Nifaq (Hypocrisy ) – Sickness Of The Heart “They have made their oaths a screen (for their hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. Verily, evils are what they used to do. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not.“ Surah Munafiqun, 63:2-3. Many of us have heard of the “sickness of the heart”, a disease that is hidden in the soul of mankind. The soul being something unseen (ghaiib). For all those that are not familiar with this term it is not a physical disposition of the heart itself as in a heart attack, but rather the condition of ones belief. What exactly is nifaq? Nifaq is disbelief and it is the opposite of Eeman. The word nifaq originated from the word “nafakhaw” which means two openings and can be related to a hypocrite because a hypocrite is a “two-faced person”. Munafiquun is the Arabic word for hypocrite. When faced with fitnah (trial and tribulation) a munafiquun wants to keep both options open. If one side is closed he runs to the other side going back and forth. This wavering back and forth can be compared to a pendulum that swings from side to side until it hits rock bottom. People who are considered hypocrites in Islam are those who call themselves a Mu’min (believer) [but they are not]. A munafiq are only the ones that believe that they are exempt (from hell and punishment), and the Mumin are only the ones who think they can catch or have nifaq. The Mu’min are the ones who have taqwah and fear that their good deeds will not be acceptable in Allah’s (swt) eyesight. This disease is very deadly to the internal being of a Muslim. Prevention now is better than getting the disease later. Prognosis is that even if prophet Muhammed (‘s) asks 70 times Allah (swt) will not forgive them. Those who are munafiq will dwell in the lowest part of jahanam (hell) and being a munafiq is equivalent to being a “double kufr”. Why? This is because Allah knows what is in the heavens and the earth and Allah is closer to you than your jugular vein. Therefore everything that you reveal and conceal Allah knows it. Furthermore, those who are munafiq fail to believe this and accept it because they constantly say when they are among believers, “we believe we believe” and behind their backs they speak only in jest. They think they are deceiving Allah (swt) (mukhadaha) and those who believe, when they only wrong their own souls. There are two types of nifaq similar to the two types of shirk (associating partners with Allah) there is nifaq aqeedah and nifaq amr. Nifaq aqeedah is someone who deceives wilfully. Nifaq amr is one who thinks he is a Muslim does everything like a Muslim but in his heart is disbelief. Why is nifaq important to know? It is important because we will be more cautious of our actions and deeds, and, as a result, guard ourselves from being classified as disbelievers in Allah’s eyesight. It is important for readers to also know that you can be a Muslim can be either a munafiq or a Mu’min, and this usually happens unconsciously without a person realizing it especially in the time of the Prophet (‘s). There were munafiquun in the company of the Prophet Muhammad (‘s) and only the Prophet (‘s) was able to know who was what. One night the Prophet (‘s) was travelling to/from Tabuk and twelve men attacked him but they had their faces covered. Prophet Muhammad (‘s) knew who among them were munafiq and told Abu Hudayfah. Abu Hudayfah promised not to tell anyone who they were. Later on Hazrat Usman went to Abu Hudayfah and asked him, “am I among the men that the prophet mentioned”. And Abu Hudayfah said, ” I can not tell you that but be sure that you are not among the men the Prophet mentioned to me”. This example shows how even in the time of the Prophet (‘s) people thought and considered themselves Mumin when they really were munafiq and vice versa. During the day the hypocrites would join in all that was good and at night go back to old kufr ways until they hit rock bottom, and no one but Allah (swt) could save them. One who is a Mumin will have a healthy psychology and observe all rules of shariah and will be willing to sacrifice certain things unlike those who are munafiquun who waver back and forth. Unlike the two types of hypocrisy: hypocrisy in belief hypocrisy in deeds and actions There are certain symptoms of being a munafiq and they are as follows: He disputes out of control Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie Whenever he promises, he always breaks his promise He betrays someone’s trust The latter was a brief description of one who is considered 100% munafiq, and if any of you feel like you have even a drop of any four symptoms, you should consult the nearest Quran. A dose of even 3 ayats a day should help you before the illness gets worse. O Allah protect us from the fire of hell. O Allah please guide us to the straight path and make us among the dwellers of paradise. O Allah please forgive us for the sins we have committed knowingly and unknowingly and give us good in this world and in the hereafter so that we may be of those who will acquire generous provisions (rizqun karim). “And Allah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do“. Surah Munafiqun, 63:11.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 02:17:05 +0000
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