At this age when Muslims are being killed by the kuffars everyday. There is another enemy fighting against the Muslims which is even more dangerous than the kuffars, they are the munafiqs.... they will go to an even deeper hell than the kuffars. It is incumbent on us to know the characteristics of the munafiqs.

The Characters of the Munafiqs

The munafiqs are hypocritical and villainous people as they pretend to be believing although they do not. What is worse is that they do not do evil on their own, but penetrate into the society of the believers and act as if they are one of them.

On the face of it, the believers and the munafiqs may indeed seem as though they perform the same worship. However, the believers are “those who humble themselves in their prayers” (Al-Mu'minun: 2) and earn the good pleasure of Allah SWT. The munafiqs, on the other hand, are described: “The hypocrites - they think they are over-reaching Allah SWT But He will over-reach them: when they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of men, but little do they hold Allah SWT in Rememberance.” (Al-Mu'minun:142) and they are subjected to Allah SWT’s grievous penalty because of their hypocrisy and unfaithfulness. So, a munafiq does not seem to be a non-religious person “from the outside”. Rather, he is a person who says that he believes in Allah SWT and performs most of the acts of worship.

It must also be noted that the case of the munafiqs is quite different than that of the unbelievers. The munafiq absolutely knows the system told in the Qur’an. He is aware that he must comply with the commands of Allah SWT to be a true servant of Allah SWT. Furthermore, he attests this with his own tongue. However, what is in his heart is not the same as what he utters. The greatest sign of his hypocrisy is his mentioning ‘Allah SWT’ while he hides disbelief, rebellion and sin in his heart. At this point, a question crosses our minds: Why do the munafiqs pretend to be believing although they do not have belief in their hearts?

The munafiqs, those who reject Faith after accepting Islam, do not aim to earn the good pleasure of Allah SWT like the believers, even when they live among them. Having quite different a personality than the believers, the munafiqs keep company of the believers sometimes to acquire material gain, and sometimes to plot against the believers - just because of their grudge against them. Their belief in Allah SWT and the Hereafter is superficial.

Besides, there are also those munafiqs who are foremost in joining the society of the believers by believing yet then lose faith and leave them. Those are the ones who turn away from Faith after accepting Islam. However, they commit a great sin as they break a promise given to Allah SWT and the believers that they would be persistent in their Faith and be loyal to them. This is why they are referred to in the Qura’n as “Those who break Allah SWT’s Covenant after it is ratified” (Al-Baqara: 27)

In one of the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW, it is said that “a hypocrite, when he speaks, tells lies, when he promises, breaks his promise. They abandon the believers in a slightest moment of difficulty and side with the adversaries of the believers. Their real character is revealed in times of distress.”

As seen, the munafiq forgets about his previous promises at the moment of difficulty and displays a disloyal conduct. He is always prone to be capsized and lose his already tottering belief. This is because he does not believe in Allah SWT and the hereafter truly, although he says that he does. While the believers under the command of Prophet Muhammad SAW fought against the unbelievers, a group among them lost their faith against the enemy. They started to imagine various vain thoughts about Allah SWT and His prophet; and thus showed their real faces: “In that situation were the Believers tried: they were shaken as by a tremendous shaking. And behold! The hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (even) say: “Allah SWT and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!” (Al-Ahzab: 11-12).

On the other hand, the believers never showed weakness; and on the contrary, they were fortified in their faith. “When the Believers saw the Confederate forces, they said: “This is what Allah SWT and his Messenger had promised us, and Allah SWT and His Messenger told us what was true.” And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.” (Al-Ahzab: 22).

After turning away from Allah SWT’s religion, an eternal penalty starts for the munafiqs. This penalty starts in this world and continues till eternity. “Verily Allah SWT will not deal unjustly with man in aught: It is man that wrongs his own soul.” (Yunus: 44)

“To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them (but) a grievous penalty;” (An-Nisaa’: 138)

“Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when ye hear the signs of Allah SWT held in defiance and ridicule, ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if ye did, ye would be like them. For Allah SWT will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell.” (An-Nisaa’: 140)

In this matter, the warning of Allah SWT is very clear and so explicit. Allah SWT has promised very painful punishments fore these munafiq people and they will be left in abject conditions. They will be thrown into the deepest hell i.e. Jahanam along with the kafirs.

“The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;” (An-Nisaa’: 145)

The munafiqs are referred to in many verses of the Qura’n, and the believers are warned against them. Every believer who takes Qur’an as his guide and walks in Allah SWT’s way has to be very careful against the munafiqs and know their features. Because every believing community that walks in the way of the Qur’an is sure to confront munafiq during their course of struggle. We must observe our selves by avoiding ourselves from falling into the cauldron of the munafiq people.

This munafiq people can be identified through the following characteristics:

1. Telling Lies

One day, Rasullullah SAW ever said which means, “Woe to the person who lies to make people laugh, woe to him, woe to him!” Hadith Imam Ahmad.

In the book Shahihain (Shahih Bukhari and Muslim), Rasulullah SAW said, “The signs of the munafiq are three, one of them is that when he speaks, he tells lie.”

"When the munafiqs come to thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah SWT." Yea, Allah SWT knoweth that thou art indeed His Messenger, and Allah SWT beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars." (Al Munaafiqun: 1)

2. Treacherous

“Hast thou not observed the munafiqs say to their misbelieving brethren among the People of the Book? - "If ye are expelled, we too will go out with you, and we will never hearken to any one in your affair; and if ye are attacked (in fight) we will help you". But Allah SWT is witness that they are indeed liars. If they are expelled, never will they go out with them; and if they are attacked (in fight), they will never help them; and if they do help them, they will turn their backs; so they will receive no help.” (Al Hashr: 11 – 12)

Rasulullah SAW said, “And when making a promise, he breaks it. Whoever promises to someone or his wife, children, friends or anyone easily, and then breaks that promise without valid illness, then one of the signs of hypocricy has perched on himself.”

3. Excessive In Disagreements

Rasulullah SAW said, “And when quarreling (in disagreement), he is excessive.”

4. Breaking Promises

Rasulullah SAW said, “There are three signs of “Munafiq”; When he speaks he Lies, when he promises he breaks those promises and when he is entrusted, he embezzles.” (Hadith Bukhari and Muslim).

5. Lazy In Performing Ibaadah

Allah SWT SAT said, “….When they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness,…” (An Nisaa’: 142)

If the munafiq goes the masjid or musolla, he will be dragging his feet as if bound in chains. Due to that, when he reaches the masjid or musolla, he chooses to sit in the last saf (row). He does not know what is recited by the Imam in solat, let alone to study and appreciate it.

6. Riya’

In the presence of others he prays in khushoo’ but when he is alone, he hurries to finish his solat. When in the company of others in a majelis, he appears to have good akhlaq and zuhd. The same goes with his speeches, very gentle. However, when alone he violates the things forbidden by Allah SWT.

7. Not As Much Of Doing Zikr

Allah SWT says in surah An-Nisaa’ verse 142, “…And When they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of men (riya’), but little do they hold Allah SWT in remembrance;.”

8. Hastening To End Solat

They are a people who hasten in solat without having even a bit of khushoo’. There is no composure and only a little rememberance of Allah SWT in it. The mind and the heart are not connected. They do not make the greatness, grandeur and glory of Allah SWT present in his solat.

From the Prophet SAW’s hadith, “Thus is the solat of the munafiq… hurrying the four raka’ah (of his solat)”

9. Condemning The Obedient and Righteous People

They ridicule the obedient people with expressions that contain belittling comments and condemnations. They belittle the efforts performed by the believing people to obey Allah SWT and His Rasul.

“Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves freely to (deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to give except the fruits of their labour,- and throw ridicule on them,- Allah SWT will throw back their ridicule on them: and they shall have a grievous penalty.” (At Taubah: 79)

10. Making Fun of Al-Qur’an, As-Sunnah and Rasullah SAW

Included in the category of Istihzaa (mockery) is ridiculing things made as sunnah by Rasulullah SAW. People who deliberately ridicule such things become kafir.

“…Say: "Was it at Allah SWT, and His Signs, and His Messenger, that ye were mocking?" Make ye no excuses: ye have rejected Faith after ye had accepted it …” (At Taubah: 65 – 66)

“Whenever there cometh down a surah, some of them say: "Which of you has had His faith increased by it?" Yea, those who believe,- their faith is increased and they do rejoice.” (At Taubah: 124)

11. False Swearing (Perjury)

“They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds) …” (Al Munafiqun: 2 ; Al Mujadilah: 16)

If someone asks the munafiq people about something, they would straight away swear. What has been said by the munafiqs are purely for covering up their lies. They always malign and slander other people. And if someone reprimands them, they will immediately evade them with their oaths, “By Allah SWT, you are the person I like the most, you are my friend indeed”.

“How then, when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which they hands have sent forth? Then their come to thee, swearing by Allah SWT. "We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!" (An Nisaa: 62)

“They swear by Allah SWT that they are indeed of you; but they are not of you: yet they are afraid (to appear in their true colours).” (At Taubah: 56)

12. Unwilling To Infaq (spending wealth in the way of Allah SWT or sadaqah)

The munafiq people always distance themselves from things that require sacrifice on their part for the sake of the ummah’s welfare. Whether it be in the form of properties or their lives.

Even if they Infaq, Sadaqah and donate their wealth, they are doing it with riya’ and sum’ah (doing things to be seen or heard by people). They are doing it without sincerity. Only for names and because of hidden agendas.

13. Not Paying Attention To The Fate Of The Muslims

They always create weakness in the ranks of the Muslims. This is what’s called At-Takhdzil i.e. the attitude of trivializing, upsetting and neglecting the Muslims. The munafiq people believe that the kafirs are stronger than the Muslims.

“They will present their excuses to you when ye return to them. Say thou: "Present no excuses: we shall not believe you: Allah SWT hath already informed us of the true state of matters concerning you: It is your actions that Allah SWT and His Messenger will observe: in the end will ye be brought back to Him Who knoweth what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that ye did." (At Taubat: 94)

14. Keen On Spreading False News

The munafiq people like to exaggerate incidents. When someone has a slip of the tounge by mistake, the munafiqs will turn up and blow up the story in the majelis or gatherings.

As an example, a munafiq would say, “Don’t you all hear what had been said by that Mr. So-and-so?” He then mimicked that error. Whereas, he himself knows that that person possesses a lot of goodness and virtues, but the munafiq would not express it to the public.

“Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time:” (Al Ahzab: 60)

15. Denying The Taqdeer (Divine Decree or destiny)

The munafiqs always complain and are unpleased with the taqdeer decreed by Allah SWT. That is why when calamities befall them, they say, “How can this be. If only I have done it like this, it would have surely become like this.” He likes to grumble to fellow human beings. Indeed, he has denied the qadha and taqdeer.

“Say: "Who is it that can shield you from (the taqdeer of) Allah SWT if it be His wish to give you punishment or to give you Mercy?" Nor will they (the munafiqs) find for themselves, besides Allah SWT, any protector or helper.” (Al Ahzab: 17).

16. Criticizing The Honor Of The Righteous People

When the munafiq people are behind the back of the righteous people, they will criticize, mock, malign, bark at and bring down their honor in a majelis or gathering.

Allah SWT says, “…they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods…” (Al Ahzab: 19)

17. Always Avoiding Solat In Jama’ah (Congregation)

One of the characteristics of a munafiq is that; He refuses to visit the masjids or musollas when hearing the call of the azan though he is healthy, strong, free and without valid excuses.

18. Committing Corruptions On Earth With An Excuse Of Doing Goods.

Allah SWT says, “When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!" Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.” (Al Baqarah: 11 – 12)

19. No Conformity

Externally, they acknowledge that Prophet Muhammad SAW is the Rasul or Messenger of Allah SWT, but in their hearts, Allah SWT has denounced their witnesses as lies. Indeed, it is precisely those witnesses that appear true on the outside that will cause them to be casted into hell. Their external appearances are good and fascinating but internally, bad and destructive intentions are hidden. Externally, they display their khushoo’, whereas, their hearts are full of denials.

20. Fearing Any Incident Or Event

The munafiq people are always shrouded with fear. Their souls are always shaken, their desires are only to crave for life of comforts and ease without being disturbed by the problems of life. They always hope, “Leave and let us be in our conditions, may Allah SWT sustain this comfort for us. We do not want our conditions to change.” Whereas, in reality their conditions are not better.

Allah SWT says: “Say: "Who is it that can shield you from (the taqdeer of) Allah SWT if it be His wish to give you punishment or to give you Mercy?" Nor will they (the munafiqs) find for themselves, besides Allah SWT, any protector or helper.” (Al Ahzab: 17).

21. Being Evasive By Fabricating Illness

Allah SWT says, “Among them is (many) a man who says: "Grant me exemption and draw me not into trial." Have they not fallen into trial already? and indeed Hell surrounds the Unbelievers (on all sides).” (At Taubah: 49)

22. Encouraging Munkar and Preventing Ma’ruf

They like it when indecencies are spreading amongst the believers. They make an issue out of the women’s freedom, equal rights and removal of hijab/jilbab. They also endeavor to promote into the society songs and concerts and to circulate porno magazines and narcotics.

“The munafiqs, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are close with their hands. They have forgotten Allah SWT. So He hath forgotten them. Verily the munafiqs are rebellious and perverse.” (At Taubah: 67)

“When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah SWT hath revealed, and to the Messenger." Thou seest the munafiqs avert their faces from thee in disgust.” (An Nisaa: 61)

“(Their allies deceived them), like the Evil One, when he says to man, "Deny Allah SWT." but when (man) denies Allah SWT, (the Evil One) says, "I am free of thee: I do fear Allah SWT, the Lord of the Worlds!"” (Al Hashr: 16)

23. Miserly (Bakhil)

The munafiq people are so miserly in matters of welfare. They grip their hands tight and refuse to give Zakat, Sadaqah or Infaq a part from their wealth for welfare, whereas they are more than able and in sufficiencies.

24. Forgetting Allah SWT

Anything in the form of material will always be remembered, but not Allah SWT. Therefore, they always remember their families, children and all stuffs of enjoyment for them. They are avariciously greedy for everything that concerns wordly gains. It never comes across their minds and inner souls to remember Allah SWT (zikr) except as a mere camouflage.

25. Denying The Promise Of Allah SWT and His Rasul

Allah SWT says, “And behold! The munafiqs and those in whose hearts is a disease (even) say: "Allah SWT and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!" (Al-Ahzab: 12)

26. Arrogant In Speeches

The munafiq people are always arrogant and proud when speaking. They talk a lot and like to articulate their speeches. Everytime they speak, they always begin by using expressions with fancy words so as to sound like a great, dignified, intelligent and educated person. In brief, when they speak they always emphasize their personal goodness. Whereas, they do not have any goodness whatsoever. In fact, it only exposes their hypocrisy.

27. Not Understanding Ad-Dien

The munafiq people do not understand matters of religion well. They know how to ride a vehicle and understand about its machineries. They also know about trivial matters or knowledge that could never give them benefits (though also could not bring harm to them). However, when asked about matters of Ad-Dien (Islam) they would awlays turn evasive and fail to answer.

“See they (the munafiq people) not that they are tried every year once or twice? Yet they turn not in repentance, and they take no heed.” (At Taubah: 126)

28. Hiding From People And Fighting Allah SWT With Sins

The munafiq people take things that are against Allah SWT lightly. They are against Him by committing various munkar and immoralities behind people’s back. But when amongst the people, they pretend to be obedient to Allah SWT.

“They may hide (Their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (Them) from Allah SWT, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: And Allah SWT Doth compass round all that they do.” (An Nisaa': 108)

29. Happy With The Calamities That Befall The Believers and Envious With Their Happiness

When the munafiq people hear news that a righteous person had been stricken by a calamity, they will feel happy and spread the news to others saying “Only to Allah SWT we ask for help. We have heard that Mr. So-and-so had been stricken by a disaster of so-and-so. May Allah SWT give patience to him and us.” Whereas, in their hearts, they feel happy and proud over the sufferings of the believers.

The Qur’an gives us the guidelines of how to tackle these munafiq human beings:

1. Not Following Their Wishes

One of the rules explained in the Book is by not fulfilling their wishes. If given a chance, it is feared that they would destruct ourselves in due course.

“O Prophet! Fear Allah SWT, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah SWT is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Al Ahzab: 1)

2. Being Firm

Allah SWT asks us to always act firmly against every caprice of the munafiq people.

“O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge indeed.” (At Taubah: 73)

3. Ignoring Them

Let them be in their own worlds, if they are continuously annoying, ignore them. If they cross the limits, fight against them with hikmah and full of firmness.

“And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and heed not their annoyances, but put thy Trust in Allah SWT. For enough is Allah SWT as a Disposer of affairs.” (Al Ahzab: 48)

4. Being Courageous Against Them

“The munafiqs are afraid lest a Sura should be sent down about them, showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: "Mock ye! But verily Allah SWT will bring to light all that ye fear (should be revealed).” (At Taubah: 64)

The munafiq people are actually cowards. The Muslims must show a courageous attitude and not be weak. Therefore, we have to be always vigilant.

Today the munafiq people are also known as ‘hypocrites’. Allah SWT’s mercy is Most Perfect to the extent that Allah SWT even gives the munafiq people warnings, “Know they (the munafiq people) not that for those who oppose Allah SWT and His Messenger, is the Fire of Hell?- wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.” (At Taubah: 63)

“They swear by Allah SWT that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah SWT and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah SWT will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.” (At Taubah: 74)

“As in the case of those before you (O munafiq and mushrik people): they were mightier than you in power, and more flourishing in wealth and children. They had their enjoyment of their portion: and ye have of yours, as did those before you; and ye indulge in idle talk as they did. They!- their work are fruitless in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will lose (all spiritual good).” (At Taubah: 69)

Lastly, let’s be a true Mukmin and protect ourselves from falling into the cauldron of the munafiq in accordance with Allah SWT’s advice through His Book, “Nor be like those (the munafiqs) who say, "We hear," but listen not:” (Al Anfaal: 21)

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