Munafiq

See also: Al-Munafiqun

Part of a series on Islam & Iman

Individuals

Mu'min — believer Muslim — submitter [to God] Fasiq — open sinner, corrupt Fajir — sinner (by action) Kafir — concealer of the truth (non-Muslims) Munafiq — hypocrite

Groups

Ahl al-Kitâb Ahl al-Fatrah

Terms

Dīn

Munāfiq (n., in Arabic: منافق, plural munāfiqūn) is an Islamic Arabic term used to describe a religious hypocrite, who outwardly practices Islam, while inwardly concealing his disbelief (kufr), perhaps even unknowingly.

The term munāfiq in Arabic, Bengali and Urdu is primarily a non-religious term that refers to a person whose actions are different from and opposite to his thoughts, which he conceals. In the Qur'anic sense the term refers to a person who does not have faith, but pretends to.

When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah." Yea, Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His Messenger, and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.

—Sura 63 (Al-Munafiqun) ayah 1, Qur'an

The Qur'an has hundreds of ayāt (verses) discussing munāfiqūn, referring to them as more dangerous to Muslims than the worst non-Muslim enemies of Islam. The Qur'an states,

The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;-

—Sura 4 (An-Nisa), ayah 145, Qur'an

According to Sahih al-Bukhari,

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:

The Prophet said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.

1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.

2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.

3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.

4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner."

—Sahih al-Bukhari

See also

• Dönmeh
• Sabbateans

External links

• Innovative Minds - An Audience With Imam Achmad Cassiem