Literal and technical meaning:
Hypocrisy means that there is difference between saying and actions of a person. There is something different on the tongue and something different in the heart. This word is taken from 'Nafq' which means a mine that has two mouths. In Urdu, we call it, "Doghla Pan", duality...
In Islamic terms, hypocrite is that person who claims to be Muslim by his tongue but there is disbelief and shirk in his heart.
i. Types of hypocrite:
There are two kinds of hypocrites.
(i) Faithless hypocrite
(ii) Practical hypocrite
Faithless hypocrite:
It means that hypocrite who is not convinced of Islamic truth at heart but due to mischief or strategy harms Muslims and Islam under the cover of Islam. Such person is called faithless hypocrite and he is worse than disbelievers.
Practical Hypocrite:
It means that hypocrite who accepts Islam with true heart but due to some human weaknesses, he doesn't follow commandments of Islam, Such person is called practical hypocrite. He is a believer but his education and training is not perfect which could be acquired by the company and attention of a teacher and guide.
ii. Harmful Strategy of Hypocrites:
The most dangerous strategy of hypocrites against muslims is that they make Muslims fight each other in the cover of religiosity. For this purpose, they constructed Masjid Al Zarar against masjid Al-Nabwi., The Mosque of the Holy Prophet, The Holy Prophet demolished that mosque with Allah's order and their conspiracy got failed.
iii. Signs of hypocrite:
The Holy Prophet told while describing the signs of a hypocrite.
When he speaks, he tells lies.
When he promises, he breaks it.
When a belonging is given to him, then he misuses it.
In presence of these signs, whether he is punctual in fasting and offering prayers, ever then he is a hypocrite. In Holy Quran, about the end and punishment of these hypocrites, it is said that they will be put in the lowest and the most painful section of hell.
iv. Punishment of hypocrisy:
A hypocrite is ruined in this world and in life after death.
Allah says in Quran:
ان المُنفِقِينَ في الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النار (النساء: 145)
Translation: Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the fire.
إنَّ اللهَ جَامِعُ المُنفِقِينَ وَالكَفِرِينَ فِي جَهم جميعا (النساء: 140)
Translation: Indeed, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in the hell altogether.
يَاتِهَا النَّبِيُّ جَاهِدِ الْكُفَّارَ وَالْمُنفِقِينَ وَاغْلُظْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَتَمالمصيره (التحريم: 9)
Translation: O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is hell and wretched is a destination.
v. Harms of Hypocrisy:
- Hypocrisy is a bad habit which is disliked by Allah and His Prophet
A hypocrite gets harmed in this world and in the life hereafter.
A hypocrite is disliked among common men.
It is the worst psychological disease in which a person betrays himself.
