Characteristics of Hypocrisy: Three Signs
Text of the Hadith
It has been recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks it; and when entrusted, he betrays.” In a narrations from Muslim, an additional detail was noted: “Even if he fasts, prays, and claims to be a Muslim.”
General Meaning of the Hadith
This hadith reveals that hypocrisy can be divided into two types: doctrinal hypocrisy which disbelieves in faith, manifesting Islam while concealing disbelief, and practical hypocrisy, which involves adopting the behaviors of hypocrites. The latter does not expel one from the faith, yet it remains a grave sin.
This narration also delineates some signs and attributes of hypocrites. Here, the intended meaning is practical hypocrisy, which does not expel an individual from the fold of Islam. It is part of a larger discourse in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) informs us that hypocrites can be identified by three signs, indicating that a hypocrite internally conceals what they externally display to others.
Traits of Hypocrites
(When He Speaks, He Lies)
The term hypocrisy in relation to a hypocrite is derived from the word “nafaqa,” which refers to the burrow of a jerboa—an animal that digs a hidden den. When in danger, it quickly retreats into this hiding place while presenting a different façade. Similarly, a hypocrite displays one thing while concealing another as it suits their agenda.
The first trait of a hypocrite is lying, which involves conveying information that is not truthful. A hypocrite, when speaking about a matter, resorts to deception and does not reveal the truth. This may be driven by various motives—whether to achieve certain interests, fear of revealing the truth, or other unjustifiable excuses that cannot serve as legitimate reasons for lying.
(When He Promises, He Breaks It)
Breaking a promise entails failing to fulfill an agreement, and this can manifest in two forms:
- A promise made without the intention of fulfilling it from the outset, which is the worst kind of betrayal.
- A promise made with the intent to keep it, but later, for no valid reason, it is broken. Both scenarios represent a significant wrongdoing.
(When Entrusted, He Betrays)
Betrayal of trust is one of the gravest issues, whether it involves betraying a commitment to Allah (exalted be He) or to others. A Muslim’s fundamental duty is to uphold the trust of their faith and ethics, both in private and public. A hypocrite, however, may only appear to uphold this trust in public, while internally engaging in grave betrayal.