the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) on a dark night on the way back from Tabuk, upon which archangel

Gabriel came and informed the Prophet (pbuh). Hypocrites, who don't believe

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