|
In the name of Allah, the Most
Beneficent, the Most Merciful
"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
a. hypocrisy in belief
b. hypocrisy in deeds and actions
There are certain symptoms of being a munafiq and they are as follows:
1. He disputes out of control
2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie
3. Whenever he promises, he always breaks
his promise
4. 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.
|
