Al-Munafiqun | The Hypocrites
[63:1] When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah’. Allah knows that you are really His messenger. But Allah testifies that the hypocrites are actually liars.
[63:2]They have made their oaths a shield, and thus they have prevented (others) from the way of Allah. Surely evil is what they have been doing.
[63:3] That is because they declared faith (in Islam apparently), then disbelieved (secretly). Therefore a seal has been set on their hearts, and thus they do not understand.
[63:4] And if you see them, their physiques would attract you, and if they speak, you would (like to) listen to their speech (because of their eloquence). (Yet, being devoid of substance,) it is as if they were propped up by beams of timber. They deem every shout (they hear) to be against them (out of cowardice). They are the enemy; so beware of them. May Allah destroy them. How perverted are they!
[63:5] And when it is said to them, ‘Come on, so that Allah‘s Messenger may pray for your forgiveness’, they twist their heads (in aversion), and you see them turning away in arrogance.
[63:6] It is equal in their case, whether you (O prophet,) pray for their forgiveness or do not pray, Allah will never forgive them. Indeed Allah does not guide the sinning people.
[63:7] They are those who say, ‘Do not spend on those who are with Allah‘s Messenger until they disperse’. And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.
[63:8] They say, ‘If we return to Madinah, the more honorable ones will drive out the meaner ones from there’. And to Allah belongs the honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.
[63:9] O you who believe, your riches and your children must not divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And those who do that are the losers.
[63:10] And spend out of what We have given to you before death overtakes one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, would you not give me respite to a near term, so that I should pay Sadaqah (alms) and become one of the righteous?’.
[63:11] But Allah will never give respite to anyone, once his appointed time will come. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
[63:1] When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah’. Allah knows that you are really His messenger. But Allah testifies that the hypocrites are actually liars.
[63:2]They have made their oaths a shield, and thus they have prevented (others) from the way of Allah. Surely evil is what they have been doing.
[63:3] That is because they declared faith (in Islam apparently), then disbelieved (secretly). Therefore a seal has been set on their hearts, and thus they do not understand.
[63:4] And if you see them, their physiques would attract you, and if they speak, you would (like to) listen to their speech (because of their eloquence). (Yet, being devoid of substance,) it is as if they were propped up by beams of timber. They deem every shout (they hear) to be against them (out of cowardice). They are the enemy; so beware of them. May Allah destroy them. How perverted are they!
[63:5] And when it is said to them, ‘Come on, so that Allah‘s Messenger may pray for your forgiveness’, they twist their heads (in aversion), and you see them turning away in arrogance.
[63:6] It is equal in their case, whether you (O prophet,) pray for their forgiveness or do not pray, Allah will never forgive them. Indeed Allah does not guide the sinning people.
[63:7] They are those who say, ‘Do not spend on those who are with Allah‘s Messenger until they disperse’. And to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.
[63:8] They say, ‘If we return to Madinah, the more honorable ones will drive out the meaner ones from there’. And to Allah belongs the honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.
[63:9] O you who believe, your riches and your children must not divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And those who do that are the losers.
[63:10] And spend out of what We have given to you before death overtakes one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, would you not give me respite to a near term, so that I should pay Sadaqah (alms) and become one of the righteous?’.
[63:11] But Allah will never give respite to anyone, once his appointed time will come. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
Tafsir
Overview of Surah Al-Munafiqun
- Title and Position: Surah Al-Munafiqun is the 63rd chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Munafiqun” translates to “The Hypocrites,” focusing on the characteristics and behaviors of those who outwardly profess faith but inwardly disbelieve.
- Verses and Structure: This surah contains 11 verses. It is known for its critique of hypocrisy within the Muslim community, highlighting the dangers it poses to both individual believers and the collective ummah (community).
- Themes and Messages: Major themes include the identification of hypocritical behavior, the consequences of hypocrisy, the importance of sincerity in faith and action, and a warning against being deceived by the apparent prosperity of those who are insincere in their faith.
- Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Munafiqun is significant for its direct address of the issue of hypocrisy, offering guidance on maintaining integrity in faith and warning about the spiritual and communal risks posed by hypocrisy.
Detailed Explanation
- Characteristics of Hypocrites: The surah outlines the characteristics of hypocrites, including their false expressions of faith, their attempts to deceive God and the believers, and their failure to truly commit to the principles of Islam.
- Consequences of Hypocrisy: It emphasizes the severe consequences that await hypocrites in the afterlife, underscoring the gravity of their betrayal and deceit.
- Call to Sincerity and Vigilance: Surah Al-Munafiqun calls on believers to remain sincere in their faith and vigilant against hypocrisy, both within themselves and within the community.
- Warning Against Material Deception: The surah warns against being misled by the material wealth and success of hypocrites, reminding believers that true success lies in righteousness and sincere devotion to God.
- Exhortation to Spend in the Way of God: It encourages believers to spend in the cause of God as a means of securing their spiritual well-being and as a safeguard against hypocrisy.
FAQs
- Why is Surah Al-Munafiqun named “The Hypocrites”?
- The surah is named “Al-Munafiqun” because it addresses the issue of hypocrisy among those who claim to be Muslims but harbor disbelief in their hearts, focusing on their behaviors and the threat they pose.
- How does Surah Al-Munafiqun describe hypocritical behavior?
- It describes hypocrites as individuals who falsely profess belief, attempt to deceive God and the believers, neglect their prayers, and prioritize their interests over the well-being of the community.
- What does the surah say about the consequences of hypocrisy?
- It highlights that hypocrites will face a grievous punishment in the afterlife for their deceit and failure to genuinely embrace the tenets of Islam.
- How does Surah Al-Munafiqun contribute to understanding Islamic ethics?
- The surah contributes to Islamic ethics by emphasizing the importance of sincerity, integrity in faith, and the dangers posed by hypocrisy to both individuals and the community, reinforcing the value of genuine belief and action in the life of a Muslim.
- The surah is named “Al-Munafiqun” because it addresses the issue of hypocrisy among those who claim to be Muslims but harbor disbelief in their hearts, focusing on their behaviors and the threat they pose.
- It describes hypocrites as individuals who falsely profess belief, attempt to deceive God and the believers, neglect their prayers, and prioritize their interests over the well-being of the community.
- It highlights that hypocrites will face a grievous punishment in the afterlife for their deceit and failure to genuinely embrace the tenets of Islam.
- The surah contributes to Islamic ethics by emphasizing the importance of sincerity, integrity in faith, and the dangers posed by hypocrisy to both individuals and the community, reinforcing the value of genuine belief and action in the life of a Muslim.
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